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.     

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.     

Mango dermatitis: Allergic contact dermatitis to Mangifera indica

‘Mango Dermatitis’ is the common term given to allergic contact dermatitis to the sap or skin of the fruit of Mangifera indica. Four patients presented with urticaria and eczematous rash following exposure to mangoes or the trees. Patch testing with diluted sap, crushed leaf, crushed stem and fruit skin was strongly positive.     

Effectiveness of dupilumab in pediatric patients with a nummular phenotype of atopic dermatitis

The nummular phenotype of atopic dermatitis is clinically characterized by pruritic, coin-shaped plaques that are frequently recalcitrant to treatment. In this study, a retrospective chart review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in children with nummular lesions of dermatitis. Twelve out of 14 patients demonstrated significant clinical improvement at a median time of 2.5 months (interquartile range, 1–4) after dupilumab initiation. A single case of paradoxical psoriasiform eruption was the only side effect reported in our cohort.     

Descriptive epidemiology of hand dermatitis at the St John's contact dermatitis clinic 1983-97

For 15 years, hand dermatitis accounted for a quarter of patients seen in this clinic. The highest proportion occurred in women aged 17-30 years. Overall, the male to female ratio was 0.8, which contrasts with population-based studies. Catering was most frequently associated with occupational hand dermatitis. Other frequent occupational associations included metalworking, hairdressing, healthcare and mechanical work.     

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。     

Dermatitis artefacta: unusual appearance in an older woman

Dermatitis artefacta is a rare and difficult condition for diagnosis and treatment, with the highest incidence of onset in late adolescence to early adult life. Most patients are young women who have a personality disorder; borderline features are common and the patient's denial of psychological distress makes management and treatment difficult. Patients use a variety of means to cause the skin changes. Clinical presentation of the skin lesions does not conform to those of known dermatoses and are located on easily reached parts of the skin. We report an unusual case of a 72-year-old woman with symmetrical changes under the breasts and in the right inguinal region. The lesions were composed partly of haemorrhagic round lesions and partly of scars. A skin biopsy was taken and consultations with the psychiatrist, internist and the patient's family led to the diagnosis of self-induced dermatitis. The skin lesions were covered by occlusion techniques and the lesions improved very rapidly. The patient was discharged from the hospital under psychiatric and family care.     

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.     

Contact allergy in 330 dermatological patients

A total of 330 patients with eczematous lesions were tested with 27 topical substances. Among the 88 patients with leg ulcers, 85 (2%) were allergic to one or more substances present in one out of two cases of allergy to wool alcohol. Among the 242 patients suffering from eczematous dermatitis, the percentage of allergic reactions reached 54.6%. A great number of allergic reactions of cetyl alcohol (11.2%), chloramphenicol (10%) and sodium lauryl sulfate (6.4%) was observed. These allergens are not included in the European standard series adopted by the ICDRG. The findings are discussed and compared with data taken from the literature.     

Environmental contact factors in eczema and the results of patch testing Chinese patients with a modified European standard series of allergens

