Dirk M. Elston, MD

Article

Asymptomatic Violaceous Plaques on the Face and Back

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: January 5, 2024

A 35-year-old Black woman presented to dermatology as a new patient for evaluation of an asymptomatic rash that had enlarged and spread to involve ...

Article

Botanical Briefs: Contact Dermatitis Induced by Western Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: January 4, 2024

Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) accounts for many of the cases of Toxicodendron contact dermatit...

Article

What’s Eating You? Update on the Sticktight Flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea)

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: December 14, 2023

The sticktight flea serves as a vector for plague as a carrier of Yersinia pestis, rickettsial infections, and other diseases.

Article

Cutaneous Collagenous Vasculopathy With Ocular Involvement

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: October 26, 2023

Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy (CCV) is an uncommon microangiopathy that presents with progressive telangiectases on the lower extremities that...

Article

What’s Eating You? Triatoma and Arilus cristatus Bugs

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: June 6, 2023

Bites of triatomine bugs can cause anaphylaxis; prevention of bites to diminish household infestation is important because sensitization can result...

Article

Botanical Briefs: Handling the Heat From Capsicum Peppers

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: May 2, 2023

Capsaicin is a neuropeptide-active compound found in Capsicum peppers with many promising applications; however, dermatologists ...

Article

Botanical Briefs: Daffodils (Narcissus Species)

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: December 30, 2022

Narcissus species are thought to be the most common cause of irritant contact dermatitis among florists.

Article

Botanical Briefs: Toxicodendron Dermatitis

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: November 8, 2022

Toxicodendron dermatitis is a pruritic vesicular eruption in areas of contact with the plant.

Article

Botanical Briefs: Tulipalin A

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: September 6, 2022

Contact dermatitis is a common issue for many floral employees. Tulips are one of the most common causes of hand dermatitis.

Article

Botanical Briefs: Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: July 8, 2022

Ginkgo extract is widely considered safe for use; however, dermatologists should be aware that it can cause systemic dermatitis and serious adverse...

Article

What’s Eating You? Mosquitoes (Culicidae)

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: March 8, 2022

We describe the pathophysiology and clinical appearance of mosquito bite reactions as well as proper management of this condition.

Article

Aquatic Antagonists: Jellyfish Stings

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: January 7, 2022

Jellies, more commonly known as jellyfish, are a common cause of stings in oceans throughout the world.

Article

What’s Eating You? Caterpillars

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: December 6, 2021

This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of dermatoses related to caterpillars.

Article

Purpura Fulminans in an Asplenic Intravenous Drug User

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: November 18, 2021

In patients with severe purpura fulminans and a gangrenous limb, it is important to allow adequate time for demarcation of gangrene and not rush to...

Article

Botanical Briefs: Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Author:: Dirk M. Elston, MD

Publish date: October 6, 2021

In dermatology, bloodroot has been utilized for its cytotoxic effects; it has been marketed as black salve as an anticancer treatment, but it does ...