Mast Cell Diesase
Measurement of the serum tryptase level is the most accurate means of screening for systemic involvement with mastocytosis. Levels in the normal range indicate cutaneous disease only; levels greater than…
Lower Extremity Vascular Insu?ciency
Treatment: Venous insufficiency is treated with a combination of compression and leg elevation. Losing weight and increasing the activity level may also help. Arterial insufficiency is best treated surgically with…
Lichen Planus
Treatment: Isolated lesions can be treated with topical corticosteroids. Up to two thirds of skin lesions resolve spontaneously. Patients with widespread disease present a therapeutic challenge. Ultraviolet phototherapy, oral corticosteroids,…
Lichen Simplex Chronicus
Treatment: Therapy is often directed at breaking the itch-scratch cycle. This is attempted with a combination of topical high-potency corticosteroids and oral antihistamines or gabapentin. The sedating antihistamines work better…
Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis
Treatment: Therapy is based on the cause of the leukocytoclastic vasculitis. New offending medications should be withdrawn and replaced with substitutes of a different class. Infections need to be thoroughly…
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Eosinophilic Granuloma
Multisystem disease is treated in myriad manners, depending on the burden of disease, the systemic involvement, and the patient’s symptoms. The disease can be difficult to treat, and systemic chemotherapies…
Keratosis Pilaris
Treatment: No therapy is required for most cases. A keratolytic moisturizer or humectant moisturizer works well. These include lactic acid– and salicylic acid–based moisturizers. After discontinuation, however, the rash of…
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Presentation in Childhood
Twenty percent of patients do not exhibit any cutaneous signs of disease and present solely with varying systemic complaints. The most common extracutaneous form of LCH, formerly designated eosinophilic granuloma,…
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Treatment: The goal of treatment is to remove the skin from exposure to the irritant. Barrier creams and frequent diaper changes may be all that is needed to resolve irritant…
