MDEdge

Military veterans exposed to burn pits during deployment are > 4 times higher risk for persistent cough and 3 times higher risk for dyspnea and wheezing compared with unexposed veterans. Following clinical evaluation, nearly half of veterans received diagnoses of respiratory diseases, including asthma (about 30%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (about 13%), and bronchitis (about 12%).

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disorder affecting apocrine gland–bearing areas such as the axillae, inguinal regions, and anogenital area.1 It manifests with painful nodules, abscesses, sinus tract formation, and scarring.2 The disease strongly impacts patients’ quality of life due to pain, malodor, and psychosocial burden.3 The exact etiology of HS is multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, mechanical stress, hormonal influences, dysbiosis,...

Hypergammaglobulinemic purpura of Waldenström (HGPW) is a rare chronic skin condition characterized by recurrent petechiae and purpura on the lower legs, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, and elevated titers of IgG and IgA rheumatoid factor (RF).1,2 This condition can be a primary (idiopathic) syndrome or secondary to an autoimmune connective tissue disease. We report 2 cases of patients with episodic skin eruptions that were consistent with HGPW.

Military service members are at high risk for skin cancer due to unique occupational and environmental exposures, particularly in the aviation community, in which high-altitude flying, prolonged outdoor aircraft maintenance, physical training, field exercises, and deployments limit access to shade and opportunities for sunscreen reapplication.

Sunscreen continues to be the foundation of successful skin cancer prevention.

Chromoblastomycosis is a neglected tropical implantation mycosis caused by dematiaceous fungi that leads to substantial morbidity.

Pyogenic granulomas (PGs) are benign endothelial tumors of the skin or mucosae that frequently become ulcerated and may cause patients substantial discomfort or distress due to rapid enlargement and bleeding.1 These lesions often manifest as solitary red papules or polyps following localized trauma or irritation. They can grow up to 1 cm over a few weeks to several months.

Male veterans are less likely than their female counterparts to be referred for follow-up questions when initial screening suggests they may be at risk of intimate partner violence (IPV), a recent large cross-sectional study finds.

Accurate procedural coding is essential to appropriate reimbursement and regulatory compliance in dermatology. This article reviews commonly misunderstood areas of procedural coding, including new biopsy codes; coding for shave removals, destruction, excision and repair, and adjacent tissue transfer (flap closure); the National Correct Coding Initiative; Medicare payment edits; Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) codes; and correct use of key modifiers.

Psoriasis research and treatment have come a long way in the past 2 to 3 decades.