Clinical and experimental dermatology
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Clin. Exp. Dermatol. · Apr 2009
ReviewOral ulcers: clinical aspects. A tool for dermatologists. Part I. Acute ulcers.
Oral ulcers are generally painful lesions that are related to various conditions developing within the oral cavity. They can be classified as acute or chronic according to their presentation and progression. ⋯ The correct differential diagnosis is necessary to establish the appropriate treatment, taking into account all the possible causes of ulcers in the oral cavity. In the first part of this two-part review, acute oral ulcers are reviewed.
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Clin. Exp. Dermatol. · Aug 2008
Review Case ReportsNeurocutaneous melanosis in association with Dandy-Walker malformation: case report and literature review.
Neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) is a rare congenital noninheritable phacomatosis characterized by large and/or numerous cutaneous congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) in combination with melanocytic leptomeningeal tumours. Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) consists of a cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle communicating with the posterior fossa, and a high insertion of the tentorium and hypoplasia/aplasia of the cerebellar vermis (partially caused by Zic1(+/-)Zic 4(+/-) on 3q2). An association of NCM and DWM is very rare, with only 15 previously reported cases to our knowledge. ⋯ A ventriculoperitoneal shunt operation was performed when she was 1 day old. Her neurological symptoms to date comprise headaches, nausea and vomiting as a result of ventriculoperitoneal shunt dislocation at the age of 4 years. The diagnosis is provisional asymptomatic multiple CMN-type NCM in association with DWM.
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Malignant atrophic papulosis (MAP; also known as Degos' disease) has a purely cutaneous variant and a systemic variant with cutaneous manifestations. Both have similar cutaneous eruptions. MAP manifests as erythematous, pink or red papules (2-15 mm), which evolve into scars with central, porcelain-white atrophic centres. ⋯ No specific laboratory test can be used to aid in diagnosing MAP. Histopathologically, a wedge-shaped degeneration of collagen is present with a prominent interface reaction with squamatization of the dermoepidermal junction, melanin incontinence and epidermal atrophy. No treatment has been shown to be effective in the treatment of MAP.
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Clin. Exp. Dermatol. · Jan 2006
ReviewMustard: a potential agent of chemical warfare and terrorism.
As one of the most important vesicant agents, the destructive properties of mustards on the skin, eyes and respiratory system, combined with a lack of antidote, makes them effective weapons. Such weapons are inexpensive, easily obtainable and frequently stockpiled. Sulphur mustard (mustard gas) has been used as a chemical warfare agent in at least 10 conflicts. ⋯ The dose-dependent effects of acute sulphur mustard exposure on the skin, eyes, and respiratory system are described, as well as the possible extents of injuries, the mechanisms of action and the long-term complications. Prevention and management of mustard exposure are briefly discussed. The need for awareness and preparedness in the dermatological community regarding mustard exposure is emphasized.
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Clin. Exp. Dermatol. · Nov 2004
Review Case ReportsOral squamous cell carcinoma during long-term treatment with hydroxyurea.
Hydroxyurea (HU) is commonly used for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukaemia, polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia. Patients receiving HU present a number of side-effects including skin/mucosa changes and tumours. Mucocutaneous abnormalities include xerosis, ichthyosiform lesions, dark brown pigmentation of skin folds and nails, malleolar ulcers, oral mucositis and oral ulcers. ⋯ HU-induced carcinogenesis is due to both the mutagenic potential of this agent and to an impairment of DNA repair mechanisms after damage by external factors such as ultraviolet radiation. Oral cancer following long-term treatment with HU has been reported only once, in a patient with concomitant multiple skin tumours. We present the unique case of a patient with polycythemia vera who developed oral cancer after 15 years of HU therapy.