AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY

Successful Use of Dupilumab in the Management of Recalcitrant Pemphigoid Gestationis
Ryan SL and Alsharqi A
Peripheral Inpatient Dermatology Referrals Highlight Workforce Pressures in Tertiary Hospitals
Edward SL, Ninkov T, Hillan A, Foster RS and Ricciardo BM
An Effective Technique for Nail Bed Anaesthesia and Access: A Novel Approach Using Punch Tool and 30G Needle
Park DY and Kim JY
Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab in Psoriatic Patients With a History of Malignancy: Real-World Evidence From a Multicentre Spanish Study
Díaz JM, Alarcón SS, Romero IB, Apetrei LS, Fernández LG, Ramos FJM, Alberola FT, Martínez MAB, Ruiz AB, Rodríguez OB, Ruiz-Villaverde R, González MC, Farrés MF, Puchades AM, Tapial JM, Rull EV and Montalvo SM
The management of psoriasis in patients with a history of malignancy is challenging. We conducted a multicentre, retrospective study in 17 Spanish centres including 69 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and a previous or current malignancy treated with risankizumab; 94.2% of patients showed no recurrence or progression of cancer, while 5.8% experienced progression during therapy. Risankizumab was associated with substantial improvement in psoriasis, with a mean final PASI score of 0.9 ± 1.7 after a mean exposure time of 72 weeks. Tolerance was favourable, and no tumour recurrence was considered treatment-related. These findings support risankizumab as an effective and safe therapeutic option for this subpopulation.
Decoding the Prescriber: Dermatology Versus Rheumatology Approaches
Yoong NKM, Wong XL and Sullivan J
Dermoscopic Findings in Linear Acral Melanocytic Nevi: Case Series and Literature Review
Cabrera R, Varela E, Cádiz-Bosch C, Reculé F and Lecaros C
Psoriatic Alopecia/Alopecia Areata-Like Reactions Secondary to Anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha Therapy
Liu L, La E, Vo T, Chronowski-Wong J, Khamu T, Warren L and Tran A
Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents have improved the quality of life for many individuals with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. A rarer emerging adverse cutaneous reaction of the drug is the development of psoriasiform alopecia areata, which may present acutely or be delayed for many months to years. This case series will highlight histopathological features pertinent for diagnosis, help distinguish secondary reactions from primary psoriatic alopecia, and help guide management, resulting in less inappropriate discontinuation of therapy.
Lisdexamfetamine-Induced Angioedema and Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis: A Case Report
Morriss S, Nicolopoulos J and Dolianitis C
We report the case of a 57-year-old male presenting with severe, recurrent perineal angioedema and cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis, both of which manifested shortly after commencing lisdexamfetamine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A positive rechallenge after an extensive workup confirmed a drug-induced reaction. This case highlights lisdexamfetamine as a cause of non-allergic angioedema and leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and demonstrates the diagnostic value of a medication history and rechallenge.
Sustained Remission of Refractory Folliculitis Decalvans With Secukinumab After Loss of Response to Adalimumab
Vázquez-Gómez S and Díaz-Fernández A
Is Scabies the Key to Rheumatic Heart Disease Prevention? A Systematic Review of the Evidence
Gupta S, Thornley S, Morris A, Sundborn G and Grant C
Despite the high prevalence of scabies, acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in regions such as Oceania, few studies have addressed the evidence for a causal relationship of scabies with ARF and RHD. In this study, we evaluate the relationship of scabies with GAS and subsequently ARF and RHD, as it could lead to an additional strategy for ARF/RHD prevention. Databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) were accessed to identify and include studies that investigated the association between scabies, ARF and RHD. Seventy-three articles investigating a potential link between scabies, GAS skin infections and ARF/RHD were included in this review. Most of these studies were from Australasia. Epidemiological and microbiological evidence consistently support the hypothesis that scabies increases the risk of Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection, which, in turn, leads to ARF and RHD. Many studies found shared risk factors and a strong association between scabies and ARF/RHD. The available evidence supports a role of scabies and GAS skin infection in the pathogenesis of ARF/RHD. Large-scale observational studies should be conducted to further define the relationship between these conditions. Based on the evidence presented here, we believe it is likely that improving scabies diagnosis and treatment would reduce the incidence of ARF/RHD.
Dermatological Toxicities of Tebentafusp, a New Bispecific Drug: Case Series and Literature Review
Mansilla-Polo M, de Unamuno-Bustos B, Martín-Torregrosa D, Martínez-Cozar V, Díaz-Beveridge R and Botella-Estrada R
Tebentafusp, a bispecific TCR-anti-CD3 fusion protein targeting gp100-HLA-A02:01 complexes, is approved for the treatment of unresectable/metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM). In this retrospective, single-centre series, five HLA-A02:01-positive patients received tebentafusp. Four developed cutaneous toxicity (80%) within hours of the first infusion, primarily symmetric erythematoedematous truncal plaques. Other findings included acral xerosis/exfoliation and vitiligo-like lesions. Histology revealed spongiosis with subcorneal pustules, which have not been previously reported. No patients discontinued treatment due to skin toxicity and lesions resolved in a mean of 14.5 days. One patient died due to disease progression. Dermatological events are likely to be on-target effects of gp100+ melanocyte targeting and correlate with CD8+ T cell infiltration. Dermatological involvement is common and manageable, highlighting the need for early dermatological input in patients receiving tebentafusp. Emerging data suggest a possible association between rash and response, which warrants further investigation.
