Regional Variation of Human Skin Surface Temperature

No abstract available.

Risk Factors Affecting Adverse Effects of Cyclosporine A in a Real-World Psoriasis Treatment

BACKGROUND: No study to date has focused on the changes in laboratory test results and related risk factors in patients with psoriasis treated with prolonged Cyclosporine A (CsA) therapy. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the changes of laboratory values and related risk factors in patients with psoriasis treated with CsA in a real-world setting. METHODS: Records of patients with psoriasis treated with CsA at an outpatient clinic were collected, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model was used. RESULTS: Of the 128 patients included in this study, 28 patients (21.9%) showed laboratory test abnormalities over a mean medication period of 11.6 months. Older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.174; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.068~1.370; p=0.007) and pre-existing kidney disease (HR, 0.008; 95% CI, 0~0.205; p=0.001) significantly increased the risk of renal dysfunction. Male sex was the only significant risk factor for liver enzyme elevation (HR, 0.284; 95% CI, 0.081~0.784; p=0.026) and uric acid abnormality (HR, 0.048; 95% CI, 0~0.372; p=0.046). CONCLUSION: This is an in-depth analysis of laboratory changes and related risk factors in patients with psoriasis treated with CsA. Liver is the most commonly affected organ of CsA toxicity. Older age, male sex, and presence of kidney disease were risk factors associated with laboratory abnormality during CsA treatment.

Allergen Sensitization Pattern by Sex: A Cluster Analysis in Korea

BACKGROUND: Allergens tend to sensitize simultaneously. Etiology of this phenomenon has been suggested to be allergen cross-reactivity or concurrent exposure. However, little is known about specific allergen sensitization patterns. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the allergen sensitization characteristics according to gender. METHODS: Multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) is widely used as a screening tool for detecting allergen sensitization in dermatologic clinics. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with MAST results between 2008 and 2014 in our Department of Dermatology. A cluster analysis was performed to elucidate the allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E cluster pattern. RESULTS: The results of MAST (39 allergen-specific IgEs) from 4,360 cases were analyzed. By cluster analysis, 39items were grouped into 8 clusters. Each cluster had characteristic features. When compared with female, the male group tended to be sensitized more frequently to all tested allergens, except for fungus allergens cluster. CONCLUSION: The cluster and comparative analysis results demonstrate that the allergen sensitization is clustered, manifesting allergen similarity or co-exposure. Only the fungus cluster allergens tend to sensitize female group more frequently than male group.

A Questionnaire Survey for Proper Education of Atopic Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic education is important for successful management of atopic dermatitis (AD). OBJECTIVE: To provide effective therapeutic education, clear common misunderstandings, and answer questions regarding AD among patients and caregivers. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted for patients and caregivers who visited the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, regarding the course, etiology, and management of AD. RESULTS: Among the 327 subjects who participated in the study, only 35.2% were aware of the natural course of AD, which usually improves with age. Many subjects (53.2%) misinterpret AD relapse as resistance to topical steroids. We found that 87.8% of subjects were under the impression that improvement in a patient's immunity can improve the symptoms of AD. Dietary restriction was considered an essential management strategy, and 59.0% of subjects agreed to delay the initiation of weaning foods. Most subjects did not have accurate information about cleansing methods, and 30.9% of subjects reported that they used only water without any cleanser. We noted that 47.5% of subjects obtained information regarding AD from medical doctors who they considered the most reliable sources (82.5%). Subjects preferred printed materials (41.3%) over seminars or video-clips to obtain educational information. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic education regarding the course, etiology, and management of AD using printed materials put together by physicians would be a valuable tool for the effective management of AD. Institutional support such as educational programs covered by the National Health Insurance Service is required.

