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Skin Problems (skin + problem)
Selected AbstractsSkin problems related to noninfectious coastal microorganismsDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 1 2002William A. Burke While there are a number of coastal microorganisms that can cause infections of the skin, there are many that can cause skin problems that are noninfectious in nature. From cyanobacterial dermatitis to skin problems related to dinoflagellates, to skin signs of ciguatera or scombroid fish poisonings, to "sea lice"/"seabather's eruption," to "swimmer's itch," this article attempts to separate these entities into distinct syndromes caused by a variety of bacteria, phytoplankton and zooplankton. Treatment and prevention of these diseases are also discussed. [source] Skin problems in lower limb amputees: an overview by case reportsJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2 2007HEJ Meulenbelt Abstract The stump in lower limb amputees is prone to skin problems because it is exposed to several unnatural conditions (shear and stress forces and increased humidity) when a prosthesis is used. This study reviews the literature on case reports of lower limb amputees with skin problems on the stump. In total, 56 reports comprising 76 cases were identified in the literature. The main disorders are acroangiodermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, bullous diseases, epidermal hyperplasia, hyperhidrosis, infections, malignancies and ulcerations. [source] Skin disease is common in rural Nepal: results of a point prevalence studyBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2008S.L. Walker Summary Background, Skin problems are the commonest reason for people accessing healthcare services in Nepal but there is little information about the prevalence of skin disease. Objectives, To perform a point prevalence study of skin disease in the Terai region of Nepal. Methods, Five villages were randomly selected in Bara District in the Terai region of Nepal, and 878 people were examined. Results, The number of individuals identified as having a skin disease was 546. The point prevalence of identifiable skin abnormalities was 62·2% (546 of 878) (with 95% exact confidence intervals 58·9,65·4%). A wide range of dermatoses was identified. The six most prevalent were dermatophyte infections (11·4%), followed by pityriasis versicolor (8·9%), acne (7·7%), melasma (6·8%), eczema (5·6%) and pityriasis alba (5·2%). Overall, treatable skin infections and infestations were by far the commonest skin diseases identified. Conclusions, Our study has demonstrated a very high point prevalence (62·2%) of skin disease in rural Nepal. This study represents the first formal survey of skin disease in Nepal and demonstrates a large burden of disease, in particular treatable infections. [source] Physiological skin conditions of preterm and term neonatesCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2010F. S. Afsar Summary Skin problems in children during the first few weeks of life can raise concern, even for experienced neonatologists and paediatric dermatologists. The skin of preterm and term newborn babies has distinct differences from juvenile and adult skin. An understanding of the nature of neonatal skin, the physiological and nonphysiological skin conditions of preterm and term neonates, and skin care are essential in paediatric practice. This article discusses the nature of the neonatal skin and its physiological phenomena. [source] The use of protective gloves and the prevalence of hand eczema, skin complaints and allergy to natural rubber latex among dental personnel in the county of Uppsala, SwedenCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2000Magnus Lindberg During the past decade, there has been an increasing problem with acrylate allergy and natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy among dental personnel. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of these problems among dentists, dental nurses and dental hygienists in Uppsala county, Sweden. The study was based on a self-administered questionnaire sent to 690 persons with 527 responders (76%). The most common skin problem was dry skin, fissures and/or itching on the hands. Of the 72 persons (13.6%) reporting to have suffered from hand eczema during the past 12 months, 41 were patch tested with the TRUE Test standard series and the Swedish dental screening series. In the patch tested group, 9.8% reacted to 1 or more of the acrylates. In addition, 389 persons were tested for NRL allergy with the Pharmacia Upjohn CAP-RAST test, and of these, we found 7.2% to be positive. The prevalence of self-reported hand eczema and the number of positive CAP-RAST tests differed between the 3 occupations, with higher figures for the dentists. There was also a correlation between atopic eczema and hand eczema. Of those reporting skin symptoms, 67.7% connected them to the place of work and 28.8% related