IMPORTANCE Chilblain-like lesions have been one of the most frequently described cutaneous manifestations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their etiopathogenesis, including the role of SARS-CoV-2, remains elusive. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of chilblain-like lesions with SARS-CoV-2 infection. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective case series enrolled 17 adolescents who presented with chilblain-like lesions from April 1 to June 30, 2020, at a tertiary referral academic hospital in Italy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Macroscopic (clinical and dermoscopic) and microscopic (histopathologic) analysis contributed to a thorough understanding of the lesions. Nasopharyngeal swab, serologic testing, and in situ hybridization of the skin biopsy specimens were performed to test for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Laboratory tests explored signs of systemic inflammation or thrombophilia. Structural changes in peripheral microcirculation were investigated by capillaroscopy. RESULTS Of the 17 adolescents (9 [52.9%] male; median [interquartile range] age, 13.2 [12.5-14.3] years) enrolled during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, 16 (94.1%) had bilaterally localized distal erythematous or cyanotic lesions. A triad of red dots (16 [100%]), white rosettes (11 [68.8%]), and white streaks (10 [62.5%]) characterized the dermoscopic picture. Histologic analysis revealed a remodeling of the dermal blood vessels with a lobular arrangement, wall thickening, and a mild perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. SARS-CoV-2 infection was excluded by molecular and serologic testing. In situ hybridization did not highlight the viral genome in the lesions. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCEThis study delineated the clinical, histologic, and laboratory features of chilblain-like lesions that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its findings do not support their association with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The lesions occurred in otherwise healthy adolescents, had a long but benign course to self-resolution, and were characterized by a microvascular remodeling with perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate but no other signs of vasculitis.These results suggest that chilblain-like lesions do not imply a concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection.Ongoing studies will help clarify the etiopathogenic mechanisms.

Oral minoxidil (OM) has been reported to be effective for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). In this retrospective study, we share our experience of using OM for >24 weeks in 12 patients with female AGA (Ludwig scale I-3-III). Twelve women (aged 18-66 years; mean age 36.66 ± 18.79 years) with AGA (Ludwig scale I-3-III) were recruited. The starting dose of minoxidil was 0.50 mg daily; at 3 months, the dose was increased to 1.50 to 2 mg daily. Efficacy outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and after 24 weeks and included global clinical photography, quantitative digital videotrichoscopic assessment and quality-of-life evaluation. An overall improvement of 38% and 23% in hair density in the frontal and vertex area, respectively, was observed after 24 weeks. The quantitative digital videotrichoscopic evaluation highlighted a statistically significant improvement in the frontal area of the total average hair density and of the total number of hairs per unit area at 24 weeks

Summary Because of their similar clinical presentation, discrimination between nail psoriasis and onychomycosis often is difficult. We aim to investigate the actual frequency of onychomycosis in psoriatic patients and to compare it between psoriatic and non‐psoriatic patients. This retrospective study included a total of 9281 patients, referring to our Mycology Laboratory from September 2003 to May 2018. The patients are divided into two groups: PsoGroup (patients with psoriasis) and non‐PsoGroup (non‐psoriatic patient). Direct microscopic examination with 20% KOH and culture was carried out in both groups. In PsoGroup (711 patients, 59.50% female, 40.50% male, median age of 52.22 ± 15.01), the prevalence of onychomycosis was 49.08%. On the other hand, in non‐PsoGroup (8570 patients (71.65% female, 28.35% male, median age of 48.51 ± 19.31 years), the prevalence of onychomycosis was 51.30%. There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of onychomycosis in PsoGroup 49.08% (349/711) compared to 51.30% (4397/8570) of non‐PsoGroup (P = 0.2578). However, yeasts were significantly more prevalent in non‐psoriatic than in psoriatic patients (P = 0.0144.). In our Mycological Laboratory, we observed a similar prevalence of onychomycosis in psoriatic patients and non‐psoriatic patients. However, the spectrum of fungal species isolated was different from each other, with a higher prevalence of yeasts in non‐PsoGroup that reflect a recent oriental trends.

No abstract

No abstract