Environmental contact factors in eczema were investigated in China by clinical questionnaire and patch testing patients with a modified European standard series of allergens. 217 consecutive eczema patients were studied. Contact dermatitis (CD) was clinically diagnosed in 30% of the patients. Among the patients patch tested, 46 patients had clinically diagnosed allergic CD (ACD), 20 patients clinically had non-ACD (NACD) (including 16 cases of irritant contact dermatitis, 1 case of phototoxic contact reaction and 3 cases of asteatotic eczema) and 115 patients had clinically suspected ACD. 45 patients (98%) in the ACD group went on to have relevant patch test results. The most common ACD was from metals, fragrance materials, cosmetics and rubber materials. The most common contact allergens identified were nickel, fragrance mix, para-phenylenediamine (PPD), carba mix and thimerosal. No adverse reactions were observed to patch testing, except for pruritus in patch-test-positive patients. The positive rate of patch testing in ACD was much higher than that in NACD (98% versus 15%, P < 0.05, chi(2)-test). 60 (28%) patients had facial dermatitis (FD). Among these, 20 (33%) were confirmed as having ACD. 48 (22%) patients had hand dermatitis (HD). Among these, 7 (15%) were confirmed as having ACD. Fewer patients were confirmed as having ACD in the HD group than in the FD (15% versus 33%, P < 0.05, chi(2)-test). Although the difference was not significant, the total positivity rate in the HD group (55%) was lower than in the other groups. 65 (30%) patients had unclassified endogenous eczema (UEE). The total positive rate of patch testing in the UEE group (56%) was no different from that in the FD or HD groups. However, the relevance of positive patch tests was hard to determine in UEE. These results indicate that CD is common in eczema; relatively more patients with FD have ACD, while other factors, such as irritation, may play more of a role in HD. The total positive rate of patch testing in the UEE group was no different from that in the FD or HD groups, suggesting that patch testing should be stressed in UEE and the relevance of positive patch test results in UEE should be studied further. It is effective and safe to patch eczema patients with a modified European standard series of allergens in China.     

Occupational dermatitis in bakers: a clue for atopic contact dermatitis

6 patients are described who developed contact dermatitis after cereal contact on atopic skin for periods of 2 to 20 years. 2 patients were wheat flour patch-test-positive. They had punch biopsies taken for standard histological and immunohistochemical investigation by labeling with monoclonal antibodies, anti-DR and anti-IgE. Sections showed features of contact dermatitis. There were many dendritic cells located perivascularly in the papilla and in the epidermidis, intensely positive for monoclonal anti-IgE antibody. In control atopic subjects, there were a few perivascular IgE positive cells, probably mastocytes. This study shows that there may be a relationship between some allergens and atopic eczema in patients exposed to them in the course of their work. In some cases, there was a true allergic contact dermatitis, seen through the clinical and histological characteristics, and the results of immunohistochemical study.     

Physical friction is under-recognized as an irritant that can cause or contribute to contact dermatitis

BACKGROUND: The role of physical friction as an irritant in the causation of contact dermatitis is under-recognized. Frictional dermatitis is defined as an eczematous process in which physical frictional trauma contributes to the induction of a dermatitis process. OBJECTIVES: To examine the clinical background of patients in whom friction was contributing to dermatitis. METHODS: Over a 30-month period during which 2700 new patients were seen, frictional irritancy was identified as playing a role in the dermatosis in 31 cases: in 27 of these, case notes were evaluated for a range of parameters. RESULTS: Physical friction was identified as causing or contributing to the dermatitis in 18 men and nine women, mean age at onset 42 years. The hands, usually the fingers of the dominant hand, were affected in all but two cases. Occupational frictional activities were found in 25 cases: commonly handling small metal components, paper, cardboard or fabric, and driving. Potential frictional activities in hobbies were noted in 12 cases. Wet work irritancy contributed in four cases (15%). Patch testing showed relevant contact allergies as cofactors in seven of 25 subjects tested (26%). Psoriasis was a cofactor in four (15%), and atopic dermatitis in 11. The study was selective, being based in a teaching hospital clinic with a special interest in contact dermatitis. Frictional irritancy is often one of several factors contributing to dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of friction to contact dermatitis is under-recognized probably because dermatologists do not think about the potential for physical forces to induce eczematous changes in the skin.     

