Innovative Use of Negative Air Ions As an Alternative Therapy for Acne Vulgaris: A Report of Three Cases

Acne vulgaris is a universal skin disease with multifactorial pathogenesis. Although an extensive range of treatment options exist for acne, a substantial number of patients are still struggling for an optimal treatment option due to the side effects or contraindications to the conventional acne treatment. Negative air ions (NAIs) are electrically charged molecules that naturally exist in the atmosphere. Since they are natural component of air, there are no known side effects and contraindications to their application. Furthermore, among the identified benefits of NAIs, certain mechanisms are related to acne pathogenesis, allowing them to be attractive candidates for acne treatment. Here, we describe three patients with acne who showed considerable clinical improvement after NAI therapy. All of the patients had failed to tolerate traditional acne treatment options. In all three cases, considerable improvement was observed in acne severity and the number of total lesions. Based on the three cases and a review of literature underlying the effects of NAIs, we suggest that NAIs may be a safe and effective alternative therapeutic option for acne vulgaris.

Cutis Verticis Gyrata and Acanthosis Nigricans: Just a Coincidence? – A Case Report / 대한피부과학회지

Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a rare scalp condition that presents as convoluted folds and furrows, which resemble the cerebral cortex. Although the pathogenesis is not fully elucidated, recent investigations suggest the possible role of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) which may contribute to dermal hypertrophy in CVG pathogenesis.On the other hand, acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a dermatosis that is commonly associated with benign endocrine disorders, and increasing evidence suggest that AN is a convergent phenotype resulting from the activation of tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors (TKR), with mitogenic and antiapoptotic effects on keratinocytes. CVG presenting with AN has only been reported once in the previous literature and no association regarding their pathogeneses has been drawn yet. We report a rare case of a patient presenting CVG with concurrent AN, and suggest a shared underlying pathogenesis in these two disease entities which may be related to FGFR2 signaling pathway.

A Protruding Nodule after Filler Injection / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Inverse Psoriasis with Autoimmune Hepatitis

No abstract available.

Eccrine Syringofibroadenoma in a Patient with Long-Standing Exfoliative Dermatitis

Eccrine syringofibroadenoma (ESFA) is a rare benign cutaneous adnexal lesion characterized by a hyperplastic epithelium and eccrine ductal differentiation. In the present case, a 73-year-old Korean male presented with symmetrical numerous widespread, pinkish nodules with a cobblestone appearance over both legs for 2 years. He had a history of generalized erythematous scaly patches over his entire body for 20 years. On histopathologic findings, diagnosis of ESFA was confirmed. Our unusual and interesting case emphasizes the first report described one case in which multiple cobblestone like ESFAs arising from long-standing exfoliative dermatitis.

Pilomatricoma Arising at a Td Vaccination Site / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Analysis of the Distribution of Pores and Factors Affecting Facial Pores / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Pores are the openings of the pilosebaceous unit or the apocrine gland. Increase in pore size or in the number of dilated pores may be a cosmetic problem. To date, epidemiological studies on the numbers of dilated pores have been rarely reported. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the distribution of pores and the factors affecting pores. METHODS: We compared the number of dilated facial pores on the face according to site, age group, and sex. The relations of pore counts to wrinkle severity and to the amount of hydration were also analyzed. Dermavision(TM), a device that can take cross-polarization, parallel polarization, and ultraviolet light images, was used. Parameters were measured at three points: the forehead, cheek, and nose. RESULTS: The results revealed that dilated pores were more common on the nose and forehead. The pore counts were increased with age, and the increment was significant between participants in their 30s and 40s. Moreover, dilated pore counts were affected by wrinkle severity. The amount of hydration did not affect the counts of dilated pores. CONCLUSION: In this study, the number of dilated pores differed depending on the location. Moreover, it was confirmed that pore counts were higher in older persons. The pore counts showed a correlation with wrinkle severity.

Clinical course of esophageal varices treated with endoscopic variceal ligation / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) has been widely used to control acute variceal bleeding. However, eradication of varices with EVL is difficult and rebleeding following successful EVL is frequently problematic. Our aims were to assess the efficacy of EVL for treatment of acute variceal bleeding and to evaluate risk factors associated with rebleeding during follow-up period. METHODS: One-hundred and five patients were included, who had undergone EVL due to bleeding of esophageal varices. Retrospective analysis was performed about hemostatic success rate, rebleeding rate and risk factors for rebleeding. RESULTS: Hemostatic success rate was 84.8% (89/105). During follow-up period, eradication of varices was observed in 5.7% (6/105), downgrading in 44.8% (47/105), no change of grade in 35.2% (37/105), and progression of varices was observed in 3.8% (4/105). Mean number of sessions for eradication were 3.3 (range, 2 to 8). Rebleeding was observed in 55.2% (58/105), and rebleeding rate increased with lapse of time, as 24.5% after 3 months, and 37.1% in 6 months, and 50.7% in 12 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis for risk factors of rebleeding showed that number of sessions of variceal ligation was associated with significant reduction of rebleeding (p=0.01, OR 0.184). CONCLUSION: EVL was effective for hemostasis of acute variceal bleeding, but progression of varices and rebleeding episodes were common. Adequate follow-up evaluation is mandatory, and repeated variceal ligation is required for eradication of varices and secondary prevention of bleeding.

