Influence of Gamma linoleic acid (Epogam) on the Skin Surface Conditions of Atopic Dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Gamma linoleic acid (GLA, Epogam) is considered a safe and effective modality in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in which impaired function of the enzyme, delta-6-desaturase, has been reported to result in reduced levels of GLA, desaturated fatty acids. OBJECTIVE: We performed this study to observe the changes of skin surface conditions measured objectively by bioengineering methods in relation to clinical improvement after treatment with GLA (Epogam®) in children with AD. METHODS: Thirty-four children with AD were treated with GLA (Epogam®) and evaluated with clinical parameters.The changes of skin surface conditions were monitored by non-invasive experimental instruments. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and gradual improvements in clinical severity after 12 weeks of GLA (Epogam®) treatment. The change of skin surface pH was statistically significant on the antecubital fossa and abdomen except the popliteal fossa. The other parameters including skin surface hydration and skin surface lipid did not show consistent changes. CONCLUSION: Clinical improvement of AD with GLA (Epogam) seemed to be achieved by the reduction of TEWL.

A Case of Mycosis Fungoides Rapidly Progressed to the Tumor Stage during Treatment / 대한피부과학회지

Mycosis fungoides(MF) is representative of cutaneous lymphoma and over many years progresses to plaques and tumors steadily. The extent and type of skin lesions at initial diagnosis and the presence of extracutaneous involvement are predictive indicators of survival in MF patients. Patients with limited plaque lesions are the least likely to have extracutaneous involvement and thus have the longest survival similar to the control population. We report a case of 45-year-old woman, who developed multiple subcutaneous nodules in normally appearing skin during photochemotherapy (PUVA). She had been treated with PUVA for the limited pre-mycotic skin lesions (T1 stage), which themselves showed good response to the treatment. She experienced the insidious course of early stage, but thereafter rapidly progressed to the tumor stage unusually during treatment.

Accessory Breast Tissue Clinically Mimicking Soft Fibroma / 대한피부과학회지

Accessory breast tissue is a developmental anomaly defined as persistence of breast tissue along the embryonic mammary line in the mid-thoracic region. Rarely, an abnormally located remnant of the line persists and develops into completely formed mammary glands. A 61-year-old woman presented with a pedunculated mass on the mid-lower abdomen, below the umbilicus. She detected a pea-sized nodule a few decades ago and it gradually enlarged since 1 year ago. There was no pigmented prominence resembling a nipple. Histological finding revealed lobules of the breast forming islands of glandular tissue. We believe this is an unusual case of accessory breast tissue mimicking soft fibroma as a pedunculated mass.

Clinical Features and Classification of Nail Diseases / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Nail diseases are frequently encountered disorders to dermatologists comprising approximately 10% of entire dermatologic conditions. Despite tremendous development in dermatology, there are still difficulties in making a proper diagnosis of nail diseases. Furthermore, no methods have proven to be satisfactory in classifying nail diseases up to now. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clarify and classify the clinical characteristics of patients with nail diseases who visited 'Nail disease clinic' in Seoul National University Hospital, and in Seoul City Boramae Hospital from July, 1996 to December, 1998. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was undertaken by reviewing the clinical records, photographs and results of mycological and histopathological studies. Patients were classified according to the cause of their nail diseases or to the main physical signs of nail apparatus. RESULTS: The total number of patients was 255(male 95, female 160). Specific cause of nail diseases was found in 135 patients(52.9%). The remaining 120 patients were classified according to the main physical signs such as trachyonychia, onycholysis, chronic paronychia and so on. CONCLUSION: Major disease groups classified according to their physical signs had its own characteristics besides age and sex distribution. So when the cause of nail disease can not be determined, classifying these nail diseases by physical signs could be useful in treating and managing these patients appropriately.