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。     

Relation between diagnoses on severity, sick leave and loss of job among patients with occupational hand eczema

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies indicate that occupational hand eczema (OHE) often is associated with persistent dermatitis and prolonged sick leave, which may lead to unemployment. Previous studies suggest that OHE caused by allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (AD) carries the worst prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the severity and consequences of recognized OHE in different diagnostic and subdiagnostic groups. METHODS: Between October 2001 and November 2002, all new cases of recognized OHE were identified from the Danish National Board of Industrial Injuries Registry (758 cases). Severity was graded from 0 to 2 depending on the intensity of skin response and the frequency of relapse. To supplement the information from the Registry, we surveyed the study population using a postal questionnaire which included questions about disease duration, sick leave, current occupation and loss of job. RESULTS: The overall response rate to the questionnaire was 82%. We observed substantially greater severity among those with occupational irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and AD than for any other diagnoses. Age above 50 years was also associated with increased severity of OHE. Prolonged sick leave due to OHE was reported by 19.9% and was associated with AD and severe OHE. We found a higher proportion of prolonged sick leave among those in food-related occupations (27.2%) compared with those in wet occupations (20.1%) and other occupations (16.5%). Twenty-three per cent reported that they had lost their job at least once during the past 12 months due to OHE. The only strong association with loss of job was food-related occupations. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational ICD and AD appear to be strongly associated with severity of OHE. AD and severity of OHE were independently associated with prolonged sick leave. Having a food-related occupation appears to be associated with increased risk of loss of job.     

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.     

PREDOMINANCE OF CD8 SUBSET IN ID ERUPTION OF POISON OAK-INDUCED DERMATITIS

The pathophysiology and immune mechanisms involved in the clinical syndrome of autoeczematization remain a mystery. In this study of nickel dermatitis without autoeczematization and poison oak dermatitis with autoeczematization, it was noted that the process of autoeczematization was associated with the presence of CD8+ lymphocytes within the epidermis and the expression of HLA-DR antigens on epidermal keratinocytes. It is surmised that since CD8+ clones are induced by poison oak antigen but not by nickel, the inability of nickel to induce CD8+ lymphocytes may explain why uncomplicated nickel dermatitis does not autoeczematize. Since the selective adherence of CD8+ lymphocytes to keratinocytes, probably via the expression of adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1, the generation of antigens on endothelial cells of high endothelial venules involved in lymphocyte trafficking, and the expression of HLA-DR antigens on epidermal keratinocytes are all due to the activity of interferon-8, it is deduced that this lymphokine may play a key role in id eruptions induced by contact allergens.     

213例儿童特应性皮炎临床及病理特点分析

本研究对213例AD儿童患者临床及组织病理学特点进行分析,患儿平均发病年龄为0.88±1.73岁,约85.9%的患者表现为慢性皮炎;约78.9%的患者有个人或家族遗传过敏史。组织病理学示角化过度、微水疱形成、棘层肥厚、海绵水肿、浅层血管周围炎症及嗜酸性粒细胞浸润。     

Ethylenediamine sensitivity from exposure to epoxy resin hardeners and Mycolog cream

Sensitivity to ethylenediamine and to epoxy resin hardeners was found in three patients with long standing contact dermatitis. In one patient, a young man, the sensitivity was elicited by occupational contact with epoxy resin hardeners and subsequently sustained by use of Mycolog cream. In two patients, both elderly women, the condition was only due to use of Mycolog cream. These case histories and test results indicate that use of Mycolog cream can result in occupational disease viz. contact dermatitis from epoxy hardeners.     

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 case of bullous dermatitis artefacta possibly induced by a deodorant spray

Dermatitis artefacta is one of a spectrum of factitious diseases etiologically responsible for skin lesions denied by patients. These factors often make it difficult to identify the causative agents of the condition. Herein, we report a case of bullous dermatitis artefacta in a 12-year-old girl, for which a deodorant spray was suspected as the probable cause. Pathological examination revealed subepidermal blistering with full-thickness necrosis of the epidermis, suggesting a thermo- or cryo-induced injury. Psychological testing demonstrated her immaturity and dependence. In searching for the causative agent, we suspected a deodorant spray as a blister-inducing agent. We succeeded in reproducing a similar blister lesion on the volunteer's healthy skin using the same spray. Psychiatric involvement significantly complicates the treatment of factitious diseases, including dermatitis artefacta. Cooperation among dermatologists, psychiatrists and the patient's family members is required for ensuring a favorable prognosis.