Dermatological Applications of Iontophoresis / 대한피부과학회지

Transdermal drug delivery is applicable to only a few drugs because the stratum corneum is an excellent barrier to percutaneous absorption. Iontophoresis is a non-invasive technique which increases the drug deliveries into the skin through an electric current. In iontophoretic systems, the movement of ionized drugs is facilitated by electrical energy according to the basic electrical principles of "like charges repel each other and opposite charges attract". Iontophoresis has been explored for many dermatological applications with considerably successful reports. This article reviews the principles and advantages/limitations of iontophoresis, the factors affecting iontophoresis and its applications in various dermatological conditions.

A Case of Herpes Zoster with Abducens Palsy

Only a few reports have focused on ocular motor paralysis in herpes zoster ophthalmicus. We report a case of ocular motor paralysis resulting from herpes zoster. The patient, an 80-yr-old woman, presented with grouped vesicles, papules, and crusting in the left temporal area and scalp, with diplopia, impaired gaze, and severe pain. Her cerebrospinal fluid analysis was positive for varicellar zoster virus IgM. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to rule out other diseases causing diplopia; there were no specific findings other than old infarctions in the pons and basal ganglia. Therefore, she was diagnosed of abducens nerve palsy caused by herpes zoster ophthalmicus. After 5 days of systemic antiviral therapy, the skin lesions improved markedly, and the paralysis was cleared 7 weeks later without extra treatment.

Four Cases of Cutaneous Larva Migrans after Travel in the Philippines / 대한피부과학회지

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a rare serpiginous creeping eruption caused by accidental penetration and migration in the skin with a larval form of nematodes. It is caused by hookworm larvae, which are present in the feces of infected dogs and cats. Most cases of CLM in Korea have been shown to involve travelers returning from tropical areas or hot climates. We experienced four patients who had pruritic serpiginous linear eruptions on their skin after traveling to the endemic areas (Boracay island in Philippine). After treatment with albendazole, the skin lesions resolved with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We report herein these four cases, together with a literature review of CLM cases in Korea.

A Case of Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated with Castleman's Disease / 대한피부과학회지

Castleman's disease, also known as angiofollicular lymphoid hyperplasia or giant lymph-node hyperplasia, is an unusual form of a lymphoproliferative disorder, and is divided clinically into a solitary and a multicentric form. The multicentric form of Castleman's disease is almost always of the plasma cell type. This can coexist with Kaposi's sarcoma in some cases. Kaposi's sarcoma is a multicentric, proliferative, vascular tumor involving cutaneous and visceral tissue. Iatrogenically-developed, immunosuppression-associated Kaposi's sarcoma is usually the result of immunosuppressive therapy. A 61-year-old man diagnosed as the plasma cell type of Castleman's disease, who had been treated with prednisolone for 2 years, was referred to the department of dermatology with numerous skin lesions consisting of confluent, violaceous-colored papules and plaques on his palm and soles. Histologic examination of the cutaneous lesions showed consistency with Kaposi's sarcoma. We report a rare case of Kaposi's sarcoma associated with multicentric Castleman's disease.

Six Cases of Tinea Capitis in Adults / 대한의진균학회지

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair. It is very common in children and unusual in adults. We evaluated the clinical and mycologic aspects of tinea capitis in 6 adult patients registered in Kyunghee University Hospital from January 2003 to December 2003. The isolated dermatophytic flora of the patients consisted of Trichophyton rubrum (83%) and Microsporum canis (17%). When tinea capitis occurs in adults the clinical features may be atypical and this may delay the diagnosis. The necessity for heightened clinical suspicion and diagnostic tenacity in the evaluation of adults with scalp dermatitis and/or alopecia for possible tinea capitis is underscored.

A Case of Kerion Celsi Caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes / 대한의진균학회지

Kerion celsi is a highly inflammatory, supprative fungal infection of the scalp caused mainly by zoophilic dermatophytes transmitted from animals to man. We report a case of kerion celsi caused by Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes in 9 year-old male, who showed 10 x 9 cm and 2 x 1 cm sized, markedly inflammatory, boggy masses on the scalp and erythematous scaly patch on the philtrum. Cultures from a scalp lesion of the patient on Sabouraud glucose agar showed T. mentagrophytes. Treatment was done systemically with steroid and antifungal agents.