Chapters authored
Vasculitis and Vasculopathies
Our organism, as complex as it is, needs a giant vascular network to deliver nutrients to all cells, so vasculopathies and vasculitis are diseases present in all medical specialties. The skin and subcutaneous cellular tissue are irrigated by a vast vascular network, with cutaneous involvement related to these frequent pathologies. These can be restricted to the integumentary system or be part of systemic diseases with cutaneous manifestations, which make them of great interest to dermatologists. They can affect any caliber of vessels and present with several dermatological manifestations such as erythema, livedo reticularis, palpable purpura, nodules, ulcers, urticaria, hemorrhagic blisters, gangrene and other manifestations that can be isolated or associated with systemic signs and symptoms. However, there is no worldwide consensus regarding the classification of vasculitis, and the classification proposed in this chapter is based on the International Chapel Hill Conference Nomenclature of Vasculitides 2012, which is based on the size of the vessels. The purpose of this chapter is to compile a review of the most current treatments for these conditions.
Part of the book: Vascular Biology
Melasma: A Review about Pathophysiology and Treatment
Melasma is a very common disease that is manifested by increased skin pigmentation mostly in the face but also in the décolleté, neck, and arms. It is presented as irregular, light to dark brown spots, placed on the forehead. Cheek bones, mandible, and supralabial region. It usually affects women in higher phototypes (III−V), more commonly at a rate of nine women: one man. Melasma is a multifactorial disease, and we know that some conditions, such as pregnancy, contraceptives, thyroid diseases, hormone replacement, and solar exposure, could be a trigger to develop this illness. Despite not being a serious condition, melasma causes discomfort for those who have it, and it could compromise the patient’s quality of life. The goal of this chapter is to understand the pathogenic mechanism of melasma as well as revise the treatments of this disorder.
Part of the book: Pigmentation Disorders