A Case of Intestinal Tuberculosis Presenting Massive Hematochezia Controlled by Endoscopic Coagulation Therapy / 대한소화기학회지

The clinical manifestations of intestinal tuberculosis are non-specific. But, abdominal pain, low grade fever, weight loss, anorexia, and diarrhea are major symptoms of intestinal tuberculosis. Massive bleeding has been reported as a rare manifestation of intestinal tuberculosis. Massive hematochezia from intestinal tuberculosis has rarely been reported in the medical literature. Also, most of them were treated with anti-tuberculosis medication only or with surgery. We treated a case of intestinal tuberculosis presenting massive hematochezia with colonoscopic coagulation therapy and anti-tuberculosis medication. Here, we report a Korean man who presented with massive hematochezia from ileal tuberculosis and treated by endoscopic coagulation therapy.

A Case of Small Bowel Polyp Bleeding Diagnosed by Capsule Endoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Small bowel diseases are uncommon and difficult to be diagnosed by conventional methods such as endoscopy and radiologic study. Recently, wireless capsule endoscopy has been known as a new diagnostic method to detect the small bowel diseases, especially in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. A 48-year-old male patient admitted our hospital with signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and iron deficiency anemia. There was no evidence of bleeding in upper and lower endoscopic exams. Finally, wireless capsule endoscopy demonstrated small bowel polyp as a cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. We report a case of small bowel polyp bleeding diagnosed by wireless capsule endoscopy with a review of relevant literatures.

Current effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment in primary care setting in Korea / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Since the international guideline of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy was introduced into Korea, many reports about eradication outcomes have been documented. These data were published mostly from referred university hospital. However, in Korea, majority of patients has been treated with H.pylori eradication regimen in primary care setting. This study was performed to investigate the eradication rate of H. pylori in primary care office of Seoul, Korea. METHODS: Total 173 patients with H.pylori-positive gastroscopy results received eradication regimen-mainly one week PPI based triple therapy-from January 1998 to March 2003. Four weeks after completion of medication, urea breath test, biopsy and CLO test were performed to detect H.pylori. RESULTS: Total eradication rate was 87.9%. The eradication rate of male and female were 90.3% and 84.3%, respectively (p>0.05). The eradication rate of patients older than younger than 60 was 81.5% vs 89.0%, respectively (p>0.05). There was no statistical significance in annual eradication rate. In eradication rate, there was no significant difference among PPI regimen (omeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole). Whether endoscopic diagnosis is gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer, there was no statistical difference in eradication rate between them. In the same way, there was also no statistical difference between peptic ulcer and H.pylori associated gastritis. CONCLUSION: The current eradication rate of H. pylori in primary care setting of Korea was 87.9%. H.pylori eradication rate in primary care setting was not much different from that in referred hospital in Korea, but it was lower than that reported by controlled trials of 1995 (initial times of introduction of international guide line into Korea). So far, the results have been acceptable, but there still remains to be investigated in PPI-based triple therapy as H.pylori eradication in primary care setting in the future of Korea.

A Clinical Study of Androgenetic Alopecia (III)

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia is considered to be a genetically determined disorder influenced by age and androgen. The proportion of patients with androgenetic alopecia among the total number of patients with alopecia seems to be gradually increasing. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the family history,clinical and endocrine status of the patients with androgenetic alopecia. METHODS: 1113 patients with androgenetic alopecia who had visited the Department of Dermatology, Yongsan Hospital, College of Medicine,Chung-Ang University during the 3 years (1995.1-1998. 12) have been examined. RESULTS: The results are summarized as follows 1) The incidence of androgenetic alopecia among the total number of alopecia patients was 64.5%, showing recent increment. 2) There were 855 male and 258 female patients being most prevalent in the third decade in both sexes and the patients younger than 30 years old with premature androgenetic alopecia,made up 70.3% of the male patients and 48.8% of the female patients with androgenetic alopecia. 3) While Norwood's type Iia was the most common and following type II, III vertex,and IV in the male AGA, Ludwig's type II was the most common in female AGA 4) There was a family history of baldness in 53.5% of first degree relatives in male patients and 51.6%in female patients. 5)Associated diseases were observed in 565(66.8%) of the male patients and 219 (84.8%) of the female patients:diseases associated with androgen such as seborrheic dermatitis and acne vulgaris occupied 39.1%. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, those who want to treat androgenetic alopecia at the earlier ages are gradually increasing and it seems to be reasonable to believe that the age, genetic factors, localized effects of androgens on the scalp and the density and/or functional activity of androgen receptors may influence the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia.

