Atopic dermatitis (AD) is recognized in clinical practice as a condition that increases a patient's susceptibility to molluscum contagiosum (MC) and predisposes them to more widespread infection; however, data remain limited. To clarify the relationship between MC and AD in children, a retrospective study was conducted analyzing medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with MC, AD, or both between September 2013 and August 2022. Collected data included demographics, clinical manifestations, and disease duration. The findings highlight a strong correlation between MC and AD in children, underscoring the need for health care professionals to acknowledge this relationship and implement proactive strategies to optimize patient care.

Managing pain during dermatologic procedures involving injections remains a considerable clinical challenge. Tapping distant bony areas may reduce pain via the gate control theory of pain. This simple, no-cost distraction technique can enhance patient comfort without disrupting workflow. By leveraging a fundamental neurophysiologic principle, this technique offers a practical solution to procedural discomfort during injections without the drawbacks associated with pharmacologic or device-based interventions.

Chromoblastomycosis, subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, and mycetoma are implantation mycoses that cause substantial morbidity and decreased quality of life. Limited data on the global epidemiology of these diseases are available in addition to a lack of robust diagnostic and clinical options. The skin is the key starting point for the diagnosis and management of these infections, the steps for which are outlined in this article.

The shift in United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scoring to pass/fail has intensified the emphasis on research productivity in dermatology residency applications. Through a cross-sectional survey, we examined barriers to research engagement among dermatology applicants. Time constraints, limited access to opportunities, uncertainty in beginning research, and a lack of mentorship emerged as considerable barriers. Regression analysis revealed that lower socioeconomic status, underrepresented in medicine status, and higher debt levels predicted greater financial barriers and institutional limitations. Barriers including limited research access and insufficient mentorship correlated with decreased publication output. Notably, respondents rating time constraints and uncertainty in how to begin research as notable barriers were more likely to consider changing their specialty choice. These findings suggest that structural barriers, rather than lack of interest or ability, may create cumulative disadvantages that deter capable candidates and potentially exacerbate existing diversity gaps in the dermatology workforce.

As the health care landscape continues to shift, direct care (also known as direct pay) models have emerged as attractive alternatives to traditional insurance-based practice. For dermatology residents poised to enter the workforce, the direct care model offers potential advantages in autonomy, patient relationships, and work-life balance, but not without considerable risks and operational challenges. This article explores the key benefits and drawbacks of starting a direct care dermatology practice, providing a framework to help early-career dermatologists determine whether this path aligns with their personal and professional goals.

Burrowing bugs (Cydnidae) are small insects with spiny legs belonging to the order Hemiptera. Their secretions can lead to asymptomatic hyperpigmented macules in humans. The lesions are self-resolving and do not require treatment. Dermatologists should be aware of the clinical presentation of lesions caused by burrowing bugs, as they could be mistaken for several more serious benign and malignant pigmented conditions, leading to misdiagnosis and unnecessary investigations and treatment. In this article, we present a series of cases from the same community to demonstrate the characteristic features of hyperpigmented macules caused by exposure to burrowing bugs.

Personal electronic devices including smartphones, headphones, fitness watches, and continuous glucose monitors (CGM) increasingly are integrated into daily life, driven by consumer interest in data tracking and wellness. Prolonged skin contact with these devices has emerged as a source of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). This review explores the potential allergenicity of personal electronic devices, with the most commonly reported allergens including (meth)acrylates, metals, and rubber compounds. These allergens may be present in device components, casings, and adhesives. Exposure to mechanical friction and sweat as well as prolonged skin contact potentially enhance the risk for ACD. Diagnostic challenges are compounded by incomplete ingredient disclosure by manufacturers. With the personal electronic device market projected to experience massive growth, health care providers must be vigilant in recognizing and managing ACD related to these devices.

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) and bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) are autoimmune mechanobullous diseases that are caused by autoantibodies directed against type VII collagen. The functionality of type VII collagen is vital to the skin and mucous membranes because it makes up the anchoring fibrils that adhere the epithelium to the underlying connective tissue. Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), which bears some clinical similarities to EBA and BSLE, is caused by mutations in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1) that may be dominant or recessive, leading to partial or total loss of the anchoring fibrils. Differentiating all 3 of these rare diagnoses variably requires thorough personal and family histories, histopathology, immunopathology, autoantibody profile, electron microscopy, and gene mutation analysis. Treatment of EBA and BSLE involves antineutrophil and immunosuppressive drugs that often give unsatisfactory responses. Rituximab has been successful in resistant cases. Until recently, the treatment of DEB and other heritable epidermolysis bullosa (EB) diseases caused by disparate mutations was limited to supportive care, prevention of trauma to skin and wound infections, regular dressing changes, and skin cancer surveillance. Three major treatment advances recently were approved for DEB and junctional EB.

Cosmetic laser and energy-based body-contouring procedures are increasingly sought by individuals with skin of color (SOC). This review outlines current evidence and clinical experience surrounding laser treatments for dermatosis papulosa nigra, acne scars, photoaging, and hyperpigmentation, as well as nonsurgical fat-reduction techniques. Nonablative fractional (NAF) lasers and 1064-nm Nd:YAG devices demonstrate favorable safety profiles in SOC when appropriately applied. Postprocedural photoprotection and the use of topical melanogenesis inhibitors are key to minimizing pigmentary complications. Although early data support the use of ultrasound, radiofrequency, and magnetic-based contouring in SOC, more robust studies are needed. This review aims to guide clinicians in optimizing outcomes and minimizing risks for patients with darker skin types undergoing cosmetic procedures.

Fluoroscopy-induced chronic radiation dermatitis (FICRD) is a rare complication of prolonged radiation exposure during noninvasive fluoroscopic procedures. The condition develops due to radiation-induced tissue damage, leading to inflammatory cytokines causing long-term tissue remodeling. Fluoroscopy-induced chronic radiation dermatitis can pose diagnostic challenges, as it can manifest months to years after the procedure-thus, patients may not associate skin findings with prior fluoroscopy. The diagnostic challenge may be further compounded because FICRD may have clinical manifestations that mimic other common dermatologic diseases; however, specific patient characteristics, morphology, and most importantly the location of the lesions should prompt an investigation into the patient's history of fluoroscopic procedures. Management of FICRD should be based on its clinical manifestations but may remain resistant to treatment.