[Adverse effects of hair care in users]. / Effets indésirables des soins capillaires chez les utilisateurs.

The panoply of products used by hair care professionals to wash, dye, shape and beautify hair is not entirely free from adverse events. Such effects consist mainly of irritation dermatitis and allergic contact eczema affecting the scalp, as well as the back and front of the neck, the forehead and periorbital areas, and the cheeks. The most frequently cited allergens include paraphenylenediamine (PPD) in hair dyes, glycerol monothioglycolate (GMTG) in acid perm lotions, and ammonium persulphate in hair lighteners (the latter substance being responsible primarily for contact urticaria). However, care should also be paid to other allergens such as cocamidopropyl betaine among surfactants, as well as certain components in hair formulations such as preservatives and fragrances (as well as minoxidil, frequently used by patients).

[Dermatoporosis, a vintage for atrophoderma and transparent skin]. / La dermatoporose, un "vintage" de l'atrophodermie et de la "peau transparente".

Skin ageing occasionally manifests itself at long-term by severe atrophoderma. Systemic or topical corticotherapy exerts an atrophic impact mimicking the effects of old age. Such atrophoderma condition has been described as transparent skin about 40 years ago, and it received more recently the new denomination of dermatoporosis. Such condition stands out in the medical history to induce clinical consequences. They are sometimes prominent introducing diverse lesions such as Bateman purpura, stellate scars and wounds following minor trauma.

[Patch testing: historical aspects]. / L'historique des patch-tests.

This article reviews the key points in the history of patch testing, which spans more than a century, starting with the first description of the method by J. Jadassohn in 1895. Special attention is paid to the contribution of French schools in this field, which led to the foundation of the Groupe d'études et de recherches en dermato-allergologie (GERDA).

[Patch testing methods in different climatic conditions]. / Patch-tests dans différentes conditions climatiques.

Patch testing in cold and dry climatic conditions presents no practical problems. However, in tropical and subtropical countries, patch testing methods must be adapted in order to avoid irritation.

Non-sedating antihistamines in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria using patient-reported outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) greatly impairs quality of life (QoL). Thus, patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, using validated scoring instruments, are probably the most accurate tools available for assessing the efficacy of medications that treat CIU, such as second-generation antihistamines. RESEARCH METHODS: A structured search of the MEDLINE database was conducted to identify English-language papers published between 1 January 1991 and 30 September 2007 on the treatment of CIU with the second-generation antihistamines cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, and levocetirizine, and their effects on patient-reported QoL. We used the following search terms alone or in combination: 'chronic idiopathic urticaria'; 'pruritus'; 'wheals'; 'hives'; 'second-generation antihistamines'; 'cetirizine'; 'desloratadine'; 'fexofenadine'; 'levocetirizine'; and 'quality of life'. SCOPE: We evaluated the effects of second-generation antihistamines on the QoL of subjects with CIU using desloratadine as a treatment model. Desloratadine was selected because it is the most frequently assessed non-sedating second-generation antihistamine in QoL studies in patients with CIU. FINDINGS: Desloratadine 5 mg QD improved QoL in numerous PRO studies. Treatment with desloratadine significantly (p < 0.05) lowered (better) scores in three studies (n = 364) that used validated dermatology-specific scoring instruments. Three 6-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (n = 553) found that desloratadine significantly (p < 0.05) improved patient-reported pruritus, sleep disruption, and interference with daily activities. Desloratadine was associated with a low incidence of adverse events and an overall tolerability profile similar to placebo. LIMITATIONS: Limitations in this review include divergence in search practices that may lead to omission of relevant research, unintentional error in data transfer, inconsistency in quality of selected papers, and potential publication bias against papers that report results from small studies. CONCLUSIONS: The favorable impact of second-generation antihistamines on the QoL of patients with CIU was demonstrated using desloratadine, the most frequently investigated drug in this field, as a treatment model.

Desloratadine 5 mg once daily improves the quality of life of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria is known to debilitate a person's quality of life via sleep disruption, itching lesions, fatigue, social isolation, energy loss and emotional/sexual difficulties. Once-daily desloratadine significantly improved the signs and symptoms of CIU. OBJECTIVE: Assess the effect of desloratadine 5 mg once daily on the quality of life of patients suffering of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). Study population One-hundred twenty-one consecutive patients with CIU present for at least 6 weeks prior to inclusion and with a current flare of at least 3 weeks, were included in the study in 24 Belgian centres. RESULTS: The mean dermatology life quality index (DLQI) significantly decreased from baseline to day 7 and further to day 42. Sixty per cent and 77% of patients had a clinically significant change (i.e. a decrease of at least 2 points) at day 7 or day 42, respectively, as compared with that of day 0. Change in pruritus and size of the hives significantly correlated with the change in the score of the quality of life. One-third of patients experienced complete relief whereas in 1 of 10 patients no effect was experienced. CONCLUSIONS: Desloratadine significantly improves the quality of life of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria as reflected by the dermatology life quality index (DLQI).