them to the use of gloves. [source] Patterns of skin manifestations and their relationships with CD4 counts among HIV/AIDS patients in CameroonINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Mbuagbaw Josephine Background, Skin manifestations are common clinical features among HIV/AIDS-positive patients. Their frequencies, patterns and associated factors have been shown to vary from region to region. The present study is aimed at documenting skin manifestations and their relationships with CD4 cell counts among HIV/AIDS patients in Cameroon. Methods, This study lasted for 16 months (from September 2001 to December 2002). After informed consent, data on skin disorders, HIV status, CD4 and viral load were obtained by physical examination and laboratory methods. Results, Of the 384 subjects studied, 236 (61.5%) were females and 148 (38.5%) were males. Up to 264 (68.8%) patients presented with at least one type of skin problem. Generalized prurigo, oral candidiasis, herpes zoster, and vaginal candidiasis were the most common skin problems. Mean CD4 cell count (128 ± 85 cells/mm3) and mean viral load (79,433 copies/mL) in patients with herpes zoster were higher (P < 0.001). Patients with oral candidiasis and vaginal candidiasis had significantly lower (109 ± 127 cells/mm3, P < 0.02) and higher (131 ± 85 cells/mm3, P < 0.05) mean CD4 cell counts, respectively. Prurigo was associated with higher mean viral load (31,623 ± 20 copies/mL, P < 0.04). Viral lesions were associated with high mean CD4 cell count (123 ± 83 cells/mm3, P < 0.001). Kaposi's sarcoma and parasitic lesions (crusted scabies) were both, respectively, associated with lower mean CD4 cell counts [(78 ± 66 cells/mm3, P < 0.001) (6 ± 0 cells/mm3, P < 0.04)]. Conclusion, We conclude, first that skin problems are common in HIV-infected individuals in Cameroon and that patients with advanced stages of these problems have relatively very low mean CD4 cell counts. Second, that mucocutaneous disorders like vaginal candidiasis and herpes zoster occur early in HIV infection while Kaposi's sarcoma is common in advanced HIV infection. [source] Microbiological effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in healthy volunteers: a comparative study using methyl aminolaevulinate and hexyl aminolaevulinate creamCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2007A. Yung Summary Background., Acne vulgaris is a common skin problem that affects up to 90% of adolescents. Colonization of the duct with Propionibacterium species is one of the factors implicated in the development of acne. Owing to the increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance, there has been an greater interest in the development of new methods to treat acne. Early studies have shown that photodynamic therapy (PDT) with aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) can lead to prolonged improvement in acne. Newer derivatives of ALA such as methyl aminolaevulinate hydrochloride (MAL) and hexyl aminolaevulinate hydrochloride (HAL) have been developed for use in PDT, with the potential benefits of higher lipophilicity and penetration potential. Objectives., To determine the microbiological effect and tolerability of a single application of HAL-PDT and to compare it with MAL-PDT in healthy volunteers. Methods., This was a randomised double-blind study to examine the microbiological effects and safety of a single application of MAL-PDT and HAL-PDT on normal skin in 18 healthy volunteers. Bacterial skin samples for Propionibacterium spp. and Micrococceae were obtained at baseline and 2, 4, 7 and 14 days. Results., Following PDT with MAL and HAL, a statistically significant transient reduction in mean density of Propionibacterium spp. 2 days after treatment using each agent (P < 0.05 for both) was found. There were no significant changes in mean number of Micrococceae for the duration of the study period. Treatment with HAL-PDT and MAL-PDT was well tolerated. Overall, HAL-PDT was associated with fewer side-effects compared with MAL-PDT (P < 0.01) over the 14 day study period. Conclusion., HAL-PDT and MAL-PDT transiently reduce density of Propionibacterium spp. density to a similar degree in normal healthy individuals. The transient reduction in Propionibacterium spp. suggests that the prolonged antiacne effect of PDT relies on factors independent of bacterial density. HAL-PDT appears to be better tolerated than MAL-PDT. [source] Fragrance contact allergic patients: strategies for use of cosmetic products and perceived impact on life situationCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 6 2009Susan Hovmand Lysdal Background: Fragrance ingredients are a common cause of contact allergy. Very little is known about these patients' strategies to manage their disease and the effect on their daily lives. Objectives: To investigate if patients with diagnosed fragrance contact allergy used scented products, how they identified tolerated products, and if fragrance