There is a paucity of information surrounding dermatologic care for persons experiencing homelessness (PEH). This scoping review aims to map existing literature and provide a summary of the most common cutaneous manifestations among PEH, risk factors for dermatologic disease, describe any reported interventions, as well as identify research gaps for future studies. Search strategies developed for MEDLINE and hand searching yielded 486 articles. Out of the 486 articles screened, 93 articles met the inclusion criteria. The majority were cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and case-control studies concentrated in North America and Europe. Excluding the pediatric population, the prevalence of dermatologic conditions ranged from 16.6% to 53.5%. Common skin conditions described in PEH were: acne, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and lichen simplex chronicus. There were no studies comparing the extent or severity of these cutaneous diseases in PEH and the general population. PEH have a higher prevalence of skin infections and non-melanoma skin cancers. This scoping review has direct implications on public health interventions for PEH and highlights the need for evidence-based interventions to provide optimum and safe dermatologic healthcare for PEH. We propose several recommendations for improved care delivery, including addressing upstream factors and comorbidities impacting skin health, providing trauma informed care, reducing barriers to care, preventing and managing skin conditions, as well as including PEH in the planning and implementation of any proposed intervention.

Objective To measure the impact juvenile localized scleroderma (jLS) has on family quality of life and to identify predictors of family impact in this population which may inform the development of tailored resources to enhance family functioning for patients with jLS. Methods A retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with jLS and their families was conducted. Five questionnaires were administered at each visit: Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Family Impact Module (PedsQL‐FIM), PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL‐Generic), PedsQL Rheumatology Module (PedsQL‐RM), Child Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Linear mixed models with random intercepts for each patient were used to find relationships between family impact scores and clinically relevant variables over time. Variables of interest included disease activity status, methotrexate use, jLS distribution, and scores for PedsQL‐Generic and PedsQL‐RM. Results The median baseline PedsQL‐FIM total score was 80.9 (IQR = 76.6‐97.4). Adjusting for age and sex, the most significant predictors of family impact were PedsQL‐Generic scores and four of five PedsQL‐RM dimensions (all P < .001); methotrexate use had borderline significance (P = .06). Family impact increased more significantly over time in older patients. In multivariable modeling, PedsQL‐Generic total score and jLS “other” distribution were significant for predicting an increased PedsQL‐FIM score (P = .003 and P = .03, respectively). Conclusions JLS has a moderate family impact. Family impact is predicted by patients’ general and disease‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and their jLS subtype. There is a trend toward increased family impact with methotrexate treatment. This study emphasizes the importance of family‐centered care in jLS.

No abstract

Podoconiosis is a preventable, non-infectious and non-communicable cause of lymphoedema leading to chronic swelling of the foot and lower leg. Most prevalent in Africa, Central America and India, it is caused by long-term exposure to irritant red volcanic clay soil. Risk factors for disease are related to the absence or inadequacy of footwear. However, not all those at risk develop the disease, indicating that both genetic and environmental predispositions contribute to disease development. Symptoms of podoconiosis include asymmetrical limb swelling with associated itching, burning sensation and lymphatic ooze. Late stages are characterised by irreversible swelling and joint fixation. Due to the disfiguring nature of the disease, those affected often experience social stigmatisation. Associated economic losses result from reduced productivity and absenteeism. The disease must be differentiated from conditions such as filarial lymphoedema and congenital lymphoedema, which can have similar presentations, such that appropriate therapy can be implemented. Primary management of podoconiosis is prevention which involves the regular use footwear such as shoes and education of the disease. In the early stages of podoconiosis, compression therapy and limb elevation delays clinical progression in affected individuals. In later stages, changes are irreversible; however, additional therapy can include surgical intervention and limb elevation for symptom control. Psychosocial care is also needed to address the mental distress associated with the disease. Despite the preventable nature of podoconiosis, it remains prevalent in developing countries, necessitating further investment of resources.

No abstract

Digital hypoperfusion ischaemic syndrome (DHIS), also known as steal syndrome, is a well recognised serious complication of haemodialysis (HD) access creation. The clinical presentation varies from cyanosis to tissue loss due to necrosis or gangrene. In this article, we present a case of painless digital ulceration due to DHIS and provide a review of the literature. A 40-year-old-female presented with multiple painless digital ulcerations of the left hand. Her medical profile included atherosclerotic disease, hypertension, hyperparathyroidism and type I diabetes causing retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, gastroparesis and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Her ESRD required HD with the construction of a left-arm basilic vein transposition arteriovenous fistula (AVF). A year later, she developed intermittent, painless ulcerations of the left hand. A Doppler ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of DHIS. The patient was treated with AVF ligation surgery. At six months postoperatively, she had near complete re-epithelialisation of her ulcers. This case is unique in that the patient did not have preceding pain, likely due to her underlying diabetic neuropathy. While DHIS in haemodialysis patients with AVF is well documented in literature, digital ulceration in this context is an advanced form of this condition. Early recognition of digital ulceration as a complication of DHIS may enable early intervention and prevent permanent damage.