Dermatitis herpetiformis: pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment

Researches on DH have shown that it is not just a bullous skin disease, but a cutaneous-intestinal disorder caused by hypersensitivity to gluten. Exposure to gluten is the starting point of an inflammatory cascade capable of forming autoantibodies that are brought to the skin, where they are deposited, culminating in the formation of skin lesions. These lesions are vesico-bullous, pruritic, and localized especially on elbows, knees and buttocks, although atypical presentations can occur. Immunofluorescence of perilesional area is considered the gold standard for diagnosis, but serological tests help in cases where it is negative. Patients who follow glutenfree diets have better control of symptoms on the skin and intestine, as well as lower risks of progression to lymphoma. Dapsone remains the main drug for treatment, but it requires monitoring of possible side effects, some potentially lethal.

Pyodermitis / Piodermites

Pyodermitis are primary skin infections mainly caused by pyogenic bacteria of the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus genera. They are relatively common diseases that affect adults and children. There have been frequent reports of bacterial resistance to the recommended antibiotics over the last few years; however, new substances are in use or under development, and this represents an evolution in the treatment of pyodermitis. This review aims at describing clinical, diagnostic and therapeutical features of major pyodermitis: impetigo, ecthyma, erysipelas, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome and folliculitis.

As piodermites são infecções cutâneas primárias originadas principalmente por bactérias piogênicas dos gêneros Staphylococcus e Streptococcus. Tratam-se de doenças relativamente comuns, que acometem adultos e crianças. Nos últimos anos há relatos freqüentes de resistência bacteriana aos antibióticos preconizados, no entanto, novas substâncias estão em uso ou mesmo em desenvolvimento, o que representa uma evolução na terapia das piodermites. Esta revisão tem como objetivo descrever aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos das principais Piodermites: impetigo, ectima, erisipela, síndrome da pele escaldada estafilocócica e foliculites.

Destruição de falanges provocada por onicofagia / Onychophagia-induced phalanx destruction

É descrito o caso de paciente de 32 anos que relatava o hábito de roer as unhas há mais de 20 anos, apresentando destruição total das falanges distais do primeiro, segundo e terceiro quirodáctilos esquerdos.

The case of a 32-year-old patient who had had the habit of nail biting for over 20 years is described. She presented total destruction of the distal parts of the first, second and third fingers of the left hand.