CEMENT BURNS: RARE OR RARELY REPORTED?

Prolonged contact with ready mixed cement is a rare cause of severe chemical burns. A 15 year old boy required debridement and skin grafting to a burn on his knee caused by contact with cement. Asa result he lost five weeks from school. We discuss the factors that predispose to this unusual event and pose the question as to why we hear of it so infrequently.     

The turtle's revenge: a case of soft tissue Mycobacterium chelonae infection

A case of cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae infection with sporotrichoid spread and extensive antibiotic resistance is presented. Control of this problem was only achieved after extensive debridement and grafting of the involved limb. The importance of surgery in management is discussed and the literature is reviewed.     

Linear Porokeratosis in Two Families with Disseminated Superficial Actinic Porokeratosis

Two case reports of linear porokeratosis occurring in individuals or families with disseminated, superficial, actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) are presented. Linear porokeratosis and DSAP may be different expressions of one dominantly inherited condition. We reviewed the clinical features of linear porokeratosis and its association with other forms of porokeratosis. The linear form has a potential for carcinomatous change.     

Epidermal nevi and the epidermal nevus syndrome. A review of 131 cases

One hundred thirty-one patients with epidermal nevi are reviewed. The commonest site of involvement was the head and neck, and 13% of patients had widespread lesions. Ages of onset ranged from birth to 14 years. A spread beyond the original distribution was noted in 37% of patients. Many clinical patterns occurred, including eight cases of inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus. A variety of other cutaneous abnormalities were found. Biopsies were performed in 41 cases. Three patients developed secondary tumors. One hundred nineteen of the patients were assessed for the presence of abnormalities in other organ systems. One or more abnormalities were demonstrated in 33% of patients, and in 5%, five or more abnormalities were detected. This study indicates that patients with epidermal nevi are at significant risk of having other abnormalities and warrant detailed initial assessment and close follow-up.     

Truth in clinical research trials involving pharmaceutical sponsorship

Large clinical trials are expensive to mount. Funding comes mainly from pharmaceutical companies seeking information on drug efficacy and adverse events. Patients should be informed of the financial and publication agreements reached between those conducting the trials. This is unlikely to have a significant effect on trial participation and will provide patients with information relevant to informed consent. A small proportion of monies raised from drug trials could be set aside to fund both a trial register site and further studies on adverse drug reactions.     

Twenty Nail Dystrophy in Identical Twins

Twelve-year-old identical female twins have had lifelong twenty nail dystrophy. There is no evidence of other skin disorders. The condition has remained unchanged and has been unresponsive to a wide range of therapies. The benign clinical course of their nail disorder suggests twenty nail dystrophy may not be related to lichen planus or other cutaneous diseases. One of the causes of twenty nail dystrophy of childhood may be a localized tissue malformation, analogous to inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal naevus.     

Bindii (jo-jo) dermatitis the clinical and histopathological spectrum

Bindii dermatitis is seen in children in late spring and early summer. The rash involves the knees and often affects the soles, elbows, forearms and palms. It resolves in winter. Recognition is important as the rash has been confused with other conditions.     

Radiation-induced localized scleroderma in breast cancer patients

Radiation-induced scleroderma in breast cancer patients appears to occur in approximately one out of every 500 patients. We report four cases that developed within 3 months of conservative breast surgery and postoperative radiation treatment. The reaction was contained entirely within the treatment field and demonstrated the typical features of this condition where the breast becomes erythematous, violaceous, indurated, retracted, and progressively pigmented. The breast tends to soften and become more comfortable over 1–4 years; however, significant induration, retraction and pigmentary changes remain. There appears to be no predictive factors. Radiation-induced scleroderma must be differentiated from cellulitis and recurrent breast cancer.