In 1991, I was asked to edit a section for the Archives of Dermatology on “social and political” issues in dermatology. This became a column called “The Art and the Calling” that addressed the medical humanities. It was short-lived since … Continue reading
Category Archives: Elpern, David J.
A Guide for the Akamai Browser
A 54-year-old carpenter presented to the dermatology clinic for evaluation of a lesion on his right forehead that turned out to be benign. He also mentioned that his barber brought to his attention some thick furrows he has in his … Continue reading
Red Face Syndrome
Rhoda, a 41 year-old professional woman, has had a facial eruption off and on for a number of years. It began with perioral dermatitis but evolved over time to the “red face syndrome.” What follows is her story and her … Continue reading
Same-old, Same-old Grand Rounds
“The student begins with the patient, continues with the patient, and ends his studies with the patient, using books and lectures as tools, as means to an end.” — Sir William Osler, Aequanimitas, 1905 Keywords: grand rounds, incontenentia pigmenti, VGRD, … Continue reading
Human Microbiome (Introduction)
The human microbiome is the collection of microorganisms (such as bacteria viruses and fungi) which live on and inside humans (on the skin, in the saliva and mouth, in the eyes, and in the gut and the rest of the gastrointestinal … Continue reading
Review: Under My Skin
Under My Skin: A dermatologist looks at his profession and his patients by Alan Rockoff, M.D. joins a small, but growing, collection of memoirs by dermatologists. Continue reading
Imaging Ioxides II
Nancy Piatczyc commented on Imaging Ioxides Scapularis and we thought her words and images were prescient and compelling. You will enjoy reading her comments and seeing more images. “Both images in the previous post are of ticks found here in … Continue reading
Imaging Ixodes Scapularis
Williams College Biology Professor, Hank Art, sent us these fine electron microscopic photographs of a deer tick taken by Nancy Piatczyc, Williams’ electron micrcroscope technician. Ticks, in the Northeast, are dreaded carriers of Lyme Disease, Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis. The beauty … Continue reading
Mirror Amputation for Acne Excoriee de Jeunes Filles
Casual Comments by DJ Elpern Abstract: Many young women habitually pick facial lesions which in reality may be rather minor. These are some informal thoughts on excoriated acne with a suggestion of a simple behavioral technique called “mirror amputation” that … Continue reading
The Power of Hugs
The Power of Hugs By Nicholas Kristof NY Times, October 21, 2012 Nicholas Kristof’s “Sunday column looks at the recent research into the importance of early childhood interventions to reduce poverty and social problems. It’s something I’ve been interested in … Continue reading