allergy affected their daily living. Method: One hundred and forty-seven patients diagnosed with fragrance contact allergy in a 20-month period were included and received a postal questionnaire concerning the subjects of the study. One hundred and seventeen (79.6%) replied. Results: In total, 53/117 (45.3%) responded that they had found some scented products that they could tolerate. Thirty-seven (31.6%) had not tried to find any scented products and 26 (22%) had tried but could not find any. The methods most often used were trying different products and reading the ingredient label. Of the total respondents, 17.1% reported sick-leave due to fragrance allergy and 45.3% found that fragrance allergy significantly affected their daily living. Conclusion: Many patients with fragrance contact allergy succeeded in finding some scented products, which they could tolerate, e.g. by use of ingredient labelling, but a significant proportion had continued skin problems. Almost half of the patients perceived that fragrance allergy significantly affected their daily lives. [source] FS07.2 Occupational contact dermatitis and workers' compensationCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Kathryn Frowen Statistics for occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) in Australia are gathered from workers' compensation (WC) data and research has indicated that occurrence is underestimated by as much as 400%. This study investigated reasons which might influence decisions whether to claim WC or not. A questionnaire was posted to 168 individuals diagnosed with significantly work related OCD at a specialised occupational dermatology clinic, therefore fulfilling valid claim criteria under the WC scheme operating in the state of Victoria. 70 completed responses were analysed. Ages ranged from 18,65 and only 40% had claimed workers' compensation, with those under 45 y less likely to claim. Females were significantly (P < 0.05) less likely to claim, as were respondents who had dermatitis present for less than 6 months. At the time of diagnosis, 37% of respondents were health care workers, 10% hairdressers, 7% food handlers, and 29% worked in hospitals, 24% manufacturing, 10% hairdressing salons, and 7% each vehicle maintenance, food service and trades. 31% no longer worked for the same employer, however 90% of respondents were still employed. Those who did not claim WC lost less time from work than those who claimed, but more non-claimants still had skin problems quite often or constantly than did claimants. 28.6% of non-claimants had all or some of their medical and/or lost time costs paid by their employer, and only 18% of claimants had all of their costs paid by their employer or WC insurer. Although the sample size was small, interesting data was also obtained from the qualitative responses. [source] FS13.2 Intervention on work-related skin problems among gut cleanersCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Mari-Ann Flyvholm Work-related skin problems are frequent in the food processing industry. A randomised intervention study with a one-year follow up was carried out among gut cleaners in order to prevent work-related skin problems due to wet work. The effects of the intervention were primarily measured by telephone interviews using questionnaires based on a standardized questionnaire for work-related skin diseases and exposure (NOSQ-2002).* The intervention activities included an evidence-based prevention program and an evidence-based method for implementation. Six of the 18 participating departments were randomly assigned to the intervention group and the remaining 12 departments to the comparison group. A total of 644 employees responded in the baseline interview and 622 in the follow-up interview carried out a year later. The participation rates were 87,5% and 71,6% respectively. Among the 495 participants answering in both interviews the frequency of eczema on hands or forearms within the past 3 months was reduced significantly by more than 25% in the intervention departments. A minor increase was observed in the comparison departments. This study has shown that even in jobs without the possibility to reduce high exposure to wet work work-related skin problems can be reduced by proper preventive measures. *) Susitaival P, Flyvholm M-A, Meding B, Kanerva L, Lindberg M, Svensson Å, Ólafsson JH. Contact Dermatitis 2003;49:70,76. [source] FS13.5 Occupational contact dermatitis: printer worker's viewpointsCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Terry Brown Introduction:, Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is very common in the printing industry due to contact with chemicals, paper, and wet work. It can be avoided by adequate protective measures, but the effectiveness of intervention depends heavily on the employer's and employee's awareness of this health risk. Objectives:, The study aimed to collect information on the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of