Even though psoriasis is a common skin disorder, reports of it involving the oral cavity are exceedingly rare, with less than 100 publications in the literature. Biopsy-proven oral psoriasis has been reported in the oral medical literature, but the commonest oral mucosal findings in most studies are associated non-specific features including fissured and geographic tongue. Case series on this entity have not provided any definitive data to support its existence. From the evidence available to date, it is still unclear if oral psoriasis is a distinct entity or if, indeed, it exists.
Postoperative or pressure alopecia (PA) is an infrequently reported group of scarring and non-scarring alopecias. It has been reported after immobilization of the head during surgery and following prolonged stays on intensive care units, and may be analogous to a healed pressure ulcer. This review presents a summary of cases published in pediatrics and after cardiac, gynecological, abdominal and facial surgeries. PA may manifest as swelling, tenderness, and ulceration of the scalp in the first few postoperative days; in other cases, the alopecia may be the presenting feature with a history of scalp immobilization in the previous four weeks. The condition may cause considerable psychological distress in the long term. Regular head turning schedules and vigilance for the condition should be used as prophylaxis to prevent permanent alopecia. A multi-center study in high-risk patients would be beneficial to shed further light on the etiology of the condition.
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin and mucosa, presenting to genitourinary physicians and dermatologists. It affects both sexes and all age groups. Although the exact aetiology is uncertain, genetic predisposition, infections and autoimmune factors have been implicated in its pathogenesis. Symptoms include pruritus and soreness, but asymptomatic presentations are not uncommon. The classical clinical picture is of atrophic white plaques in the anogenital region. Histopathology is specific with basal cell degeneration, upper dermal oedema, homogenization of collagen and a chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Short courses of potent topical corticosteroids form the mainstay of treatment. The condition tends to be remitting and relapsing, with spontaneous regressions reported in a few. In men, the term balanitis xerotica obliterans is sometimes used to describe late and severe LS of the penis. Scarring and progression to squamous cell carcinomas can occur in chronic LS, resulting in significant morbidity. A multidisciplinary approach to care and the need for long-term monitoring cannot be overemphasized.
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