Acta dermato-venereologica
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Pruritus is an unpleasant sensation that leads to scratching. In addition to several diseases, the administration of drugs may induce pruritus. ⋯ For example, no clear distinction has been made between acute or chronic (lasting more than 6 weeks) forms of pruritus. This review presents a systematic categorization of the different forms of drug-induced pruritus, with special emphasis on a therapeutic approach to this side-effect.
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Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and its incidence is still rising. In recent years, new treatment modalities have been developed and existing modalities refined. The aim of this article is to give a histology-based overview of the available evidence-based research. ⋯ Where possible, treatment modalities were evaluated specifically. Selection criteria were histological subtype, primary or recurrent basal cell carcinoma and tumour localization. Although surgery remains the preferred treatment for most basal cell carcinomas, patient and tumour characteristics should be taken into account when choosing the most suitable treatment.
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Acta Derm. Venereol. · Jan 2008
ReviewBiopsychosocial mechanisms of chronic itch in patients with skin diseases: a review.
Itch is a major feature of many skin diseases, which adversely affects patient's quality of life. Besides disease severity, psychophysiological factors have been proposed to influence the itch sensation. In this review the evidence for a biopsychosocial model of itch is described, focusing in particular on evidence for the effects of personality characteristics, external stressors, cognitive, behavioural and social factors, and the possible mediating role of physiological processes. ⋯ Furthermore, cognitive factors, such as helplessness and worrying, and the behavioural response of scratching have been indicated as possible worsening factors. Overall, findings are in favour of a biopsychosocial model for the itch sensation. However, there is a strong need for more, methodologically sound research in order fully to understand the processes underlying the itch sensation.
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Acta Derm. Venereol. · Mar 1996
Review Case ReportsA case of actinic granuloma associated with periumbilical perforating pseudoxanthoma elasticum.
We report an unusual case of actinic granuloma of the face and periumbilical perforating pseudoxanthoma elasticum located superior to the umbilicus in a 57-year-old Korean woman. Histopathologically, these two dermatoses have a similar degeneration of elastic fibers, but they show different host reactions to the altered elastic fibers. In the actinic granuloma, actinically damaged elastic fibers were followed by granulomatous infiltration on the sun-exposed area, while in the perforating pseudoxanthoma elasticum, the altered elastic fibers induced a foreign body reaction, with subsequent transepidermal elimination. This is the first case report showing both actinic granuloma and periumbilical perforating pseudoxanthoma elasticum in the same patient, which suggests that the basic mechanism eliciting these dermatoses is similar.