print workers about the risk of OCD and methods of prevention. Methods:, A series of focus groups were held with print workers, health and safety officers and managers to discuss their awareness of dermal risk factors, risk behaviour at work, attitudes to health and safety and options on possible preventive measures. A number of companies were also visited to observe, overtly and covertly, the normal work practices. Results:, OCD was not perceived to be either a major problem or a health and safety priority. There was general agreement about the processes and work practices that could cause skin problems. However, work practices varied considerably and did not always reflect this awareness. There was general concern about the type and availability of personal protective equipment, especially gloves and after-work skin cream. The provision of an occupational health service was generally felt to be inadequate, and no company had a policy in place that specifically addressed skin care. Conclusions:, These findings highlight the urgency to intensify health and safety education on skin care within the printing industry. Recommendations were developed for the evaluation of a series of risk reduction strategies. [source] Computer-related skin diseasesCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 5 2003Marjolein Wintzen The use of computers has increased vastly, occupationally as well as for private use, and in the last decade, a number of reports have been published in which skin problems are ascribed to the (intensive) use of computers. Not only irritant or mechanically induced contact dermatitis has been reported but also allergic contact dermatitis. As this appears to be a new group of occupational dermatoses, we present a brief overview of these cases, and aetiologic factors are discussed. [source] Career counsellors and occupational contact dermatitisCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 4 2003Helen Saunders Career counsellors are in a unique position to provide timely preventive advice to young people at risk of developing occupational contact dermatitis. Career counsellors need to be aware of risk factors for this condition, including atopic eczema, and of high-risk occupations, such as hairdressing. A cross-sectional survey of 82 career counsellors was conducted at an Australian career counsellors' conference. 24 (29%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 19,40%) correctly identified eczema as a risk factor. 25 (30%, 95% CI 21,41%) indicated consideration of past skin problems during career counselling. 30 (36%, 95% CI 25,47%) correctly reported at least 1 high-risk occupation, with hairdressing being most frequently identified. Only 3 of the 82 (4%, 95% CI 0,7%) correctly answered all 3 questions. [source] Skin problems related to noninfectious coastal microorganismsDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 1 2002William A. Burke While there are a number of coastal microorganisms that can cause infections of the skin, there are many that can cause skin problems that are noninfectious in nature. From cyanobacterial dermatitis to skin problems related to dinoflagellates, to skin signs of ciguatera or scombroid fish poisonings, to "sea lice"/"seabather's eruption," to "swimmer's itch," this article attempts to separate these entities into distinct syndromes caused by a variety of bacteria, phytoplankton and zooplankton. Treatment and prevention of these diseases are also discussed. [source] Treatment for upper-limb and lower-limb lymphedema by professionals specializing in lymphedema careEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 6 2008D. LANGBECKER bhsc Up to 60% of patients with cancer of the vulva, and between 20 and 30% of patients with breast or abdominal cancers may develop lymphedema following treatment. The aims of this study were to assess health professionals' knowledge about treatment, diagnostic procedures, advice and confidence in treatment of patients with either upper-limb (ULL) or lower-limb lymphoedema (LLL), and whether these differed by health professionals' background or for patients with ULL compared with LLL. A cross-sectional telephone interview was undertaken in 2006, of 63 health professionals (response rate 92.6%) known to treat lymphedema. Sixty-three per cent of the health professionals were physiotherapists; the majority were university-trained, with 20 years' experience or more. Ninety-five per cent of health professionals used circumferential measurements to establish lymphedema status, and most health professionals advised avoiding scratches and cuts (100%), insect bites (98.4%), sunburn (98.4%) and excessive exercise (65.1%) on the affected limb. Health professionals reported that compared with patients with LLL, patients with ULL were more likely to present within the first 3 months of being symptomatic (P < 0.01). Patients with LLL were more likely to present with swelling (P = 0.001), heaviness (P = 0.003), tightness (P = 0.007) and skin problems (P < 0.001) compared with patients with ULL. Treatment and advice differed according to health professionals' background, but not location of lymphedema (ULL vs. LLL). Assessment, treatment and advice for lymphedema vary across professional groups. Our results suggest that improvements should be attempted in the early detection of lymphedema, in particular of LLL among cancer patients. [source] Primary lung cancer associated with Werner syndromeGERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2010Shunichiro Ohnishi A 52-year-old man with Werner Syndrome (WS) was admitted to our hospital for the treatment of skin ulcers on his thighs. Routine chest radiography revealed an abnormal shadow in the left upper lung field. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a poorly demarcated homogeneous mass (diameter, 4 cm) in the S1 + 2 lung area; no pleural effusion was observed. CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy revealed the presence of an adenocarcinoma. Other imaging studies did not reveal any lymph-node involvement or presence of metastatic lesions. The patient was diagnosed with stage IB adenocarcinoma (T2N0M0), and a left upper lobectomy was successfully carried out; postoperative wound healing was steady and uneventful, with no obvious ulcer formation. Primary lung cancers very rarely develop in patients with WS; non-epithelial tumors are usually observed in such patients. Patients with WS usually develop severe skin problems, such as refractory skin ulcers in the extremities; however, our patient did not develop any skin-related complications after surgery. As the expected lifespan of patients with WS is increasing, we need to pay attention not only to the rare non-epithelial malignancy, but also cancer. Further, the expected short lifespan of patients with WS, as well as the possibility of skin-related problems after surgery, should not be considered while deciding whether to take the option of surgery in the case of malignancy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10: 319,323. [source] Patterns of skin manifestations and their relationships with CD4 counts among HIV/AIDS patients in CameroonINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2006Mbuagbaw Josephine Background, Skin manifestations are common clinical features among HIV/AIDS-positive patients. Their frequencies, patterns and associated factors have been shown to vary from region to region. The present study is aimed at documenting skin manifestations and their relationships with CD4 cell counts among HIV/AIDS patients in Cameroon. Methods, This study lasted for 16 months (from September 2001 to December 2002). After informed consent, data on skin disorders, HIV status, CD4 and viral load were obtained by physical examination and laboratory methods. Results, Of the 384 subjects studied, 236 (61.5%) were females and 148 (38.5%) were males. Up to 264 (68.8%) patients presented with at least one type of skin problem. Generalized prurigo, oral candidiasis, herpes zoster, and vaginal candidiasis were the most common skin problems. Mean CD4 cell count (128 ± 85 cells/mm3) and mean viral load (79,433 copies/mL) in patients with herpes zoster were higher (P < 0.001). Patients with oral candidiasis and vaginal candidiasis had significantly lower (109 ± 127 cells/mm3, P < 0.02) and higher (131 ± 85 cells/mm3, P < 0.05) mean CD4 cell counts, respectively. Prurigo was associated with higher mean viral load (31,623 ± 20 copies/mL, P < 0.04). Viral lesions were associated with high mean CD4 cell count (123 ± 83 cells/mm3, P < 0.001). Kaposi's sarcoma and parasitic lesions (crusted scabies) were both, respectively, associated with lower mean CD4 cell counts [(78 ± 66 cells/mm3, P < 0.001) (6 ± 0 cells/mm3, P < 0.04)]. Conclusion, We conclude, first that skin problems are common in HIV-infected individuals in Cameroon and that patients with advanced stages of these problems have relatively very low mean CD4 cell counts. Second, that mucocutaneous disorders like vaginal candidiasis and herpes zoster occur early in HIV infection while Kaposi's sarcoma is common in advanced HIV infection. [source] Atopic xerosis: employment of noninvasive biophysical instrumentation for the functional analyses of the mildly abnormal stratum corneum and for the efficacy assessment of skin care productsJOURNAL OF COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Hachiro Tagami MD Summary The subtle dryness of the skin surrounding the lesions of atopic dermatitis (AD) is called atopic dry skin or atopic xerosis (AX). AX is more susceptible to the development of AD skin lesions under various environmental stimuli than the clinically normal skin of the people who have or have had or will have AD, which might be called normal atopic skin (NAS) that shows no functional differences as compared to the skin of normal individuals. Routine histopathologic studies of AX that involve the invasive procedures