Lichen planus pigmentosus inversus (LPPI) is a rare variant of lichen planus characterized by well-demarcated, often slight pruritic, dark-gray plaques in intertriginous zones, hence the attribute of “inversus”. It was originally described by Pock et al. in 2001, and less than 100 cases have been reported to date. Here, we present a case of a 52-year-old male with a two-month duration of gray-brownish plaques in bilateral axillary, submammary, antecubital, and inguinal folds. No triggering agent was present, and the biopsy showed an interface/lichenoid dermatitis with plenty of pigment incontinence. Topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment was administered with moderate improvement at five weeks. A review of the literature showed no significant differences in involved sites and age distribution among genders, with a slightly longer duration of manifestations in females. The most administered therapeutic agents were topical corticosteroids, alone or in combination with other agents, and tacrolimus.

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common skin lesions found on sun-exposed areas and are considered potential precursors to squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). This observational case-control study evaluates the efficacy of combining traditional daylight photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT) with pre-treatment using 0.005% calcipotriol (CAL) ointment. Twenty immunocompetent male patients with grade I-II AKs on the scalp and/or face were randomized into two groups: the case group received a 14-day pre-treatment with CAL ointment before DL-PDT, while the control group used a moisturizing cream. Both groups underwent a series of three DL-PDT sessions. The study utilized the Actinic Keratosis Area Severity Index (AKASI) scoring system to measure the actinic damage at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment. Results showed a significant reduction in AKASI scores in the CAL group compared to controls, indicating that CAL pretreatment enhances the efficacy of DL-PDT. This combination treatment was well tolerated, with minimal discomfort reported. The findings suggest that incorporating CAL into the treatment regimen can improve the clearance of AKs and potentially prevent their progression to SCCs.

Pityriasis versicolor is clinically characterized by slightly scaly, hyper- or hypopigmented macules usually located on the chest, shoulders, back, and arms. Rare cases of atypical locations of pityriasis versicolor have been described, such as groins, penis, and perineum. We present three cases of pityriasis versicolor located exclusively on the submammary folds, pubis, and inguinal folds (the latter in an 11-year-old girl), respectively. Considering both the location and clinical presentation of pityriasis versicolor in these three patients, we think the diagnosis of erythrasmoid pityriasis versicolor is acceptable. Differential diagnosis with erythrasma must be taken into consideration. Therefore, mycological and bacteriological examinations are necessary for a correct diagnosis and specific therapy.

Radiation therapy (RT) is administered with varying intentions, sometimes even several times in the same or in different body areas, to over 50% of patients with neoplastic conditions. Numerous techniques are available to patients in the clinical evolution of mycosis fungoides (MF), and there are several indications for radiation therapy (RT). RT as a skin-directed therapy is very widely used in these patients, either alone or in conjunction with other therapies. The application of RT, a tried-and-true therapy that improves MF patients' quality of life and treatment, can be encouraged by a multidisciplinary approach and an understanding of current methods and action mechanisms.

Nowadays androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has become a common concern of affected subjects of both sexes. Finasteride is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of male AGA. There is no clear evidence to support the use of dutasteride in male AGA. In female AGA, the effectiveness of dutasteride and finasteride is still under debate, and there is no clear evidence to use any of them in female AGA. A systematic review was conducted to compare between dutasteride and finasteride in treating both male and female AGA, and their efficacy, safety, side effects with effective dosage. The review was done using several databases including: PubMed, Ovid Medline, Google Scholar, and Cochrane using the following search terms/keywords: "Dutasteride" AND "Finasteride" AND "Male pattern hair loss" AND "Female pattern hair loss" AND "Efficacy", "Tolerability" AND "Side effects" AND "Comparison". To search for articles related to efficacy, tolerability, side effects, used doses of dutasteride and finasteride in the treatment of male and female AGA. The review encompassed a total of nine studies. Four randomized controlled trials, one single-arm trial, two prospective cohorts, and two retrospective cohort studies. Seven studies exclusively enrolled male participants, while only two included female participants. All groups receiving various doses of dutasteride and finasteride exhibited a significant increase in hair count compared to the placebo group. Notably, dutasteride (0.5 mg) and dutasteride (2.5 mg) were significantly more effective than finasteride (1 mg) in increasing hair counts. Furthermore, no significant difference in adverse events was observed between finasteride and dutasteride. Dutasteride is more potent than finasteride in treating AGA in both males and females. All the adverse events between finasteride and dutasteride were comparable.

The text discusses the role of general practitioners (GPs) in the prevention and early diagnosis of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It highlights the need for GPs to be able to recognize suspicious skin lesions and refer patients to specialist dermatology centers. However, many GPs lack comprehensive training in diagnosing melanoma. The text mentions that various training courses have been conducted for GPs, but their impact on clinical practice has been limited. The MelaMEd Programme is an e-learning course developed by the Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI). The programme aims to provide GPs with comprehensive knowledge of melanoma prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It includes an e-learning section, and a dedicated platform called MelaMEd platform, which offers a multimedia atlas of melanoma. The objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of the MelaMEd programme on GPs' diagnostic accuracy, knowledge of melanoma, and management of suspicious lesions. The methodology involves administering pre-training and post-training questionnaires to participants, assessing their diagnostic skills and evaluating the training course's effectiveness. The study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of the MelaMEd programme in improving GPs' ability to recognize and manage melanoma. It also seeks to identify areas for improvement and recommend interventions to enhance diagnostic accuracy. The results will be analyzed statistically using descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analysed methods.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss. Treatment options are limited. Microneedling, a minimally invasive technique can enhance hair growth by releasing growth factors. However, no standardized protocol for frequency, depth and duration is available. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of the combination therapy of microneedling and minoxidil in AGA. This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted over 12 weeks. The intervention group received a 4-weekly combination therapy of microneedling + 5% minoxidil, while the control group got only topical 5% minoxidil. Hair density and diameter were assessed using FotoFinder® trichoscale (Fotofinder Systems GmBH, Bad Birnbach, Germany) every 4 weeks. A total of 36 male participants, between 26-51 years old, with Hamilton-Norwood type III-VI AGA were included. At the end of the study, the intervention group had significantly higher hair density (95.6 vs 52.4 hair/cm², p<0.001) and diameter (18 vs 6 μm, p=0.004) than the control group. Side effects, included itching and transient erythema, were well tolerated. The combination of 4-weekly microneedling and topical 5% minoxidil is effective in increasing both hair density and hair diameter, and safe to use in AGA patients.

Palmoplantar keratodermas (PPKs), also known as 'keratosis palmaris et plantaris', are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by abnormal thickening of the epidermal skin of the palms and soles leading to hyperkeratosis. It could be acquired or hereditary. Acquired PPK often occurs as a paraneoplastic syndrome as well as a stigma of other dermatoses. We report a rare case of paraneoplastic PPK secondary to mixed neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas with complete remission after surgical excision of the cancer.

The nose is a vital organ and an important aesthetic unit, being placed in the middle of the face. It is also one of the most frequently site involved by skin cancer, and surgical reconstruction can be sometimes challenging. We present two cases of full thickness nasal ala defect, managed with turnover flap with and without earlobe cartilage graft.