Skin hazards from nickel and chromium salts in association with cutting oil operations

Under ordinary working conditions in which grinding fluids were used, the presence of nickel or chromates was not detectable by spot testing. Laboratory studies, however, indicate that nickel can be leached from the machined metals.     

Periorbital dermatitis: Causes,differential diagnoses and therapy

Periorbital dermatitis is common and frequently difficult to treat. Patients with periorbital dermatitis often suffer severely because their disease is in such a visible location. Because of the variety of clinical appearance, the differential diagnostic considerations are often difficult. We examined the causes of periorbital dermatitis and compared the data of 88 patients from the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen to those of the German IVDK (Information Network of the Departments of Dermatology). Between 1999 and 2004, predominant causes of periorbital dermatitis were allergic contact dermatitis (Erlangen 44 %, IVDK 32 %), atopic eczema (Erlangen 25 %, IVDK 14 %), airborne contact dermatitis (Erlangen 10 %, IVDK 2 %) and irritant contact dermatitis (Erlangen 9 %, IVDK 8 %). Less frequent causes for secondary eczematous periocular skin lesions were periorbital rosacea, allergic conjunctivitis or psoriasis vulgaris. Female gender, atopic skin diathesis and age of 40 years and older were identified as risk factors for periocular dermatitis. Common elicitors of periorbital allergic contact dermatitis were leave‐on cosmetic products (face cream, eye shadow) and eye drops with the usual allergens being fragrances, preservatives and drugs. Exact identification of relevant contact allergens and allergen elimination are essential for successful treatment. Calcineurin inhibitors are the first‐line therapy for facial atopic eczema. They may be also effective in periocular eczematous lesions of other origins although they are not approved for such use.     

The possible relevance of sex hormones on irritant and allergic responses: their importance for skin testing

Dermatological responses are affected by the menstrual cycle phase in female patients, an unsurprising observation as oestrogen and progesterone affect the skin and immunological function, with oestrogen suppression of cellular immunity in particular. Exacerbation of dermatological symptoms is typically observed in either the latter phase of the menstrual cycle or during menstruation. The allergic response is diminished in the ovulatory phase and heightened in the progestinic phase. Definitive conclusions with regard to the effect of reproductive hormones on skin disorders have been somewhat hampered by a body of research that has employed diverse research parameters, such as dosage, testing sites, concentration, vehicle of irritant delivery, and method of assessment, however, individual patient sensitivity varies widely. Standardization of measurement techniques is necessary to provide reproducible results as much as individual patient variation and technique will allow.     

Results of atopy patch tests with house dust mites in adults with ''intrinsic'' and ''extrinsic'' atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND: The most frequently employed diagnostic criteria of atopic dermatitis (AD) can be fulfilled in the absence of elevated total circulating IgE or specific IgE to food allergens or environmental aeroallergens and/or in the absence of personal or familial history of atopy as well. Therefore a distinction between 'extrinsic' or 'allergic' and 'intrinsic' or 'non-allergic' AD has been suggested. Recently, a patch test with environmental aeroallergens, named atopy patch test (APT), has been proposed for use in the study of AD. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the reactivity to APT in patients with 'extrinsic' and 'intrinsic' AD. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of adult male subjects with AD were examined consecutively in our department (Department of Dermatology, Italian Navy Main Hospital, Taranto, Italy) andpatch tested with whole bodies of house dust mites (HDM) at a concentration of 20% in petrolatum (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 50%, D. farinae 50%). The groups included: (i) 95 patients affected by the adult clinical form of 'extrinsic' AD; (ii) 12 patients affected by the adult clinical form of 'intrinsic' AD; and (iii) a control group of 49 adult healthy male subjects with a negative anamnesis for eczema and atopy and negative skin prick test to aeroallergens/food allergens and/or normal level of total circulating IgE, also patch tested with the same allergen. The statistical differences were calculated by chi2 test and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were provided. RESULTS: The APT was positive in 47.4% (CI: 37-57%) of'extrinsic'AD, in 66.6% (CI: 41-93%) of'intrinsic' AD and in 12.2% (CI: 3-21%) of healthy subjects. The differences between the two AD subgroups and the control group were statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: APT positivity is more frequent in both 'extrinsic' and 'intrinsic' AD than in unaffected subjects. Other studies are needed to confirm our data and to explain why the APT is positive in the 'intrinsic' form.     

