Effects of a Spouse’s Aromatherapy Hand Massage on Fatigue, Stress, and a Couple’s Relationship in Pregnant Women

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a spouse’s aromatherapy hand massage on fatigue, stress, and a couple’s relationship in pregnant women. @*Methods@#A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. Pregnant women were selected as participants on prenatal education program of 2 health centers. For the experimental group, 28 pregnant women were selected from 1 health centers. Thirty-two pregnant women were assigned to a control group from another. Bergamot, lavender, and sandalwood oil were mixed at a ratio of 1:1:1 and diluted to 1% in a jojoba carrier oil. This oil was used for aromatherapy and had already been identified as not being hazardous to pregnant women. Participants received an aroma hand massage from their spouses 5 times a week for 4 weeks, a total of 20 times. Pre and post written survey were collected from both groups. The data were analyzed by χ2 test, independent t-test, paired t-test and analysis of covariance using IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 25.0 program.Result: There was a statistically significant difference in stress (F=17.39, p<0.001) and the couple’s relationship (F=18.87, p<0.001) between the experimental group and the control group. Fatigue was not significantly different between the 2 groups (F=2.61, p=0.112), but there was a difference pre and post the experimental group (t=-5.30, p<0.001). @*Conclusion@#These findings indicate that a spouse’s aroma hand massage is effective as a nursing intervention for pregnant women to relieve fatigue and stress, and improve the couple’s relationship.

A Clinical Study on the Efficacy of Cosmetics Containing the Ascidian tunic in Reducing Wrinkles / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: In the last few decades, there has been a substantial increase in the population of aged people. Aging skin is a common concern for many people these days. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cosmetics containing Ascidian tunic in reducing wrinkles. METHODS: Cream containing the Ascidian tunic was applied to right lateral epicanthal areas of 30 subjects for 8 weeks. As control group, a placebo which does not contain the Ascidian tunic was applied to the left lateral epicanthal areas of the subjects. Skin barrier function was evaluated and skin replicas were molded on both epicanthal areas every 4 weeks. The changes of the skin wrinkles were analyzed with skin visiometer. RESULTS: In comparison of the changes between groups treated with placebo and Ascidian tunic, there was statistically significant differences in hydration and sebum secretion. But there were no statistically significant differences in the result of R-value by visiometer. CONCLUSION: The treatment of Ascidian tunic extract seems to be partially effective in improving wrinkles, but further study is required.

A Quantitative Culture Study of Staphylococcus aureus in Adolescent and Adult Patients with Atopic Dermatitis using the Contact-plate Sampling Technique / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The stratum corneum of the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) is highly susceptible to colonization by various bacteria, including Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. Because the frequency of bacterial colonization is significantly higher, skin barrier function against bacterial invasion appears to be significantly disrupted in AD. S. aureus colonization in AD is thought to be important in the development and aggravation of eczematous skin lesions. Over the past decades, there have been several quantitative methods of cutaneous bacterial culture from the skin; the swab method, scrub method, tape method and contact plate method. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the contact-plate sampling technique as a quantitative culture method of S. aureus in atopic dermatitis. METHOD: The subjects were 24 patients with AD and 24 age-matched normal controls. S. aureus was sampled at 4 evaluation sites (neck forearm abdomen, popliteal fossa) of AD patients and normal controls using the contact-plate sampling technique. We also checked skin barrier function by measuring the transepidermal water loss (TEWL). RESULTS: Based on the data, we found that the number of S. aureus colonies in the samples from AD patients was significantly higher than from normal controls (p<0.05, 4 sites respectively). Also, TEWL at the 4 evaluation sites of AD patients was significantly higher than in normal controls (p<0.05, 4 sites respectively). However, S. aureus colonization did not usually show significant correlation with TEWL. CONCLUSION: The contact-plate sampling technique provides a reliable qualitative and quantitative culture method of S. aureus, which is inexpensive and convenient so can be used in both children and within a busy clinic.

