Dermatologic clinics
-
Sporotrichosis is a chronic fungal infection that most commonly involves the skin and lymphatics. It is classified into five forms: classic lymphocutaneous, fixed cutaneous, disseminated cutaneous, primary pulmonary, and systemic sporotrichosis. Its diagnosis is established by fungal culture or by direct immunofluorescence. ⋯ Serologic antibody tests such as the slide latex agglutination test are useful to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the effectiveness of antifungal therapy. Intravenous amphotericin B is still considered the drug of choice for systemic sporotrichosis, but the search for a less toxic agent continues. Also, combination drug therapy and surgical intervention are necessary for some patients with extracutaneous sporotrichosis.
-
In conclusion, although there are data, some quite convincingly implicating dysplastic nevi and congenital nevi (particularly "giant") as "precursors" of malignant melanomas, our ability to predict the magnitude of these associations is lacking. Thus, until additional basic and clinical research data are forthcoming, any recommendation to prophylactically remove all congenital nevi or all dysplastic nevi in order to decrease the incidence of malignant melanoma is premature. ⋯ Patients with familial dysplastic nevus syndrome should be followed carefully and educated concerning the early detection of malignant melanoma. Patients with sporadic dysplastic nevus syndrome deserve further study to enable us to accurately determine their risk of developing malignant melanoma.
-
Hydrofluoric acid burns create unique problems that require specialized treatment to prevent serious sequelae. The most important factors to remember are the delay in the onset of signs and symptoms related to concentration of acid and the penetration and destruction of tissues by fluoride ions, which bind calcium and magnesium cations with subsequent serious systemic effects. In this article, an attempt has been made to describe these factors and to offer recommended treatment protocols which, if appropriately applied, can offset the destructive nature of HF burns. ⋯ The most important initial point in treatment is the recognition that an HF burn has occurred. Then, with a clear understanding of the mechanisms of injury, one can properly manage such a burn. It is hoped that this report will assist the practitioner in dealing with this potential serious and complex problem.
-
Each occupational setting has unique risks for occupational skin disease based on the materials used, the workplace environment, and the skin type of each worker. Virtually all programs for the prevention of skin disease can be designed around the principles outlined in this article. Most problems can be eliminated by well-designed prevention programs. All workers are entitled to a safe working environment that reduces to the extent possible the risks of acquiring occupational skin disease.
-
Dermatologic clinics · Jan 1986
ReviewSignificant melanocytic lesions in infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
Malignant melanoma is diagnosed yearly in approximately 300 persons under age 20 in the United States. Relatively recent advances in dermatology include the recognition of lesions felt to be potential precursors of malignant melanoma. Small congenital melanocytic nevi, present in 1 per cent of all newborn infants, may have a small but definite potential for developing malignant melanoma. ⋯ Adolescents who have the dysplastic nevus syndrome or who are members of families with the syndrome require close medical supervision and patient education. The benign Spitz nevus, with its histologic similarity to malignant melanoma, continues to challenge the dermatopathologist and clinician. These lesions--the Spitz nevus, dysplastic nevus, congenital melanocytic nevus, and malignant melanoma--must all be actively considered when regarding the many other benign melanocytic lesions found in infancy, childhood, and adolescence.