Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Dec 2007
ReviewHerpes zoster: epidemiology, natural history, and common complications.
Herpes zoster is a disease associated with aging that can significantly impair quality of life for affected individuals. Anyone infected with varicella (chickenpox) virus in childhood is at risk for reactivation of dormant virus and the onset of zoster disease, although it occurs with increasing frequency in the elderly as a result of waning of cell-mediated immunity. ⋯ The zoster vaccine may help prevent the onset of herpes zoster in the target population of those age 60 years and older. This summary reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, natural history, and common symptoms of zoster disease.
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Nov 2007
Enhanced skin blood flow and sensitivity to noxious heat stimuli in papulopustular rosacea.
Although patients with rosacea often complain of increased skin sensitivity, there has been no quantitative sensory testing of this phenomenon. Furthermore, cutaneous blood flow in these patients has not been assessed using state-of-the-art laser Doppler imaging (LDI). ⋯ This study showed enhanced sensitivity to noxious heat stimuli in rosacea-affected skin, which was more prominent in the PPR group.
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Sep 2007
Case ReportsChronic atrophic erosive dermatosis of the scalp and extremities: A recharacterization of erosive pustular dermatosis.
Erosive pustular dermatosis (EPD) is a rarely reported condition that primarily involves the actinically damaged scalp of elderly women. Although the condition is well recognized in the United Kingdom and Europe, no US cases have heretofore been reported. ⋯ EPD is a fairly common disease and is the most likely diagnosis in instances where chronic, nonhealing, shallow erosions occur on actinically damaged, or otherwise atrophic, skin. In spite of the name, intact pustules are rarely present. The histology is that of moderate to marked, nonspecific chronic inflammation. EPD responds well to high-potency topical steroids.
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Aug 2007
Meta AnalysisA meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of oral antiviral treatment to prevent genital herpes outbreaks.
Efficacy of oral antiviral therapies, ie, acyclovir, valacyclovir (VACV), and famciclovir, for suppression of recurrent genital herpes was studied at different doses and regimens. ⋯ The results of this first meta-analysis confirmed the high clinical efficacy of oral acyclovir, VACV, or famciclovir for prophylaxis against recurrent genital herpes.
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Aug 2007
ReviewAn outbreak of Paederus dermatitis in a suburban hospital in South India: a report of 123 cases and review of literature.
Paederus dermatitis is a peculiar irritant contact dermatitis caused when beetles of the genus Paederus (often called rove beetles) are crushed on the skin, releasing the vesicant pederin. The dermatitis is most frequently seen in regions with a hot, tropical climate. ⋯ An outbreak of paederus dermatitis can occur in tropical regions. Awareness of the condition and its clinical features will prevent misdiagnosis. Simple preventive measures can be undertaken based on the behavioral pattern of this nocturnal beetle.