Repair of the Combined Defect of the Nasolabial Fold and Nose with Simple Primary Suture and Modified Transposition Flap / 대한피부과학회지

The performance of facial cutaneous reconstructive surgery requires understanding and application of many important principles. Facial surgical defects can be repaired by simple primary suture, secondary intention healing, skin graft or by cutaneous flap. Tissue reservoirs, mechanisms and effects of tissue movement, and favorable incision placement should be considered when planning a local flap repair for surgical defects. Surgical techniques that maximize the aesthetic and functional outcome should be conducted. Management of surgical defects of the nose is often challenging. Maintenance of an aesthetically and functionally normal nose requires careful preoperative planning and meticulous surgical technique. One of the challenges in nasal reconstruction is the lack of excess skin within the nasal cosmetic unit. We reconstructed the defect of the nasolabial fold and nose with simple primary suture and modified transposition flap and achieved a good cosmetic result.

Five Cases of Congenital Triangular Alopecia / 대한피부과학회지

Congenital triangular alopecia has been reported as a rare form of focal hair loss, characterized by a triangular patch of permanant alopecia on the frontoparietal area of the scalp, present from birth. However, it shows diverse clinical spectra of onset, shape and location and, furthermore, it may not be as rare as previously thought. Therefore, in order to avoid inappropriate management, it is very important to differentiate it from preclinical nevoid entities such as epidermal nevus, aplasia cutis and, especially, alopecia areata. We herein report five cases of congenital triangular alopecia.

A Study on the Relationship of Allergy-related Labaratory Findings with the Clinical Severity of Atopic Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The serum levels of serum total IgE, peripheral eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) are known to be elevated in patients with atopic dermatitis. However, the relationship between these laboratory findings and the clinical severity of atolpic dermatitis is controversial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum total IgE, peripheral eosinophil counts, ECP as severity indices or disease markers of atopic dermatitis in Korea. METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients were evaluated for the symptoms and signs of atopic dermatitis, and classified into a mild, moderate or severe group according to the clinical severity. We measured for total serum IgE, peripheral eosinophil counts, ECP and assessed allergen-specific IgE using multiple allergosorbent test-chemiluminescent assay (MAST-CLA) and CAP-fluoroenzyme immunoassay (CAP-FEIA). RESULTS: Serum total IgE and peripheral eosinophil counts of patients with atopic dermatitis showed a statistically significant correlation with the clinical severity (p<0.05). Patients from the severe atopic dermatitis group revealed significantly higher ECP level than those in the mild or moderate group (p<0.05). The most common inhalant allergen was D. farinae, followed by D. pteronyssinus, housedust, and the most common food allergen was wheat, followed by soyabean and egg white. CONCLUSION: Total serum IgE, peripheral eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were good indices reflecting the severity of atopic dermatitis.

A Case of Nodular Cystic Fat Necrosis Presenting as Highly Migrating Subcutaneous Nodules / 대한피부과학회지

Nodular cystic fat necrosis is a distinct benign subcutaneous nodule characterized by encapsulated necrosis of subcutaneous fat in which non-viable adipose cells are pathologically surrounded by fibrous tissue. We report a case of nodular cystic fat necrosis in a 47-year-old woman who presented with a 2-month history of had multiple highly- movable, subcutaneous nodules on both shins and posterior thigh. There was an absence of any noteworthy trauma history. Each lesion showed a highly-migratory property, and could easily be moved about 10 cm in any direction. Plain film revealed multiple radiopaque nodules on the right shin. Calcification and lipomembranous changes, in addition to typical features, were also found on histopathologic examination.

A Clinicomycologic Study of Dermatophytosis of the External Auditory Meatus / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Otomycosis is a mycotic disease of the external auditory meatus. Aspergillus is the most common pathogen. Despite the fact that a great number of fungi are considered as the cause of otomycosis, otomycosis due to dermatophytes occurs with great rarity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical and mycological features of dermatophytosis in the external auditory meatus. METHODS: We performed a clinical and mycologic analysis of 17 patients who had been clinically and mycologically diagnosed with dermatophytosis of the external auditory meatus. In addition, amplication of TRS-1 and TRS-2 of the ribosomal DNA nontranscribed spacer was performed on strains of Trichophyton (T.) rubrum and T. raubitshcekii which were isolated from skin lesions of the external ear and cerumen in 6 patients. RESULTS: The ratio of male to female patients was 1.4:1. The age of patients were 6 to 72 and mean age of onset is 36.4. Eleven patients had concomitant dermatophytosis of other sites. Tinea unguium was combined in 7 cases, tinea pedis in 4 cases, tinea corporis in 3 cases, tinea manus in 2 cases and tinea cruris in 1 case. The positive rate of KOH examination was 88.2% and the positive rate of fungal culture on PDAC media was 88.2%. The most common organism cultured was T. rubrum (80.0%), followed by T. raubitschekii (13.3%) and T. mentagrophytes (7.7%). Ten patients were treated with topical terbinafine and seven patients with oral itraconazole, so all patients were cleared of fungi from the external auditory meatus and inflammation was resolved. With TRS-1 and TRS-2 amplication, 4 of 5 pairs of T. rubrum and 3 strains of T. raubitshcekii showed the same types regardless of the site in each patient. CONCLUSION: Dermatophytosis occurs rarely in the external auditory meatus but we experienced 17 cases of dermatophytosis at this site. With suspected otomycosis, dermatophytosis of the external auditory meatus and concomitant dermatophytosis must be investigated and treated simultaneously to prevent any recurrence.

