A woman in her thirties with facial swelling and necrotic lesions. / En kvinne i 30-årene med hevelse og nekrotiske lesjoner i ansiktet.

A woman in her thirties developed multiple necrotic lesions on her face in a short space of time. A dermatologist recognised clinical features associated with a rare diagnosis, which was eventually confirmed by diagnostic workup. Known atopic eczema increased the risk of a severe course of what was initially a mild disease, and a multidisciplinary approach proved necessary.

Variability in patch test reactions--first report from the Norwegian Patch Test Registry.

BACKGROUND: A nation-wide Norwegian Patch Test Registry (NOLAR) was established in 2005 as a collaboration between six dermatology departments. International, multi-centre studies have documented great variability in the frequency of positive patch test reactions, considered as mainly due to heterogeneity of test populations. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the variability of positive test reactions by studying patch tests performed at the six collaborating departments, using standardized procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from all patch tests (n = 2089) performed in 2007-2008 as registered in the NOLAR program. Differences between centres were analysed using Exact Pearson chi(2) test. RESULTS: Between the centres, positive test reactions (+, ++, or +++) varied significantly for 8 of the 26 allergens in the European Baseline Series. When considering strong reactions (++ or +++) only, the differences were statistically significant for six of these allergens, i.e. cobalt chloride, potassium dichromate, p-phenylenediamine, formaldehyde, paraben mix, and mercaptobenzothiazole. CONCLUSION: The results indicate regional differences in the prevalence of sensitization to certain allergens within the Norwegian population, although inter-observer differences cannot be ruled out as a factor.

[Diseases that affect both skin and oral mucosa]. / Sykdommer som affiserer hud og munnslimhinne.

BACKGROUND: Several diseases may affect both skin and oral mucosa. This article presents hereditary, autoimmune and other inflammatory conditions within this group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of the literature as well as the authors' own experience in the field. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Lichen planus, erythema multiforme and lupus erythematosus are relatively common disorders with generally favourable prognosis. The much less frequent bullous diseases pemphigoid and pemphigus are characterized by a high morbidity, often requiring a deliberate use of immunosuppressants. Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and the more severe forms of epidermolysis bullosa are potentially life-threatening conditions. It is recommendable that medical doctors and dentists are familiar with the clinical presentations and diagnostic procedures of diseases affecting skin and oral mucosa.

Vitiligo--an autoimmune side-effect of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillation?

We report a case of vitiligo in a 63-year-old man who had undergone intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin treatment following removal of a superficial transitional cell carcinoma in the bladder.

[Plants and plant produce--about plants as cause of diseases]. / Flora og efflorescenser--om planter som årsak til hudsykdom.

BACKGROUND: Plants and plant products may lead to a variety of skin disorders, commonly referred to as phytodermatoses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: On the basis of literature studies and on the author's own experience, this article discusses the main groups of phytodermatoses, focusing on Norwegian plants that may cause skin disorders. RESULTS: A small number of plant families account for more than 95% of the phytodermatoses. Contact allergy to plants of the Compositae family is an important cause of skin disorder. Phytodermatoses are commonly related to the patient's occupation. INTERPRETATION: Doctors should be familiar with the term phytodermatoses and be aware of plants and plant products as possible causes of skin disorder.