Laddering melanotic pattern of Langer's lines in skin of colour.

in European Journal of Dermatology (2008), 18(5), 575-8

Mechanobiological stimulation of the skin influences melanocyte activity. The clinical impact on melanocytes can be perceived by dermoscopy. Our aim was to assess the orientation of Langer's lines using ... [more ▼]

Mechanobiological stimulation of the skin influences melanocyte activity. The clinical impact on melanocytes can be perceived by dermoscopy. Our aim was to assess the orientation of Langer's lines using the combination of ultrasound shear wave propagation and dermoscopy in 70 adults of darker skin complexion. On the back, 44/70 patients showed a honeycomb melanotic pattern without any main orientation. By contrast, a streaky parallel pattern of melanotic lines oriented in the direction of Langer's lines was found in 26/70 patients. Indeed, the maximum speed of ultrasound propagation was found parallel to the main orientation of the laddering melanotic pattern. The parallel melanotic pattern probably reflects the main orientation of the epidermal rete ridges aligned in the direction of Langer's lines. This aspect could be ascribed to the deepening of these structures and/or to mechanobiology affecting melanocytes. The aspect is reminiscent of that previously described in striae distensae and atrophic scars. [less ▲]

Erlotinib-responsive actinic keratoses.

in Oncology Reports (2007), 18(3), 581-4

Erlotinib is an inhibitor of the tyrosine-kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor-1 (EGFR). This drug is used to treat some solid cancers, particularly advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma ... [more ▼]

Erlotinib is an inhibitor of the tyrosine-kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor-1 (EGFR). This drug is used to treat some solid cancers, particularly advanced non-small-cell lung carcinoma. Similar to other EGFR inhibitors, erlotinib is responsible for a series of skin adverse reactions, particularly acneiform lesions. We described the incidental effect of erlotinib on actinic keratoses which became markedly inflamed and showed partial regression. Inflammation appeared to spontaneously decrease while on erlotinib treatment. This reaction in the skin neoplasm is perhaps a visible and accessible model for predicting the effect in the deep-seated neoplasm targeted by the drug. [less ▲]