Allergic and photoallergic contact dermatitis to chlorpromazine

Chlorpromazine is known to produce both systemic phototoxic and photoallergic reactions. However, it may also cause photoallergic contact dermatitis and, albeit exceptionally, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). We present a series of photoallergic contact dermatitis and ACD to chlorpromazine diagnosed at a tertiary centre cutaneous allergy unit between 1980 and 2019.     

Contact dermatitis from a presumed allergy to paraphenylenediamine

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is a potent skin allergen found in permanent hair dye and temporary henna tattoo ink. Several cases of adverse skin reactions to PPD have been reported in the literature. Here we present a case involving a patient who acquired a temporary tattoo while vacationing in Mexico and subsequently developed contact dermatitis at the tattoo site. He provided a history of permanent hair dye use in the past with associated cutaneous reaction. Temporary tattoos have become increasingly popular with travelers and as a result so have reports of associated allergic contact dermatitis. Of concern is cross‐reaction of PPD to related compounds, severe reactions in younger populations and sequelae including increased sensitization, permanent scarring, and persistent postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.     

A vesicular variant of pseudoverrucous papules and nodules in the genital area of an incontinent 4‐year‐old

Irritant contact dermatitis is a common cause of chronic vulvitis in patients wearing diapers and incontinence garments. In most cases the diagnosis is obvious; however, atypical presentations may mimic more serious dermatoses. We present a 4‐year‐old girl who presented at birth with cloacal atresia corrected surgically and resulting in chronic incontinence requiring full‐time diapers. She presented with crops of herpetiform vesicles and bullae on a base that ranged from normal skin to severe erythema and oedema. A histological examination revealed a well‐demarcated lesion showing a thickened epidermis with hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis, acanthosis and an abrupt transition to pallor of the upper half. Focal full thickness epidermis necrosis and small areas of spongiosis, acantholysis and apoptotic keratinocytes were seen. Immunofluorescence was negative. The lesions improved with the treatment of secondary infection and minimal topical therapy with an emollient only. This case represents an unusual vesicular variant of pseudoverrucous papules and nodules, which has been reported only once previously.     

特应性皮炎患者瘙痒性皮损中神经形态变化及蛋白酶活化受体2的表达

目的 探讨皮肤神经及蛋白酶活化受体2（PAR2）在特应性皮炎瘙痒发生中的作用。方法 取特应性皮炎患者（7例）慢性期瘙痒性皮损及正常人（7例）皮肤,用真皮单片制备技术,免疫荧光双染标记,比较皮损与正常皮肤中神经形态变化及PAR2表达。结果 特应性皮炎患者皮损及正常人皮肤蛋白基因产物9.5（PGP9.5）/PAR2及P物质（SP）/PAR2免疫荧光双染均呈阳性表达,阳性部分基本重叠。与正常皮肤比较,瘙痒性皮损中PGP9.5阳性神经纤维总长度增加,直径增大（P ＜ 0.05）,SP阳性神经纤维总长度没有明显变化（P > 0.05）,但直径增大（P ＜ 0.05）;瘙痒性皮损中PAR2和SP免疫荧光的累积光密度值增加（P ＜ 0.05）。结论 特应性皮炎慢性期瘙痒性皮损中出现神经纤维明显增生,PAR2及SP在神经上的表达上调,提示蛋白酶-PAR2通路的信号增强可能与特应性皮炎患者皮肤瘙痒的机制有关。     

