Archives of dermatology最新文献

OBJECTIVE To determine if interactive computerized patient education, skin self-examination (SSE) tutorials, and telecommunication reminders could be combined to increase patient performance of SSEs, increase confidence in ability to identify melanoma, and influence individual melanoma risk perception. DESIGN A total of 132 adult participants from our dermatology clinics were enrolled in an interventional study and randomized to a control group or an intervention group. Survey data were collected from all participants on the day of enrollment and 3 months after enrollment. SETTING University Hospitals Case Medical Center outpatient dermatology clinics. PARTICIPANTS English speakers older than 18 years. INTERVENTIONS The intervention group (1) participated in a computer-assisted learning tutorial, (2) took part in a hands-on SSE tutorial, (3) received monthly telecommunication reminders to perform SSEs for 12 weeks, and (4) received a brochure on melanoma detection. The control group received only the brochure on melanoma detection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-report of performance of SSEs. Melanoma risk perception and confidence in ability to identify melanoma were secondary considerations. Logistic regressions, controlling for race, age, sex, education, and family history of melanoma, were used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. RESULTS At the 3-month follow-up, those in the intervention group were more likely to perform SSEs (odds ratio [OR], 2.36; P ≤ .05). In addition, those who participated in the intervention were more likely to report being confident in their ability to identify melanoma during an SSE (OR, 2.72; P ≤ .05). CONCLUSION Computer-assisted patient education used in conjunction with a hands-on SSE tutorial and telecommunication reminders can increase patient performance of SSEs and confidence in the ability to identify melanoma.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency, epidemiology, clinical features, and prognostic significance of inflamed molluscum contagiosum (MC) lesions, molluscum dermatitis, reactive papular eruptions resembling Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, and atopic dermatitis in patients with MC. DESIGN Retrospective medical chart review. SETTING University-based pediatric dermatology practice. PATIENTS A total of 696 patients (mean age, 5.5 years) with molluscum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Frequencies, characteristics, and associated features of inflammatory reactions to MC in patients with and without atopic dermatitis. RESULTS Molluscum dermatitis, inflamed MC lesions, and Gianotti-Crosti syndrome-like reactions (GCLRs) occurred in 270 (38.8%), 155 (22.3%), and 34 (4.9%) of the patients, respectively. A total of 259 patients (37.2%) had a history of atopic dermatitis. Individuals with atopic dermatitis had higher numbers of MC lesions (P < .001) and an increased likelihood of molluscum dermatitis (50.6% vs 31.8%; P < .001). In patients with molluscum dermatitis, numbers of MC lesions increased during the next 3 months in 23.4% of those treated with a topical corticosteroid and 33.3% of those not treated with a topical corticosteroid, compared with 16.8% of patients without dermatitis. Patients with inflamed MC lesions were less likely to have an increased number of MC lesions over the next 3 months than patients without inflamed MC lesions or dermatitis (5.2% vs 18.4%; P < .03). The GCLRs were associated with inflamed MC lesion (P < .001), favored the elbows and knees, tended to be pruritic, and often heralded resolution of MC. Two patients developed unilateral laterothoracic exanthem-like eruptions. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory reactions to MC, including the previously underrecognized GCLR, are common. Treatment of molluscum dermatitis can reduce spread of MC via autoinoculation from scratching, whereas inflamed MC lesions and GCLRs reflect cell-mediated immune responses that may lead to viral clearance.