Australasian Journal of Dermatology

Nurse, David S.

doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1986.tb00301.xpmid: N/A

Rogers, Roy S.; Hutton, Kathleen P.

doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1986.tb00302.xpmid: 3632516

Summary To resolve the conflict among published reports as to the value of screening for haematinic deficiencies in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis, we evaluated 102 such patients. Venous blood was sampled for a complete blood cell count and measurements of serum iron, serum iron‐binding capacity and capacity saturation, serum folate, and serum vitamin BM. Of the 40 patients deficient In iron or folate, 6 were anaemic, 23 were deficient in iron, and 22 were deficient in folate; 5 were deficient in both iron and folate. The discriminating value of the complete blood cell count between the 62 nondeficient and 40 deficient patients was low. Among the 70 patients evaluated 6 years after entry into the study, 24 (60%) of the 40 nondeficient patients and 23 (77%) of the 30 deficient patients were in remission or improved. The results of this study confirm the advisability of screening for haematinic deficiencies of iron, folate, and vitamin B12 and also suggest that replacement therapy in deficient patients is beneficial.

Freeman, Susanne

doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1986.tb00303.xpmid: 2957989

Summary Information has been obtained from 188 Australian dermatologists relating to allergic contact dermatitis due to cement. 54 cases of chromate‐positive cement dermatitis were recorded in twelve months from May 1985. It is suggested that ferrous sulphate should be added to cement to prevent chromate sensitivity in cement and concrete workers.

Parker, Colin; Kaminski, Geraldine; Hill, Dudley

doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1986.tb00304.xpmid: 3632507

Summary Subcutaneous zygomosis, caused by Saksenaea vasiformis developed In the forearm of a 25 year old male in the area of a tattoo performed seven years previously. The spectrum of disease caused by S. vasiformis can range from rapidly progressive disseminated infection in immunosuppressed persons, to disease of slow onset and limited spread where immune function is intact. Several species of zygomycetes can cause human disease. Tissue invasion is by broad mycelia which stain well with H & E. Species identification can only be achieved by inducing the isolate to produce sporangia, and in the case of S. vasiformis special techniques are necessary. Even so, long delays may be experienced before producing the typical long necked vase shaped sporangium of S. vasiformis. In the case described, treatment with amphotericin B was successful.

Beran, D.; Kossard, S.; Freeman, S.; Vasak, E.; Paver, K.; Penny, R.

doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1986.tb00305.xpmid: 3498477

Summary The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to correlate blood and skin findings with respect to analysis of immunoregulatory T cells in 18 patients with severe atopic dermatitis. Circulating T lymphocytes were characterised by flow cytometry, and in situ infiltrates of acute skin lesions identified by the immunoperoxidase technique. Analysis of peripheral blood T lymphocyte sub‐sets failed to reveal any difference from normal controls. Skin infiltrates were strongly positive for T11 – the pan T lymphocyte marker. The majority of these cells both in the dermis and epidermis were of the T4 helper‐inducer sub‐set, while a smaller proportion of cells were of the T8 suppressor‐ cytotoxic T cell sub‐set. T6 positive Langerhans cells were markedly increased in the dermis of affected skin, compared with normal skin. The finding of increased numbers of helper‐inducer T lymphocytes' in association with increased numbers of Langerhans cells, which function as antigen presenting cells, suggests a strong immunological mechanism in disease pathogenesis, and may yield knowledge both with respect to origin of skin damage and elevation of IgE.

Auld, John

doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1986.tb00306.xpmid: 2957990

Summary This article reviews current literature on the external agents used to treat acne including the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.

Goh, C. L.

doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1986.tb00307.xpmid: 3632508

Summary Topical application of a powder containing neomycin and bacitracin resulted in a systemic reaction requiring admission to hospital for treatment. This problem is uncommon, but has been reported and previous reports are summarised.

Heng, Madalene C. Y.; Chan, Carol; Kloss, Suni G.

doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1986.tb00308.xpmid: 3632509

Summary Acquired ichthyosis has been associated with a number of benign and malignant infiltrative lesions. However, the mechanisms responsible for this clinical lesion remain unknown. We report electron microscopic changes in two patients, which may help to clarify this subject.

Tham S., N.; Chan, H. L.; Tan, T.

doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1986.tb00309.xpmid: 3632510

Summary Three cases of hypomelanosis of Ito are presented showing variations in the pattern seen. Two patients showed no other abnormalities, but the third patient had conditions of endocrine and autoimmune type.

O'Brien, T. J.

doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1986.tb00310.xpmid: 3632511

Summary Photoallergic dermatitis due to musk ambrette is reported in six patients, and the literature on this sensitivity is reviewed. The condition presents with a typical pattern involving the neck and cheeks, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by photopatch testing with musk ambrette.