Multiple medicament allergies in two patients with chronic leg ulceration.

Medicament allergies in patients with chronic leg ulcers is well recognized. In the past, topical antibiotics, rubber additives and wool alcohols have been the most common reported allergens. Allergy to topical corticosteroids has been reported. We document two cases of multiple corticosteroid allergy in patients with chronic leg ulceration.

Propolis allergy: a cause of oral mucositis with ulceration.

Propolis has been used since ancient times in folk medicine for its alleged beneficial effects. It is a potent sensitizer and is well recognized as a cause of occupational allergic eczematous contact dermatitis in apiarists. Recently, there has been an increase in allergic eczematous contact dermatitis because of nonoccupational exposure to propolis in "natural products" and biocosmetics. This report describes a patient who had acute oral mucositis with ulceration as a result of using propolis-containing lozenges.

Oedemerid blister beetle dermatosis: a review.

Blister beetle dermatosis is a distinctive vesiculobullous eruption that occurs after contact with three major groups of beetles (Order: Coleoptera). It is caused by a vesicant chemical contained in the body fluids of the beetles. The smallest and least known family is the Oedemeridae. Although there are few references in the medical literature, blister beetle dermatosis caused by oedemerids may be more common and widespread than currently recognized. The best known family is the Meloidae with numerous species worldwide causing blistering. The vesicant chemical in both Oedemeridae and Meloidae is cantharidin. The third group of blister beetles includes species of the genus Paederus (Family: Staphylinidae). The clinicopathologic picture differs because this genus contains a different vesicant agent, pederin. The clinicopathologic features of oedemerid blister beetle dermatosis are described. The world medical and relevant entomologic literature is reviewed.

Piroxicam-induced photosensitive dermatitis.

Eleven patients had piroxicam-induced photosensitivity when first seen. Six were photopatch-tested to piroxicam (2%, 5%, 20% concentrations); all tests were positive. This same group were patch test-positive to thimerosal. Three of the eleven patients became persistent light reactors. Two additional patients developed persistent hand dermatitis.

Systemic treatment of psoriasis with an oral retinoic acid derivative (Ro-10-9359) Tigason.

In an open trial, eight patients with psoriasis took part in a four-month study to evaluate the effect of a new oral synthetic retinoid Ro-10-9359 (Tigason). All patients improved on the treatment, although one had side effects severe enough to force dosage reduction with less satisfactory control.

Systemic treatment of Darier's disease with an oral retinoic acid derivative Ro 10-9359 Tigason.

In an open trial, seven patients with Darier's disease took part in a three month study to evaluate the effect of a new oral synthetic retinoid. Ro 10-9359 (Tigason). The usual dose was 50 mg daily. At two-week intervals, lesions were graded with respect to their nature, erythema, keratosis, and percent of body surface area involved. All but one patient, were markedly improved on the drug, and showed a marked preference for the retinoid above other treatments. No patients withdrew because of side-effects but all suffered dry lips. Other side-effects were mild or moderate and well tolerated. It is concluded that Tigason is effective in Darier's disease.