Sixteen skin tumours and one BCG vaccination granuloma were examined by 20-MHz B-scan ultrasound. Images were compared with closely matched histological sections of excised lesions. The correlation between histology and ultrasound was excellent for maximum tumour depth measurements (r = 0.96, P < 0.0001), but less good for maximum width (r = 0.84, P < 0.0001) because of the elastic contraction of tissue at excision. Architectural detail of lesions on histological sections corresponded well with that on ultrasound images. There was a good correlation for heterogeneity (collagen distribution vs. echo pattern (r = 0.86, P < 0.0001)), and between collagen content and echogenicity of lesions (r = 0.69, P < 0.003). Strong correlations were also obtained for echogenicity vs. spacing of collagen bundles (r = -0.65, P < 0.005), echogenicity vs. collagen bundle size (r = 0.58, P < 0.02), and echogenicity vs. cellularity (r = -0.68, P < 0.003). Results for dermatofibroma were atypical, due to paradoxical low internal echogenicity and increased echo absorption. B-scanning is a reliable non-invasive method for assessing tumour dimensions, and has potential for the study of tumour characteristics for diagnostic purposes.

Overall, HRU has considerable potential as a high-performance screening tool to assist in the discrimination between BCP, but not benign naevi, and melanoma. In particular, it may be possible to exclude melanoma with 100% certainty in the differentiation of BCP from melanoma.

TSC patients present with multiple and complex clinical manifestations and profiles that necessitate the co-ordinated action of a multidisciplinary team in order to improve the quality and efficiency of care.

The results demonstrate that dermal capillary changes alone are unlikely to be causal in psoriasis. They indicate that the expanded psoriatic capillaries may be important in facilitating the access of activated T cells to the skin and in maintaining the psoriatic plaque. These results do not refute the consensus view that plaque formation may be mediated by the release of growth factors/cytokines from activated epidermal T cells/keratinocytes.

Ultrasound is widely used in general clinical medicine for non-invasive internal imaging. Over the last twenty years, technological advances have enabled the application of high-resolution ultrasonic imaging to the skin. Equipment and hardware is now available to produce cross-section images and three-dimensional reconstructions of selected skin segments. Resolution in vivo is not comparable to light microscopy but continues to improve with superior transducer designs. Skin ultrasonography has been reliably employed as an imaging modality in experimental designs, its quantifiable parameters being a distinct advantage. In particular, increased water content of the upper dermis, as occurs in inflammatory conditions or as a result of photodamage, can be demonstrated clearly as an echo-poor zone. Thus, the future of high-resolution ultrasound (HRU) may reside in its experimental role in monitoring inflammatory or photodamage processes in response to novel treatments. With regard to skin tumours, HRU reliably measures tumour thickness and also holds promise as a differentiator between seborrhoeic keratoses vs. melanoma and benign naevi vs. melanoma. While largely an experimental tool, the potential as an accurate, quantitative and reliable diagnostic and monitoring aid, merits further attention with an emphasis on clinical outcome measures.

These findings indicate that there is a close correlation between the state of the superficial vasculature and the clinical status of psoriasis. The expanded superficial microvascular bed in plaque skin is a necessary component for maintaining clinical lesions and these blood vessels are thus a legitimate target for treatment.

The Q-switched 532 nm Nd:YAG laser in combination with topical Dermovate ointment is a safe and effective method of treating red ink tattoo reactions.

Cosmetic causes of scarring alopecia are poorly documented. They include traction alopecia and hot-combing. Recently, another group has presented in the South London area, related to misuse of chemical hair straightening agents. Affected patients are young, female, of Afro-Caribbean origin, and typically display hair loss on the vertex of the scalp. Histology shows a pattern of fibrosis and inflammation characteristic of the physical damage seen with other cosmetic procedures. This histological pattern is distinguishable from other non-cosmetic causes of scarring alopecia.