Four Cases of Cutaneous Fistula of Dental Origin / 대한피부과학회지

Cutaneous fistula of dental origin is the most common type of cutaneous fistula that is formed on the face and neck. This lesion can be a diagnostic challenge to clinicians who are not familiar with cutaneous fistula since many patients with cutaneous fistula of dental origin do not have any complaints such as toothache. Diagnostic errors may result in multiple excisions, biopsies, and ineffective long-term antibiotic therapy. However, if the lesion could be suspected of being of dental origin, the diagnosis can be easily confirmed by radiologic examinations. We report four cases of cutaneous fistula of dental origin. All four patients had a characteristic cutaneous findings with chronically draining, fixed, erythematous papule on their nasolabial fold or submental region. Ultrasonography, fistulography or plain roentgenography were needed to confirm the diagnosis of cutaneous fistula originating from dental problems.

Prevalence of Tinea Pedis in Korean Soldiers in a Battalion / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: It has been widely accepted that the prevalence of tinea pedis in soldiers may be higher due to their occlusive army boots and communal baths. OBJECTIVE: Our study was designed to investigate the prevalence of tinea pedis in Korean soldiers monthly throughout the year by the ranks of the soldiers and also to verify whether tinea pedis is one of the occupational diseases in Korean soldiers. METHODS: We examined the feet of soldiers in a battalion monthly throughout the year. On those with suspected skin lesions, microscopic examinations along with fungus cultures were performed in July, 1996. RESULTS: Average prevalence of tinea pedis throughout the year was 51.5% on clinical examination. The highest prevalence was 74.0% in August and the lowest in February by 36.7% . The prevalence of tinea pedis by rank was 38.3%(18/47) in the new private group, 61.7%(29/47) in the private group, 84.8%(67/79) in the private 1st class group, 72.4%(55/76) in the corporal group and 70.9%(39/55) in the sergeant group in July, 1996. Dermatophytes were demonstrated microscopically in 59.1%(123/208) of the specimens examined. Cultures were positive in 93 cases, i.e., from 44.7% of those examined. CONCLUSION: The major factor contributing to the highest prevalence of tinea pedis in August among the months of the year seems to be the hot and damp weather conditions(especially in July and August). Considering the fact that the prevalence of tinea pedis in winter season was also higher by 36.7-40.2%, Korean soldiers seem to possess higher risk of tinea pedis due to their tight-fitting army boots. The spread of infection among non-infected soldiers might have resulted from the communal bath and Korean traditional habit of taking-off their shoes in a large dormitory where they sleep together. Moreover, the fact that the prevalence of tinea pedis increases markedly with their ranks suggests that tinea pedis should be considered as an occupational disease among Korean soldiers.

Caspases Activation in Ultraviolet B-induced Apoptosis of G361 Human Melanoma Cell Line

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation can induce apoptosis of melanocytes and melanoma cells. However, mechanism of UVB-induced apoptosis of melanoma cells is not clarified yet. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to study the molecular mechanism of UVB-induced apoptosis of melanoma cells. METHODS: G361 lightly pigmented melanoma cells were analyzed for apoptotic mechanism by flow cytometry and western blotting. RESULTS: G361 melanoma cells showed apoptotic features with gradual increment of UVB doses by MTT and flow cytometry. Western blotting disclosed activation of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) after UVB irradiation. CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed that UVB-induced apoptosis of melanoma cells is mediated by PARP activation which is induced by caspase cascade.

A Case of AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma / 대한피부과학회지

We report a case of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma in a 47-year-old male. He was diagnosed as HIV-positive 3 years ago. He developed two asymptomatic purple-colored papules on the nose and right elbow. The histopathological finding showed abnormally proIiferated and dilated vessels, vascular slits, spindle shaped cells, and extravasated erythrocytes. In immunohistochemical studies, the cryptic vessels was positive with CD34, but negative with factor XIIIa and factor VIII-related antigen, Human herpesvirus-8 was found by PCR. We think that this is the first reported case of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma in Korean dermatologic literature.

Clinical Study of Vitiligo / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentary disorder of the skin and hair. The etiology is unknown, however an autoimmune hypothesis is favored. OBJECTIVE: We performed this study to develop a better understanding of the clinical features of vitiligo patients. METHOD: We evaluated clinical manifestations of 1203 vitiligo patients(556 males and 647 females). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The mean age of onset and that of the first visits made by patients were 22.9+/-18 and 27.9+/-19 years, respectively. 2. The face(37.4%) was the most common site of initial involvement. In decreasing order of frequency, the common sites of involvement were the face and neck(65.9%), thorax and abdomen(42.9%), upper extremities(42.3%). 44.5% of the cases had the vulgaris type, 26.1% the focal type, and 21.1% the segmental type. During the three months before a visit, 44% of patients experienced progression of disease. Within one year, about 75% of patients reported that the disease had progressed. 3. Precipitating or aggravating factors such as trauma(13.1%), psychological stress(9.2%), sun light (2.8%) and pregnancy(2.5%), were found in 30.9% of patients. Thyroid disease was the most common associated disease.