ABSTRACT
Chemical leukoderma is seen in a variety of clinical settings. We present a case of leukoderma associated with the phenolic derivative thymol found in a common over-the-counter medication for nasal congestion. The proposed mechanism for this type of leukoderma is presented along with other sources of phenolic and catecholic derivatives. Treatment is also briefly reviewed.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hand dermatitis is a significant problem among inpatient nurses. Accurate population-based data on the prevalence and risk factors for hand dermatitis in this group are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hand dermatitis in inpatient nurses at a US hospital. METHODS: Each nursing unit in a single hospital was visited twice by a single physician. All nurses working at the time of each visit were questioned and examined. No nurses were enrolled twice. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent (92 of 167) of the nurses had hand dermatitis. Among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, the prevalence was 65% (35 of 54); among non-ICU nurses, the prevalence was 50% (57 of 113). In nurses with self-reported atopic dermatitis, the prevalence was 71% (12 of 17); in nurses without self-reported atopic dermatitis, it was 53% (80 of 150). Data collection on variables such as hand hygiene and glove use relied on subject recall and was considered unreliable. There was a low prevalence of atopic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hand dermatitis affects over 50% of inpatient nurses. Hand dermatitis appears to be more common in the ICU setting and in nurses with a self-reported history of atopy.
Subject(s)
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/epidemiology , Dermatitis, Occupational/epidemiology , Hand Dermatoses/epidemiology , Nurses/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/etiology , Dermatitis, Allergic Contact/pathology , Dermatitis, Occupational/etiology , Dermatitis, Occupational/pathology , Hand Dermatoses/chemically induced , Hand Dermatoses/pathology , Hospital Units , Hospitals, Teaching , Humans , Pennsylvania/epidemiology , Prevalence , Surveys and Questionnaires , WorkloadABSTRACT
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary cutaneous neoplasm known for its propensity to develop early regional and distant metastasis. Fewer than 400 cases occur annually in the United States. MCC ranks as the most deadly of cutaneous malignancies, with a fatality rate of approximately 25%. Because of its aggressive nature, MCC is often resistant to surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy regimens. Standardized treatment patterns have not been established, and difficulty arises finding appropriate treatment for the elderly, who comprise the majority of patients with MCC.
