Cutaneous drug reactions are the most common type of adverse drug reaction. These reactions, ranging from simple pruritic eruptions to potentially life-threatening events, are a significant cause of iatrogenic morbidity and mortality. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening cutaneous drug reaction. Although progress has been made in the management of SJS through early detection, prompt hospitalization, and immediate cessation of offending agents, the prevalence of permanent disabilities associated with SJS remains unchanged. Nevertheless, despite being a problem that is global in scope, government and health care agencies worldwide have yet to find a consensus on either diagnostic criteria or therapy for this disorder. Here, we provide the internist and emergency room physician with a brief review the SJS literature and summarize the latest recommended interventions with the hope of improving early recognition of this disease and prevention of permanent sequelae and mortality that frequently complicate SJS.

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This is the first published report documenting the safety and efficacy of laser treatment for inflammatory facial acne. In our study, clinical improvement was seen in all patients and was generally dramatic, even in those refractory to previous treatment with oral isotretinoin. Topical anesthetics should be used to minimize pain associated with treatment.

Paederus dermatitis is a common skin condition in northern Iran. We believe that increased public awareness of this condition can decrease mucocutaneous exposure to pederin.

Fractional resurfacing is a new laser treatment modality that creates numerous microscopic thermal injury zones of controlled width, depth, and density that are surrounded by a reservoir of spared epidermal and dermal tissue, allowing for rapid repair of laser-induced thermal injury. This unique modality, if implemented with proper laser-delivery systems, enables high-energy treatments while minimizing risks. In this article, we review the various fractional laser devices, including the new fractional ablative devices, as well as the results of studies on the clinical efficacy of fractional photothermolysis. This technology offers patients significant clinical improvement in photodamage, melasma, and scarring with modest treatment-related downtime and minimal risk of complications.

Mohs micrographic surgery is safe, with a very low rate of adverse events, an exceedingly low rate of serious adverse events, and an undetectable mortality rate. Common complications include infections, followed by impaired wound healing and bleeding. Bleeding and wound-healing issues are often associated with preexisting anticoagulation therapy, which is nonetheless managed safely during MMS. We are not certain whether the small effects seen with the use of sterile gloves and antiseptics and antibiotics are clinically significant and whether wide-scale practice changes would be cost-effective given the small risk reductions.

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