Abstract In this nonsystematic review, the complementary diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of human papillomavirus are discussed. The histopathology is addressed regarding its indications, main findings and limitations, as a complementary diagnostic method largely used by dermatologists. Electron microscopy is briefly reviewed, along with its contribution to the accumulated knowledge on HPV, as well as the relevance of research in using this technology for future advances in diagnosis and treatment. Molecular information about the virus is continuously increasing, and the practical applications of HPV serology, molecular identification and genotyping are discussed. Vaccines are a valuable tool in primary HPV infection prevention and are now available in many countries; their composition, indications, and adverse effects are revisited. Local and systemic treatment options are reviewed and off-label prescriptions are discussed. Finally, health education focusing on HPV infection as a sexually transmitted infection of worldwide relevance and the many barriers to improve primary and secondary prevention are addressed.

Abstract Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is related to a great number of cutaneous and mucosal manifestations. The spectrum of HPV ranges from inapparent infections, through various clinical benign presentations including cutaneous and mucosal disease, to malignant and premalignant conditions. New HPV types are currently described in the literature; many of them are characterized as high-risk types due to their oncogenic potential. Knowledge regarding their epidemiology and pathogenesis is important to understand not only infection and disease processes, but also to formulate the clinical and laboratory basis for diagnosis, therapeutics, and prophylactic measures. This non-systematic review aims to discuss and to update those aspects, with an emphasis on relevant topics for dermatologists. HPV infection and related diseases in the Brazilian scenario are highlighted, including common dermatologic conditions seen at clinics as well as the condition of a public health problem as a sexually transmitted infection. The oncogenicity of the virus and the variety of clinical outcomes - especially in the immunocompromised individuals - are addressed.

Abstract A 59-year-old woman reported a 20-day history of slightly scaly erythematous infiltrated patches on her palms and soles with a histopathological result which was consistent with interstitial-pattern granuloma annulare, clinically classified as patch granuloma annulare. This is a rare clinical variant of granuloma annulare, with an unknown incidence and characteristic clinical and histopathological features. The patient evolved with a complete remission of the lesions after biopsy and the use of high-potency topical corticosteroid.

A terapia fotodinâmica é uma alternativa eficaz de tratamento para neoplasias cutâneas não melanoma e tem como princípio a utilização de substâncias fotossensibilizantes que, após serem irradiadas com uma fonte de luz de comprimento de onda adequado, destroem seletivamente as células neoplásicas. A Síndrome do Nevobasocelular é uma genodermatose que cursa com o desenvolvimento de inúmeros carcinomas basocelulares em uma idade precoce, submetendo os pacientes a vários procedimentos cirúrgicos, muitas vezes desfigurantes. Este artigo tem como objetivo demonstrar o excelente resultado do tratamento de carcinomas basocelulares no couro cabeludo de uma paciente com a Síndrome do Nevobasocelular.

Photodynamic therapy is an effective alternative for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer, selectively destroying the neoplastic cells through the use of photosensitizer substances that are irradiated with a source of light of adequate wave length. Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome is a genodermatosis characterized by multiples basal cell carcinomas occurring at an early age, compelling patients to various surgeries, some of them disfiguring. The aim of this article is to show the excellent result of the treatment of multiple basal cell carcinomas on the scalp of a patient suffering from Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome.