[Sarcoidal granulomas following injections of botulic toxin A (Botox) for corrections of wrinkles]. / Granulomes sarcoïdosiques après injections de toxine botulique A (Botox) pour correction de rides.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of foreign material into the skin can lead to sarcoidal reactions. Such a reaction is reported, consecutive to injections of botulic toxin A (Botox). CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old woman, noticed the occurrence of frontal and glabellar nodules, 3 weeks after the injection of botulic toxin A (Botox), for the correction of wrinkles. Histopathological examination revealed a sarcoidal granuloma. Clinical and biological investigations were negative, ruling out the hypothesis of systemic sarcoidosis. The lesion could be reproduced experimentally by an intradermal injection of botulic toxin A on the volar aspect of the forearm. Corticosteroids per os associated with intralesional injections of triamcinolone acetonide were followed by a complete regression of the nodules. DISCUSSION: The occurrence of sarcoidal granulomas at the sites of injection of botulic toxin A (Botox(R)) has not been reported - so far - in the literature. Systemic sarcoidosis has been ruled out. The sarcoidal reaction has been reproduced experimentally by the intradermal injection of botulic toxin A, but not by saline. This leads to think that the sarcoidal reaction was provoked by antigenic stimulation, comparable to the Kveim reaction, and did not correspond to "scar sarcoidosis".

[Acneiform eruptions induced by cetuximab]. / Eruptions acnéiformes induites par le cétuximab.

INTRODUCTION: Many drugs may induce acneiform eruptions: vitamine B12, corticosteroids, androgens, lithium, tuberculostatics, halogens, some antidepressants, anticonvulsives and immunosuppressors. Many cases of acneiform eruptions can be observed following treatment with cetuximab, a drug used for solid cancers at advanced stages in experimental protocols. CASE REPORTS: Case 1. A 56 year-old woman, suffering from a colorectal cancer, developed a sudden acneiform eruption after 6 cures of cetuximab, at a one-week interval. She was treated with bisoprolol hemifumarate, sodium levothyroxin, cyproterone acetate and estradiol valerate. Clinical examination revealed inflammatory and follicular papulopustules localized on the face and upper chest. Comedos were absent. Itching sensations were discrete. Histopathological examination of a papulopustule revealed a folliculitis with polymorphonuclear neutrophils. PAS staining did not reveal the presence of bacteria or yeasts. Bacterial and fungal cultures were negative. Lesions faded in approximately 2 weeks following minocycline treatment (100 mg/day). Case 2. A 65 year-old man, treated by cetuximab for a colorectal adenocarcinoma, suddenly developped follicular inflammatory papulopustules on the face, trunk and extensor surfaces of both arms, after 3 weeks of treatment. Itching was discrete. Comedos were absent. Histopathology revealed the presence of a folliculitis with polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Bacteriology and mycology were negative. Lesions were partly controlled by administration of minocycline (100 mg/day) but worsened again in the days following each cure of cetuximab. DISCUSSION: Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody binding to the epidermal-growth-factor-receptor. It is used in the treatment of solid cancers at advanced stages. Both case reports share some similarities: the development of follicular inflammatory papulopustules distributed on the face and trunk typical, of acneiform drug eruptions. Itching is discrete. Comedos are absent. Quick onset of lesions is the rule. Cetuximab can be added to the list of drugs responsible for acneiform eruption.

Routine patch testing with frullanolide mix: an European Environmental and Contact Dermatitis Research Group multicentre study.

Contact sensitivity to plants containing 1 or more sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) is difficult to diagnose. The mixture of SLs (SL mix) has been shown to detect only about 60% of sensitized individuals. In order to improve the diagnosis of sensitization to plants containing SLs, we have tested a mixture of frullanolides contained in Frullania dilatata and Frullania tamarisci at 3 different concentrations (0.01%, 0.033% and 0.1% in petrolatum). 8605 consecutive eczema patients in 1 North American and 15 European dermatology departments were tested with this mix, and 0.35% of positive cases to the different concentrations were found. Routine use of this mix permitted detection of only a small percentage of extra cases and did not improve the SL mix score. The frullanolide mix should therefore be restricted to investigations in particular geographical zones and/or in particular occupations.

[Acquired ichthyosis disclosing Hodgkin's disease. Simultaneous recurrence]. / Ichtyose acquise révélant une maladie de Hodgkin. Récidive simultanée.