血清维生素D水平与儿童特应性皮炎的相关性分析

目的研究儿童血清中维生素D与特应性皮炎(AD)积分指数评分(SCORAD)之间的关系,同时分析血常规的嗜酸粒细胞百分比及嗜酸粒细胞绝对值、血清总IgE、血清钙离子及身高、体质量、身体质量指数与SCORAD之间的关系。方法选取2016年6月—2016年12月于我院诊治的44例AD患儿的临床资料作为观察组,并收集同时期相同数量健康儿童的资料作为对照组。观察组用SCORAD进行评分,观察组及对照组均测定其血常规、血清总IgE、血清钙离子和血清维生素D,并根据体质量、身高计算出身体质量指数(BMI),由同1名医师对患儿进行SCORAD计算。结果观察组中血清维生素D与SCORAD呈负相关(r=-0.305,P=0.044),与钙离子浓度呈正相关(r=0.366,P=0.015)。另外,SCORAD与嗜酸粒细胞百分比、绝对值及总IgE值呈正相关(r1=0.355,r2=0.398,r3=0.397;P1=0.018,P2=0.008,P3=0.008)。观察组的25(OH)D浓度低于对照组(Z=-2.028,P=0.043),嗜酸粒细胞百分比及绝对值、总IgE和钙离子浓度高于对照组(Z1=-3.965,Z2=-4.112,Z3=-2.479;P1<0.001,P2<0.001,P3=0.013)。结论儿童25(OH)维生素D可能与SCORAD有负相关。     

New emergent therapies for atopic dermatitis: A review of safety profile with respect to female fertility,pregnancy, and breastfeeding

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease. Systemic treatment is usually mandatory in moderate‐to‐severe AD of the adult; these patients need to be informed about safe and effective management of AD also regarding the reproduction. Treating a pregnant woman with AD with systemic drugs may affect the unborn child. While effects of traditional systemic treatments for AD on female fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are largely known, data about new emergent therapies for AD are still poor. Treating pregnant or lactating women with AD can be a challenge since no large clinical studies on its possible effects and side‐effects on conception, pregnancy, the unborn child and lactation are currently available for new AD treatments.     

Health education about occupational allergies and dermatoses for adolescents

Background: Occupational dermatoses and allergies are frequent and often affect individuals with atopic dermatitis. Our aim was to inform adolescents about potentially dangerous occupations, risk groups and preventive measures before they started apprenticeships in order to minimize the risk of occupational allergies or skin diseases. Methods: 1015 high‐school students were instructed by two dermatologists/ allergists (Heidelberg) and a teacher (Potsdam) in a 90‐minute instructional unit.This included the exemplification of occupational skin hazards and allergies, the identification of at‐risk persons, and application of preventive measures. A questionnaire was filled in by the students prior to and at least two weeks after the training. Results: In both regions, the students showed an increase in knowledge after the training, which was statistically significant higher in the Heidelberg region (6.6 points on average vs.4.4 points). 76% of students termed the subject matter as “important”, and 67% rated the teaching unit as “very good” or “good”. Conclusions: We demonstrate that students who have not yet chosen a career are highly interested in this subject, that the developed instructional unit is widely accepted, and that it leads to an increase in knowledge. Therefore we suggest nation‐wide implementation of this primary prevention measure in high‐schools.     

Cutaneous and systemic sequelae from exposure to 2-vinylpyridine

We present the case of an employee of a chemical production factory who became sensitized to 2-vinylpyridine despite wearing full protective polyvinyl chloride clothing. He developed severe dermatitis at the site of contact, secondary eczematization over the flexures and periungual areas, as well as marked systemic upset. Pyridines are known sensitizers although this reaction pattern has not previously been described.     

Estrogen dermatitis that appeared twice in each menstrual period

A 23-year-old woman presented with millet-sized red papules that were scattered over her chest and abdomen. She stated that since the age of 20, she had recurrently suffered from pruritic eruptions that coincided with ovulation and the time prior to menstruation, and that they persisted for a few days before vanishing spontaneously leaving some pigmentation. A skin biopsy specimen revealed spongiotic bullae in the epidermis and marked infiltration of lymphocytes accompanied by some histiocytes and eosinophils in the upper dermis. An intradermal test for conjugated estrogen showed an urticarial reaction that faded in about four hours. Although the test did not strictly meet the criterion (erythema to remain for more than 24 hours for papulovesicular eruptions), it was concluded that the timing of the episodes along with the result of the test suggested that a diagnosis of estrogen dermatitis was highly probable. There have been several reports of this condition since it was first reported as a distinct entity in 1995; but whatever the reasons, the flares were observed only before menstruation in these cases, despite the fact that the serum estrogen levels showed a double-peaked pattern during each menstrual period. This is considered to be a rare case of estrogen dermatitis that flared twice in each menstrual period. Limited improvement was noted in the symptoms even without treatment.