The Effects of Tacrolimus on Keratinocytes and Melanocytes of Vitiligo / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is caused by the destruction of melanocytes, however the precise mechanism is still not known. Recently, abnormalities of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity have been documented in patients with this disorder, thus providing a theoretical basis for introducing tacrolimus ointment which works as an immunomodulator in the treatment of vitiligo. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to examine the effects of tacrolimus on the survival rates of keratinocytes and melanocytes in vitiligo patients, as well as the melanization of melanocytes. METHODS: Keratinocytes and melanocytes from the normal skin of 4 vitiligo patients were cultured. They were then treated with various concentrations of tacrolimus (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100micrometer) for 5 days. Thereafter, MTT (3-(4,5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-di-phenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and melanin content analysis were performed. RESULTS: Tacrolimus showed no significant effect on the survival rates of keratinocytes. However, a mild proliferative effect on melanocytes was observed at 10micrometer concentration. On the other hand, marked cytotoxicity was observed at higher than 100micrometer concentration, and there was no effect under 1micrometer concentration. The melanin content of individual melanocytes were decreased in proportion to the concentration. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that tacrolimus does not have a proliferative effect on keratinocytes and melanocytes in vitiligo patients, and has a tendency to decrease the melanin content in the melanocytes.

Clinical Effects of Dihydroxyacetone Solution for Vitiligo Patients / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a common, acquired, progressive depigmenting disorder. It is not physically destructive, however often leaves patients visibly disfigured by uneven color of the exposed areas such as the face or hands, especially in colored races. Most treatment protocols for vitiligo usually require a long treatment duration and do not result in complete repigmentation. Therefore, cosmetically-acceptable and easily-usable alternatives are needed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) solution for Korean vitiligo patients. METHODS: Thirty eight patients were treated with DHA, who suffered from vitiligo affecting the face, hands, trunk and thighs. They were instructed to apply DHA once every other day. Thereafter, the number of applications and intervals were adjusted according to the status of coloring. We surveyed the grade of subjective satisfaction, and also measured the L*, a* and b* values of normal skin, vitiligo lesion, DHA-applied site (n=10) and autologous suction blister graft site (n=6) and compared color difference between those areas using the Minolta Chromoameter gap (Minolta, Ramsey, New Jersey, USA). RESULTS: The characteristic pigmentation showed an acceptable cosmetic improvement in 27 of the 38 patients after 4-6 weeks of treatment. L* value was improved after DHA application, while a* and b* values showed more discrepancy than normal skin color. As a whole, the color difference between normal skin and vitiligo lesion was decreased after DHA application. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that DHA could be used for Korean vitiligo patients as an additional option for cosmetic correction.

Clinical Features of Herpes Zoster according to Immune State / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can be reactivated as a consequence of declining VZV-specific cellular immunity, leading to herpes zoster. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical features of herpes zoster according to immune state. METHODS: We classified 343 cases of herpes zoster into three groups, according to the presence of underlying disease and immune state; immunocompetent state without underlying disease (Group A), immunocompetent state with underlying disease (Group B), immunocompromised state (Group C). We compared the distribution of age, sex, season and dermatome, severity of skin lesion and pain, and the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia among these groups. RESULTS: 1. There was a significant difference between group A and B in age distribution. 2. The ratio of male to female, seasonal distribution and severity of skin lesion were not significantly different among the three groups. 3. The incidence of trigeminal involvement was significantly, higher in group A and B with statistical significance, while that of thoracic involvement was higher in group C. 4. The percentage of severe pain was significantly higher in group B than in group C. However, the rate of pain relief was not significantly different among the three groups. 5. The incidence of postherpetic neuralgia was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that immune state may significantly influence the clinical features, such as distribution of age, dermatome and severity of pain in herpes zoster.

