Agreement between dermatologists and patients with psoriasis regarding the presence of clinically significant psychological distress was low. When dermatologists did identify patients as being anxious and/or depressed, in the majority of cases no further action was taken following the consultation. This study highlights a number of areas for improvement in the psychological management of patients with psoriasis.
Methotrexate continues to be one of the most widely used systemic immunosuppressive agents in dermatology. In addition to the important, well-characterized adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity and myelosuppression, methotrexate may induce a number of rare cutaneous adverse events including methotrexate-induced ulceration. We present a case of methotrexate-induced cutaneous ulceration in a patient with chronic plaque psoriasis occurring during long-standing methotrexate therapy. Withdrawal of the drug and appropriate skin care led to rapid healing of the ulceration and the agent was later safely reintroduced for the ongoing management of the patient’s chronic plaque psoriasis. Review of the literature demonstrates cases of this important rare adverse event, primarily occurring in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, induced by triggers such as accidental overdose or introduction of an interacting agent. Cutaneous ulceration typically precedes other markers of toxicity. Active treatment with folinic acid (calcium leucovorin) may be required. Early recognition, prompt cessation of methotrexate, and appropriate treatment minimizes morbidity. Dermatologists need to be alert to the possibility of cutaneous adverse events associated with methotrexate therapy, aware of potential drug interactions, and confident in the management of methotrexate toxicity.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13555-014-0056-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
BackgroundStomal leaks can be associated with significant social, psychological and physical morbidity for ostomy patients. Poor fitting of the stoma appliance due to irregularities of skin contours is one cause of stoma leaks which commonly result in secondary irritant dermatitis prompting presentation to a dermatologist. In addition to skin-directed topical therapy and review of stoma appliances, correction of contour defects with intradermal injections of filler materials is one possible treatment to improve adhesion and reduce leaks.CasesWe report eight cases of ostomy patients, who presented with stoma leaks and associated dermatitis, who were treated with intradermal injections of the porcine collagen (Permacol™) or subcutaneous injections of polyacrylamide hydrogel (Aquamid Reconstruction™) for correction of skin contour defects. Resolution or improvement of symptoms was achieved for five patients, and no complications were noted as a result of treatment.ConclusionsThis report represents the largest series of ostomy patients treated for correction of peristomal skin contour defects with injection therapy. Treatment was well tolerated and performed in the outpatient setting under local anesthetic. Attempted correction of peristomal skin contour defects using injection of filler materials represents a potential alternative to surgical intervention and can result in significant benefits for the patient.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13555-014-0058-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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