of biopsy are not so helpful in clarifying the underlying pathogenesis. Modern, noninvasive biophysical instrumentation provides rich and quantitative information about various functional aspects of skin. The stratum corneum (SC) of AX reveals not only decreased hydration but also mildly impaired barrier function demonstrable as an increase in transepidermal water loss, elevated pH values, and an increased turnover rate of the SC consisting of thick layers of smaller-sized corneocytes. These data suggest that AX is related to mildly increased epidermal proliferation as a result of the presence of subclinical cutaneous inflammation. Although AX skin does not display any impairment in the recovery of barrier function after physical skin irritation by tape-stripping, it produces a much more severe, long-lasting inflammatory response together with a delay in barrier repair after chemical irritation such as that induced by sodium lauryl sulphate. The SC of AX is biochemically characterized by reduction in the amounts of ceramides, especially ceramide I, sebum lipids, and water-soluble amino acids. None of these changes in SC functions are seen in NAS, which includes not only the normal-looking skin of AD patients long after regression of all active lesions but also of latent atopic skin such as neonates who later develop AD. This suggests that all of the observed functional as well as biochemical abnormalities of AX are a reflection of subclinical inflammation. The presence of the underlying inflammation in AX also differentiates it from senile xerosis. The mildly impaired SC functions of AX can be improved by daily repeated applications of effective moisturizers, i.e., corneotherapy, which is effective in preventing the exacerbating progression of AX to AD resulting from inadvertent scratching of the skin that facilitates the penetration of environmental allergens into the skin. The biophysical confirmation of such efficacy of moisturizers, including cosmetic bases on the mildly impaired barrier function and decreased water-holding capacity of the SC of AX, definitely substantiates the importance of skin care for the cosmetic skin problems that affect every individual in the cold and dry season ranging from late autumn to early spring. [source] Cheyletiella infestation in the dog: observations on diagnostic methods and clinical signsJOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 10 2004B. K. Sævik The aims of this study were to evaluate the ability of diagnostic methods to detect naturally occurring Cheyletiella infestation in dogs, and to quantify and relate the number of mites and eggs present to clinical signs. Privately owned dogs with skin problems were eligible for inclusion in the study. Four diagnostic tests were performed on each dog in the following order: tape impression, hair plucking, skin scraping and vacuum cleaning. Dogs with positive test results for Cheyletiella infestation in at least one of the tests under evaluation were included in the study (n=27). The severity of pruritus and scaling was graded on a four-point fixed scale. The diagnostic findings in vacuum cleaning samples provided a semiquantitative measure of the grade of infestation. The vacuum cleaning test gave a positive test result in all dogs and was significantly more efficient than the other tests evaluated (P<0.01). The number of diagnostic findings varied considerably among the different vacuum samples. No significant relationship between the number of diagnostic findings and severity of clinical signs was detected. [source] Skin problems in lower limb amputees: an overview by case reportsJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 2 2007HEJ Meulenbelt Abstract The stump in lower limb amputees is prone to skin problems because it is exposed to several unnatural conditions (shear and stress forces and increased humidity) when a prosthesis is used. This study reviews the literature on case reports of lower limb amputees with skin problems on the stump. In total, 56 reports comprising 76 cases were identified in the literature. The main disorders are acroangiodermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, bullous diseases, epidermal hyperplasia, hyperhidrosis, infections, malignancies and ulcerations. [source] Short-term efficacy of tacrolimus ointment and impact on quality of lifePEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2009Yasuto Kondo Abstract Background:, Topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) was reported to be an effective therapeutic agent for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), for not only improving clinical findings but also for reducing pruritus. Recently in Japan tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) as a TCI was approved for use in children aged ,2 years. There have been no reports, however, on the impact of TCI on quality of life (QOL) in pediatric AD in Japan. The purpose of the present study was therefore to evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment (0.03%) in the short-term and the impact on patient QOL. Methods:, A total of 30 pediatric patients with AD, whose skin problems were not sufficiently controlled by mid-high potency topical glucocorticosteroids, were enrolled. Efficacy was assessed on score of cutaneous findings, pruritus, sleeping disorder, and QOL. Results:, Three patients discontinued because of skin burning (n = 1), generalized herpes infection (n = 1), and feeling of lack of efficacy (n = 1), leaving a final total of 27 patients who were evaluated. Significant improvements in clinical findings, pruritus, and sleeplessness were observed within 1 week of treatment and consequently each QOL category was also improved. These improvements continued for the duration of the study. Conclusions:, Tacrolimus ointment therapy is rapidly effective for not only clinical symptoms (cutaneous findings, pruritus and sleeplessness) but also in QOL of AD pediatric patients aged 2 years. [source] Peristomal skin problems account for more than one in three visits to ostomy nursesBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2008G.B.E. Jemec No abstract is available for this article. [source] Cancer patients' expectations of experiencing treatment-related side effectsCANCER, Issue 4 2004A University of Rochester Cancer Center-Community Clinical Oncology Program study of 938 patients from community practices Abstract BACKGROUND Adequate management of treatment-related side effects is important for patients and challenging for clinicians. Side effects generated by various treatments have been characterized reasonably well. However, to the authors' knowledge, less is known regarding what patients expect to experience regarding these side effects and how patient characteristics are related to these expectations. METHODS Patients with cancer (n = 1015 patients) from 17 Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) institutions affiliated with the University of Rochester Cancer Center CCOP Research Base were surveyed regarding their expectations of experiencing side effects associated with cancer treatment, with 938 patients providing evaluable data. Patients responded to the item, "Indicate your expectations of having this side effect" for 12 common side effects. Patients rated their expectations using a 5-point Likert scale, from 1 ("I definitely will not have this") to 5 ("I definitely will have this"). RESULTS The median number of symptoms expected (characterized by any value other than one) was nine. The six most expected symptoms were fatigue, nausea, sleep disturbance, weight loss, hair loss, and skin problems. Patients age > 60 years expected to have fewer symptoms than younger patients; female patients expected more side effects than male patients; and patients who had some college education expected more side effects than patients who were high school graduates or had not completed high school. CONCLUSIONS Patients with cancer clearly exhibit expectations regarding treatment-related side effects; and age, gender, and education level appear to influence these expectations. Further careful characterization of patient expectations and how expectations relate to experience may lead to earlier and more effective management of side effects. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society. [source] Zinc and its transporter ZIP10 are involved in invasive behavior of breast cancer cellsCANCER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2007Naofumi Kagara Zinc is an essential element, necessary for sustaining all life. Zinc deficiency causes taste impairments, immune deficiency, skin problems, and growth and mental retardation. Recent reports suggest that zinc is associated with an increased risk of cancer, although it is still unclear whether zinc or its transporters are involved in cancer progression. Here we show that zinc and its transporter ZIP10 are involved in the invasive behavior of breast cancer cells. The screening of clinical samples for ZIP10 mRNA expression suggested that ZIP10 was significantly associated with the metastasis of breast cancer to the lymph node. In addition, the expression of ZIP10 mRNA was higher in the invasive and metastatic breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435S than in less metastatic breast cancer cell lines, such as MCF7, T47D, ZR75-1 and ZR75-30. In in vitro cell migration assays, the depletion of zinc transporter ZIP10 and intracellular zinc inhibited the migratory activity of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435S cells. These results showed that zinc and ZIP10 play an essential role in the migratory activity of highly metastatic breast cancer cells, and suggest ZIP10 as a possible marker for the metastatic phenotype of breast cancer and a promising target of novel treatment strategies. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 692,697) [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||