A Case of Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor on the Face / 대한피부과학회지

In 1978, the malignant rhabdoid tumor was known as a sarcomatous variant of Wilm's tumor because of its histological similarities to rhabdomyosarcoma. Since then, it has been regarded as a clinico-pathologic entity which commonly occurs in childhood and shows aggressive biologic behavior. However, histologically, identical tumors have been reported in various extrarenal organs and tissues, but have turned out to have different characteristics. Therefore, whether the rhabdoid tumor was a phenotype or an entity became controversial. We report herein, a case of a malignant rhabdoid tumor on the face.

A Case of Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor on the Face / 대한피부과학회지

In 1978, the malignant rhabdoid tumor was known as a sarcomatous variant of Wilm's tumor because of its histological similarities to rhabdomyosarcoma. Since then, it has been regarded as a clinico-pathologic entity which commonly occurs in childhood and shows aggressive biologic behavior. However, histologically, identical tumors have been reported in various extrarenal organs and tissues, but have turned out to have different characteristics. Therefore, whether the rhabdoid tumor was a phenotype or an entity became controversial. We report herein, a case of a malignant rhabdoid tumor on the face.

The Significance of Mantoux Test and Antitubercular Therapy in the Patients with Inflammatory Nodules on the Legs / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The inflammatory nodules on the legs are often difficult to distinguish because of clinical variations and similarity of histopathologic features. Both erythema nodosum and erythema induratum are known to be associated with various conditions, especially tuberculosis. In Korea where tuberculosis is still a major health problem, it may be a cause for the inflammatory nodules on the legs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish the correlation with Mantoux test and inflammatory nodule and evaluate the efficacy of antitubercular therapy in Korea. METHODS: We performed the prospective study of 26 patients with inflammatory nodules on the legs. All patients preformed Mantoux test and skin biopsy. The patients who had strongly positive Mantoux reaction were treated with antitubercular therapy. RESULTS: The ages of the 26 patients (Male 4:Female 22) ranged from 12 to 76 years. All patients had recurrent painful, tender subcutaneous nodules on the legs. Fourteen patients of total 26 patients had a strongly postive Mantoux reaction (induration > or = 20 mm). They were treated with combination antitubercular therapy. After antitubercular therapy, skin lesions subsided in 12 patients within 2 months and in the remaining 2 patients, subsided within 4 months. The therapy was well tolerated except for flu-like symptom in one patient and drug induced hepatitis in the other patient. CONCLUSION: We suggest that antitubercular therapy is effective in the management of patients with a strongly positive Mantoux reaction with chronic recurrent inflammatory nodules on the legs in Korea.

Change of Skin Barrier Function According to Stratum Corneum Removal by Tape Stripping / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: The major function of the skin is to prevent loss of water and electrolytes and transepidermal penetration of harmful materials. The stratum corneum is known to play a major role in the skin barrier function. Tape stripping (TS) with adhesive cellophane tape is one of the best method of removing the stratum corneum on the skin surface, and has been used in studies of the skin barrier function when investigating material distribution in the stratum corneum and transepidermal absorption of drugs. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the skin barrier function according to removal of the stratum corneum by TS. METHOD: Six vitiligo patients who had undergone autologous suction blister grafting were tested. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured on the normal skin of the buttocks in each patient after every fifth TS, plus on the skin where the entire epidermis had been removed by autologous suction blister grafting. We compared these two values and also examined morphological change of the stratum corneum after TS, by both light and electron microscope. RESULTS: The TEWL value slightly increased when TS was carried out up to 30 times, but greatly increased to 20g/m2h of TEWL when TS was done 30-40 times. Thereafter, no increase in TEWL was observed when TS was carried out up to 100 times. The pattern of TEWL according to numbers of TS approximately plotted a sigmoid curve. On average, there was about 88% impairment to the skin permeability barrier function after TS. When the TEWL increased to more than 70g/m2h over baseline TEWL, the stratum corneum was almost removed, as revealed by light and transmission electron microscope. CONCLUSION: The stratum corneum acts as a major skin barrier, and the mid to lower portion of the entire stratum corneum appears to play a significant role in the skin permeability barrier function.