A Case of Zoster Duplex Bilateralis

Herpes zoster involving noncontiguous dual dermatomes is very rare in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised persons. This unique presentation has been referred to as zoster duplex unilateralis or bilateralis, depending whether one or both halves of the body are involved. A 22-year-old woman, who had been treated for acute leukemia, congestive heart failure and chronic disseminated candidiasis, was referred to our department for painful papulovesicular eruptions on the right side of the anterior chest and upper back for 2 days, and the left buttock for 1 day. Tzanck smear revealed multinucleated giant cells with intranuclear inclusion bodies. We report a rare case of zoster duplex bilateralis.

Development of Multiple Pigmented Nevi Within Segmental Nevus Depigmentosus

Nevus depigmentosus is a stable and well-circumscribed congenital hypomelanosis that may be in an isolated, dermatomal or systemic form. An 18-yr-old Korean man with segmental nevus depigmentosus developed multiple pigmented nevi which were present only within the confines of the leukoderma. Histologic and electron microscopic studies rendered a diagnosis of nevus depigmentosus with dysplastic nevus to the patient. The genetic alteration of melanocytes in the hypopigmented lesion is assumed to have resulted in the development of multiple pigmented nevi.

A Case of Desmoplastic Malignant Melanoma

Desmoplastic malignant melanoma (DMM) is an uncommon variant of malignant melanoma featuring a proliferation of spindle cells with pronounced desmopaasia. DMM commonly occurs on the sun-damaged skin such as head and neck in older persons, and it can be associated with lentigo maligna. We report an unusual case of desmoplastic malignant melanoma that developed de novo on the trunk in a young patient.

A Case of Skin Necrosis due to Adriamycin Extravasation / 대한피부과학회지

Adriamycin extravasation into subcutaneous tissues during intravenous administration results in an intense inflammatory response, which may progress to full thickness skin loss. With increased use of the potent anticancer drug adriamycin, there are increasing numbers of severe local tissue damage at the venous administration sites. We report a case of skin necrosis that was caused by extravasation of adriamycin in the treatment of multiple myeloma. When anticancer drug extravasation occurs, early recognition and adequate management is required.

Requirement of B7 Molecule in Activation of Dendritic Epidermal T Cell by Transformed Keratinocyte / 대한면역학회지

No abstract available.

A Case of Multiple Plexiform Schwannomas

Plexiform schwannoma is a relatively rare, benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor that can be located either in the deep soft tissues or in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. This tumor may occur singly or as multiple lesions and may be localized to one anatomic site or diffusely distributed. Plexiform schwannoma should be differentiated with plexiform neurofibroma or other plexiform malignant tumors. We describe a case of a 6-year-old patient with multiple cutaneous plexiform schwannomas who had no other stigmata of neurofibromatosis 1 or family history suggesting a genetic disorder. The histopathological study revealed a tumor composed of multiple intradermal or subcutaneous interlacing and interconnecting fascicles and nodules that vary in size and shape. Characteristic Antoni A type cellular tissue showing frequent nuclear palisading and Verocay bodies were observed within well circumscribed elongated nodules.

A Case of Allergic Contact Dermatitis Due to Topical Antifungal Cream / 대한피부과학회지

Propylene glycol, which is capable of producing both primary irritant and allergic skin reaction, is a common used vehicle for numerous topical preparations. The topical imidazole antimycotics are widely used but an infrequent cause of contact allergy. A 20-year-old female presented with erythematous scaly patch on the lower leg. An erythematous pruritic papulovesicular eruption developed around the lesion after applying Nizoral cream and was aggravated after applying Travogen cream. Patch test with Korean standard series and the ingredients of both cream revealed positive reaction to the propylene glycol contained in Nizoral cream and isoconazole nitrate in Travogen cream.

Three Cases of Generalized Lichen Nitidus

Lichen nitidus(LN) is an uncommon chronic inflammatory disease of shiny, flat-topped, flesh-colored uniform papules most commonly located on the penis, forearms and wrists, lower abdomen, and thighs. LN almost has localized distribution, but in rare cases, it may become generalized. In Korea, three cases of generalized LN were reported. We report here three cases of generalized lichen nitidus in 31-year-old man, 8-year-old boy, and 6-year-old girl who had generalized numerous pinhead-sized, erythematous to flesh-colored, shiny papules. Microscopically, they had typical appearance of LN.