A Questionnaire Survey for Proper Education of Atopic Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic education is important for successful management of atopic dermatitis (AD). OBJECTIVE: To provide effective therapeutic education, clear common misunderstandings, and answer questions regarding AD among patients and caregivers. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted for patients and caregivers who visited the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, regarding the course, etiology, and management of AD. RESULTS: Among the 327 subjects who participated in the study, only 35.2% were aware of the natural course of AD, which usually improves with age. Many subjects (53.2%) misinterpret AD relapse as resistance to topical steroids. We found that 87.8% of subjects were under the impression that improvement in a patient's immunity can improve the symptoms of AD. Dietary restriction was considered an essential management strategy, and 59.0% of subjects agreed to delay the initiation of weaning foods. Most subjects did not have accurate information about cleansing methods, and 30.9% of subjects reported that they used only water without any cleanser. We noted that 47.5% of subjects obtained information regarding AD from medical doctors who they considered the most reliable sources (82.5%). Subjects preferred printed materials (41.3%) over seminars or video-clips to obtain educational information. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic education regarding the course, etiology, and management of AD using printed materials put together by physicians would be a valuable tool for the effective management of AD. Institutional support such as educational programs covered by the National Health Insurance Service is required.

Tumoral Calcinosis as an Initial Complaint of Juvenile-Onset Amyopathic Dermatomyositis

Calcinosis is rarely observed in juvenile-onset amyopathic dermatomyositis in contrast to juvenile-onset dermatomyositis. A 6-year-old female presented with several 0.5 to 2 cm-sized painless grouped masses on both knees for 3 years. The patient also presented with multiple erythematous scaly patches and plaques on both elbows, knuckles, buttock, ankles and cheeks. Her mother had similar skin lesions which were erythematous scaly patches on the knuckles and elbows, since her childhood. When skin biopsy was performed from a left knee nodule, liquid chalky discharge was observed. The biopsy results were consistent with calcinosis cutis. Other biopsies from erythematous patch of the patient and erythematous patch of her mother showed vacuolization of basal cell layer with inflammatory cell infiltrations. Laboratory findings showed normal range of serum phosphorus (4.5 mg/dl), calcium (9.3 mg/dl), 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (10.8 ng/ml) and parathyroid hormone levels (11 pg/ml). Both patient and her mother had no history of muscle weakness and showed normal levels of muscle-specific enzyme. Both patients were diagnosed with juvenile-onset amyopathic dermatomyositis based on histopathology and cutaneous manifestations with no evidence of muscle weakness and no serum muscle enzyme abnormalities. Tumoral calcium deposits observed in daughter was diagnosed as dystrophic calcinosis which can be rarely seen in juvenile-onset amyopathic dermatomyositis. The patient is being treated with oral acetazolamide (40 mg/kg/d) for calcinosis.

Low-level Light/Laser Therapy in Dermatology / 대한피부과학회지

Low-level laser or light therapy (LLLT) was used to accelerate wound healing without the use of thermal effects in the early days. Although the exact mechanism of LLLT is still unclear, it has been recognized as a photobiomodulation process. Today, LLLT is being credited as a non-invasive treatment modality, and in particular, being widely applied in the field of dermatology. In this review, we summarize the basic principles and clinical applications of LLLT to provide an up-to-date guidance on its practical and safe uses. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of action of LLLT in various indications, and to determine the wavelength and dose for optimal clinical use.

Multicenter questionnaires on the current management of atopic dermatitis in Korea

PURPOSE: The effective management of atopic dermatitis (AD) adjusted to individual clinical courses and demands can be challenging to both patients and physicians. Understanding of actual situations, experienced and perceived by patients with AD and their caregivers, is essential to improve clinical outcomes and satisfaction in real practice. METHODS: This multicenter survey was conducted in patients with AD or their caregivers from 9 centers with questionnaires on diagnosis and management of AD. RESULTS: A total of 324 patients and caregivers participated in the study. Most of the AD cases were initially diagnosed by physicians (80.6%), followed by self-diagnosis. Patients and caregivers thought that allergic substances, such as house dust mites, food, and pollutants, are responsible for AD development; moisturization, environmental control, and improvement of the body constitution are important for AD management. Allergy tests were performed in 194 patients (59.9%), but allergen avoidance strategy was instructed in only 81 subjects (41.8%). Major topical medications were steroids (81.8%) and topical immunomodulators (34.3%), while systemic medications were steroids (42.6%), antihistamines (36.4%), and cyclosporins (2.8%). One hundred eighty-one subjects (55.9%) had received complementary alternative medicine, including Oriental medicine. Many subjects desired to receive individualized management, use of specialized institutions for AD as well as evidence-based, effective, sustainable treatment. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that there may still be an unmet need for patients with AD in real practice. Personalized, evidencebased, and multidisciplinary approaches, including patient education, should be implemented for good outcomes.