INTRODUCTION: Hodgkin's lymphoma is rarely evidenced by dermatological signs or symptoms. OBSERVATION: A 37 year-old man progressively developed widespread cutaneous roughness, with small parallel lines producing fish-like scales. A skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of acquired ichthyosis, as evidenced by the absence of the epidermal granular layer. The patient's condition was assessed to be satisfactory. However, two months later, his general condition had gradually deteriorated (night sweats, weight loss, axillary and scalp alopecia, and adenopathies). Hodgkin's lymphoma was diagnosed. After treatment with adriamycin, bleomycin, vincristine and dacarbazine, complete remission of the lymphoma was obtained, and concomitantly, the symptoms of acquired ichthyosis resolved; this was confirmed by serial skin biopsies that evidenced the progressive complete restoration of the granular layer. The level of plasmatic vitamin A and carotene, which had decreased before the treatment, returned to normal values. A subsequent relapse of Hodgkin's lymphoma was preceded by the recurrence of ichthyosis; this time vitamin A and carotene levels were not decreased. DISCUSSION: As a paraneoplastic syndrome, acquired ichthyosis as a first sign of Hodgkin's lymphoma is discussed. In the presence of acquired ichthyosis, repeated monitoring of the patient is required since clinical symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma are often delayed. Acquired ichthyosis is also an early marker of lymphoma recurrence.

[Paget's extramammary disease of the axillae and perineum]. / Maladie de Paget des creux axillaires et de la région périnéo-inguinale.

INTRODUCTION: Paget's extramammary disease mostly affects genital, perianal and axillary regions. Whilst triple involvement has been described in Japanese patients, simultaneous lesions of both axillary regions and the inguinal area are exceptional among European patients. We report a case of triple Paget's extramammary disease in a Caucasian patient. CASE-REPORT: A 79-year-old male patient who developed a prostatic adenocarcinoma 3 years ago, was seen for an erythemato-squamous intertrigo of both axillary folds and the pubic area, present for 10 years, not diagnosed and resistant to topical treatments. Triple Paget's extramammary disease was confirmed by both histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations. No recurrence of the prostatic adenocarcinoma was observed. DISCUSSION: Since the first description of triple Paget's extramammary disease, 28 cases have been reported in Japan. To our knowledge, this is the first case observed in a Caucasian patient. The clinical features of axillary lesions are described as pigmented or depigmented plaques, sometimes lichenoid or erosive. For some Japanese authors, a biopsy is mandatory even in the absence of clinical lesions, since typical Paget cells can be found. Immunohistochemical studies reveal CK7 expression, the marker of choice for primary extramammary Paget's disease. CK7 - would suggest underlying regional internal malignancy as well as CK20 +. Despite the fact that the immunophenotype was CK7 +/CK20- the patient developed an evolving prostatic adenocarcinoma. Although various treatments are described in the literature, surgical excision remains the first line treatment whenever possible.

[Eccrine porocarcinoma with extensive cutaneous metastasis]. / Porocarcinome eccrine avec large extension métastatique de voisinage.

BACKGROUND: Porocarcinoma is a malignant tumour of the eccrine sweat duct, arising from acrosyringium. The tumoral lesions involve the deep dermal tissue. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an 84 year-old woman, suffering from a porocarcinoma, extensively involving the major part of the left lower limb. The first symptoms appeared two years ago. Hundreds of metastatic papules and small nodules were present, isolated or confluent into large plaques. The clinical picture was very close to lymphangioma. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination. Radiotherapy was useful short-term, allowing partial flattening of the lesions and improving lymphatic drainage, thus providing comfort for the patient. It did not prevent a later progression of the tumoral process. DISCUSSION: Porocarcinoma is a rare tumour that usually appears as a single nodule or a plaque, arising from a preexistent eccrine poroma, or developing de novo. Two histopathological variants are described: trabecular or epidermotropic. This latter form, observed in the present case, is more aggressive, leading to frequent local recurrences and/or metastases. Our report is exceptional: the literature shows only one other case with such widespread cutaneous involvement. The clinical course of our case is discussed.

Beneficial effects of a skin tolerance-tested moisturizing cream on the barrier function in experimentally-elicited irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.

In experimentally-induced irritant (ICD) and allergic (ACD) contact dermatitis, an oil-in-water (o/w) cream was applied to investigate its effects on a disturbed barrier function compared to untreated physiological barrier repair. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements were performed. Before the start of the experiments, the skin tolerance of the cream was examined, revealing the non-irritating characteristics of the ingredients and the absence of any contact allergic patch test reaction. In the ICD study, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) patches were applied to the forearms of young female volunteers. Consequently, it was observed that repeated cream application (14 days, 2x/day) significantly improved the TEWL of SLS-damaged skin, leading to a complete recovery on day 15. In the ACD study, disruption of skin barrier function was obtained by a nickel-mediated contact allergy patch (CAP) test. The cream was then applied 2x/day for 4 consecutive days. Assessment of TEWL clearly showed that recovery of the disrupted skin significantly improved after cream application in comparison to untreated barrier repair.

Superficial granulomatous pyoderma gangrenosum of the face, successfully treated by ciclosporine: a long-term follow-up.

We report a case of the superficial granulomatous (vegetating) form of pyoderma gangrenosum, involving the forehead and the left temporal area in a 44-year-old woman. No association with other pathologies could be found. Lesions responded dramatically to systemic ciclosporine (5 mg/kg/day), and complete healing was reached after 6 months. Doses were tapered progressively. Treatment was discontinued after 4.5 years. Discontinuation was not followed by recurrence of the disease. Healing is maintained after another 4.5 years of follow-up.