FUNDAMENTOS: Não há consenso sobre o papel dos dendrócitos dérmicos (DD) nos eventos fisiopatológicos nos períodos de exacerbação e de acalmia da doença. A pentoxifilina (PTX) é uma metilxantina que inibe vários mecanismos inflamatórios. OBJETIVO: Estudar os efeitos da PTX sobre os dendróticos dérmicos de placas de psoríase com técnicas imuno-histoquímicas. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Trinta biópsias de placas de psoríase antes e após oito semanas de uso oral diário de 1.200mg de PTX foram incubadas com anticorpo primário de coelho antiFator XIIIa e anticorpo de ligação conjugado com fosfatase alcalina. RESULTADOS: As células imunomarcadas Fator XIIIa+ foram proeminentes com morfologia dendrítica arborescente na derme papilar formando linha celular logo abaixo da epiderme e exibindo arranjo nodular ao redor dos vasos. Após tratamento, as células apresentaram-se com morfologia dendrítica e fusiforme, distribuídas ao redor dos vasos da derme papilar e predominantemente fusiformes dispostas paralelamente à junção dermoepidérmica retificada. CONCLUSÕES: A PTX promove aumento do fluxo sangüíneo e diminuição da adesividade endotelial, com aumento dos mastócitos e DD FXIIIa. A PTX inibe o TNF-alfa, que implica a diminuição da expressão de receptores pelos DDs, como CCR7 e a manutenção do estímulo tecidual para sinalização e migração dos precursores, uma vez que os processos etiopatogenéticos não são afetados pela droga.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus about dermal dendrocytes (DD) function on physiopathological events on psoriasis. Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a methylxanthine that inhibits many inflammatory mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate PTX effect on DD proliferation of psoriasis through immunohistochemical techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty psoriatic skin specimens before and 8 weeks after 1200mg/day PTX were incubated with primary rabbit antibody anti-factor XIIIa and binding antibody conjugated with alkaline phosphatasis. RESULTS: Factor XIIIa+ DD were prominent with large cytoplasm and markedly dendritic morphology. They were present in a diffuse manner in the papillary dermis and around vessels. After PTX they became oval with scarce cytoplasm, showed no dendritic extensions, and were only present in some papillary bodies. CONCLUSION: PTX pharmacological action promotes vessel flow enhancement, endothelial cell adhesivity decrease, and mast cells and DD factor XIIIa+ increase. PTX has an inhibitory action on TNF alpha, which could imply in a decrease of DD receptor expression, as CCR7, and maintenance of the tissular stimulus to signalization and migration of precursors, since the etiopathogenic processes would not be affected by the drug.

FUNDAMENTOS: Os autores apresentam ampla revisão sobre os fundamentos da biópsia da unidade ungueal, fornecendo bases teóricas sobre anatomia, histologia e histopatologia. Abordam, detalhadamente, as indicações e os objetivos da biópsia da unidade ungueal e as várias técnicas disponíveis. OBJETIVOS: Definir os locais adequados da biópsia do aparelho ungueal para as diferentes doenças da unha, comparar duas formas de amaciamento da lâmina ungueal, uma utilizando KOH a 20%, outra, solução aquosa de Tween 40 a 10%, e estabelecer uma rotina para o processamento do material de biópsia. MÉTODOS: O grupo de estudo constou de 11 pacientes com doença ungueal, que procuraram o ambulatório de Dermatologia do HUPE/UERJ para esclarecimento diagnóstico. Foi realizado o total de 12 biópsias. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença na dificuldade técnica, em incluir ou cortar o material, consoante ao método de amaciamento utilizado, nem prejuízo citológico ou histológico ao exame histopatológico. CONCLUSÕES: Os autores concluíram que biópsia ungueal é procedimento seguro e eficaz para esclarecer o diagnóstico das doenças ungueais quando o exame clínico ou outras técnicas falharam. Também é importante, para quem deseja realizar o procedimento, o conhecimento adequado da anatomia dessa região.

BACKGROUND: In this paper a broad review of nail biopsy is presented, emphasizing its anatomy, embryology, histology and histopathology. The indication and purpose of nail biopsy as well as the techniques available are reviewed in detail. OBJECTIVE: Define the appropriate site for nail biopsy according to nail disorder, compare two different methods of nail specimen softening: soaking in 20% potassium hydroxide and in 10% aqueous solution of Tween 40 and establish a routine for the nail biopsy procedure. METHODS: Our group studied eleven patients with nail disease who presented at the Dermatology Department in Pedro Ernesto University Hospital for a definite diagnosis. Twelve biopsies were performed. RESULTS: There were no differences in the softness achieved with the two methods and none harmed the cytologic and histologic analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The authors concluded that nail biopsy is a safe and useful procedure for nail diseases when clinical and laboratory methods fail to reach a diagnosis. A complete and thorough understanding of the nail unit anatomy is necessary to perform the procedure