Morphoea profunda and its relationship to eosinophilic fasciitis.

In this small case series, all eight patients were women in their fifth and sixth decades. This is similar to the female predominance in morphoea and less in keeping with eosinophilic fasciitis (EF). All cases had diffuse induration of their limbs with both proximal and distal patterns of distribution, and five of the patients exhibited peau d'orange skin. All patients had diffuse induration of the lower limbs and half had restricted ankle movements. Six patients had concomitant superficial morphoea. This group of patients demonstrated a unique subtype of the morphoea spectrum with some features overlapping with EF. However, there appear to be points of distinction, and we propose that some previously reported cases labelled as EF would be better described as having morphoea profunda (MP). Methotrexate may be a useful treatment for MP, hence it is important to distinguish this from EF, as management may differ.

Recommendation to test limonene hydroperoxides 0·3% and linalool hydroperoxides 1·0% in the British baseline patch test series.

BACKGROUND: There is a significant rate of sensitization worldwide to the oxidized fragrance terpenes limonene and linalool. Patch testing to oxidized terpenes is not routinely carried out; the ideal patch test concentration is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine the best test concentrations for limonene and linalool hydroperoxides, added to the British baseline patch test series, to optimize detection of true allergy and to minimize irritant reactions. METHODS: During 2013-2014, 4563 consecutive patients in 12 U.K. centres were tested to hydroperoxides of limonene in petrolatum (pet.) 0·3%, 0·2% and 0·1%, and hydroperoxides of linalool 1·0%, 0·5% and 0·25% pet. Irritant reactions were recorded separately from doubtful reactions. Concomitant reactions to other fragrance markers and clinical relevance were documented. RESULTS: Limonene hydroperoxide 0·3% gave positive reactions in 241 (5·3%) patients, irritant reactions in 93 (2·0%) and doubtful reactions in 110 (2·4%). Linalool hydroperoxide 1·0% gave positive reactions in 352 (7·7%), irritant reactions in 178 (3·9%) and doubtful reactions in 132 (2·9%). A total of 119 patients with crescendo reactions to 0·3% limonene would have been missed if only tested with 0·1% and 131 patients with crescendo reactions to 1·0% linalool would have been missed if only tested with 0·25%. In almost two-thirds of patients with positive patch tests to limonene and linalool the reaction was clinically relevant. The majority of patients did not react to any fragrance marker in the baseline series. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that limonene hydroperoxides be tested at 0·3% and linalool hydroperoxides at 1·0% in the British baseline patch test series.

Use of ustekinumab for severe refractory atopic dermatitis in a young teenager.

When conventional systemic immunosuppressive treatments fail in the setting of severe eczema, unlike in psoriasis, there are limited treatment options and only anecdotal evidence to help guide clinicians. There is a growing body of evidence for the use of certain biologic agents for moderate to severe eczema. We report the youngest case to date successfully and safely treated with ustekinumab for severe refractory atopic dermatitis.

Subungual corn: a tender pigmented subungual lesion in older people.

BACKGROUND: Heloma durum occurs as a tender mass in the distal nail bed beneath the big toenail in older women. OBJECTIVES: To define and report a variant of heloma durum not referenced in the literature. METHODS: This was a retrospective study whereby records, including photographs, of all cases of subungual corn were reviewed. All patients were seen in an outpatient setting. RESULTS: The records of 16 patients [15 women, one man, mean age 68 years (range 49-87)] were examined; history was between 6 and 30 months, none of the patients had received effective treatment. Mycology was negative. All reported discomfort under the big toe nail; 12 had associated subungual haemorrhage. The right big toenail was involved in 10 of 16 patients. Shared clinical features were of a subungual focus of hyperkeratosis (100%) with haemorrhage admixed in 75% of cases. The lesion was in the midline third of the nail in 11 of 16 patients (69%). The affected distal margin of nail was the uppermost point in the lateral profile of the toe (100%). Hyperextension at the distal interphalangeal joint of the affected toe was demonstrated with the patient standing. Local excision was performed when diagnosis was unclear (eight patients); simple clearance of the keratin plug was performed in the other eight patients. There was no relapse in patients who were followed up for > 6 months (n = 7). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical explanation and paring down should be attempted in order to avoid surgery at this poor healing site in the elderly.