Ten Years of Scalp Keratinocyte Carcinomas (Basal Cell Carcinomas and Squamous Cell Carcinomas) Treated by Mohs Micrographic Surgery at a Large Australian Centre, a Descriptive Study
Islam R, Jones C, Stewart T, Kok C, Frew J, Elhindi J, Lee S and Bonilla GM
There is a paucity of data on scalp keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs) referred for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). This study aimed to perform a descriptive analysis of scalp KCs-specifically basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs)-treated with MMS at a large dermatology centre in Sydney, Australia.
Ultralow Dose Rituximab Combined With IVIG Is Safe and Effective in Pemphigus Vulgaris: Single-Center Review of 24 Patients
Awad A, McClatchy J, Ramirez A, Yap T and Scardamaglia L
We present a combined ultralow dose rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulin protocol for the treatment of moderate to severe pemphigus vulgaris which has been proven to be safe and effective in a series of 24 rituximab naïve patients.
Bridging Global Evidence and Local Practice in Terbinafine-Resistant Dermatophytosis
Gupta A, Raychaudhury T and Chee SN
A Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Mismatch Repair Germline Mutations in Patients With Sebaceous Neoplasms: Are We Missing an Opportunity for Lynch Syndrome Detection?
Abu-Ghazaleh N, Abu-Ghazaleh D, Jerjen R, Gorelik A, Ross G and Macrae F
Sebaceous neoplasms are rare skin tumours linked with Lynch syndrome (LS), particularly the Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) variant. They present an opportunity for early LS detection due to their association with mismatch repair (MMR) gene pathogenic variants. This study aims to provide an accurate estimate of LS prevalence among patients with sebaceous adenomas and carcinomas. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 2005 and 2024. Eligible studies utilised germline testing for MMR mutations. The studies were stratified by diagnostic approach and analysed using proportional meta-analysis to determine LS prevalence. Subgroup analyses were conducted by population characteristics and diagnostic criteria. Lynch Syndrome prevalence among patients with sebaceous neoplasms varied across the 9 studies that met eligibility criteria, ranging from 0.8% to 29.0%. LS among patients with sebaceous carcinomas was 6.6% (95% CI: 3.6%-9.5%). Population-based studies had a higher LS identification rate (10.6%), while multi-centre and single-centre studies reported lower rates. Studies using a history suggestive of MTS or MMR-deficient tumours as criteria showed the highest LS prevalence. Male patients had higher sebaceous neoplasms prevalence, with LS-positive cases presenting at a younger age than typical sporadic cases. Our findings highlight the potential for LS detection in patients with sebaceous neoplasms, particularly those with MMR deficiency or a suggestive MTS history. Increased testing in this group could facilitate early LS detection, improving outcomes through screening and preventive strategies. Universal MMR testing for sebaceous tumours warrants consideration as a strategy to capture at-risk LS patients.
Shedding Light on Actinic Prurigo: A Systematic Review of Emerging Therapies
Larney C, Lee P, Holmes Z, Daniel BS, Baker C and Foley P
Actinic prurigo (AP) is a rare, idiopathic, acquired photodermatosis predominantly affecting indigenous populations in North, Central and South America. It is characterised by intensely pruritic papules and nodules on sun-exposed skin, with potential involvement of the lips and conjunctivae. Treatment options are limited and often ineffective or associated with an unacceptable safety profile. This systematic review evaluates the existing evidence on the use of dupilumab and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for AP management. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Embase, for English-language publications mentioning the use of dupilumab or JAK inhibitors for AP. Eligible studies included case reports, case series, observational studies, clinical trials, consensus statements and guidelines. Two independent reviewers assessed the manuscripts. The search yielded 125 results, with seven publications meeting eligibility criteria, comprising six case reports and one case series. Four publications described three patients successfully treated with dupilumab, demonstrating significant improvement within weeks of initiation. Three reports detailed the successful use of the JAK inhibitors tofacitinib and baricitinib in three patients, leading to rapid symptom resolution. Emerging evidence suggests that dupilumab and JAK inhibitors may be effective in AP treatment. Evidence is limited to case reports with short follow-up durations. Further studies are necessary to establish the efficacy, safety and long-term outcomes of these novel therapies.
Sequential CO Laser and 5-Fluorouracil for Palliative Management of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Taibo A, Martín I, Paradela S and Del Pozo Losada J
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer and, when unresectable, presents a therapeutic challenge. This study retrospectively analysed five multi-morbid patients with unresectable cSCC, some with multiple lesions, treated using CO laser vaporization followed by intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) infiltration. All patients showed positive responses: two achieved complete clinical resolution, and three showed significant tumor reduction. No adverse effects were reported, and no local recurrences were observed at six months in those with resolved lesions. The combination of CO laser and 5-FU, not previously reported, may represent a promising palliative option for selected patients with unresectable cSCC. Further studies are needed to validate its efficacy.
The Use of Resorcinol in the Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Rath L, Pitney T, Fordham S and McMeniman E
Cybersecurity and Data Protection Practices Among Australian Dermatologists
Yoong NKM, Wong XL and Sullivan J
Local Anaesthetic Practices in Mohs Micrographic Surgery: An Australasian Cross-Sectional Survey
Bui J, Wee E, Elliott TG and Tan E
Buerger's Disease: Successful Management of Acute Cutaneous Features and Achieving Disease Remission With Pentoxifylline
Arandjelovic A, Awad A, Nicolopoulos J and Dolianitis C
Buerger's disease or thromboangiitis obliterans is a nonatherosclerotic inflammatory disease that affects the small and medium-sized arteries in the extremities. We describe a 46-year-old man with Buerger's disease, who achieved regression of acute ulceration of his lower limbs and remission of his disease with pentoxifylline. Usually thought to just improve pain-free walking distance, this is the first case that demonstrates pentoxifylline may in fact improve the acute cutaneous features and progression of Buerger's disease.