Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift für Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete
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Cutaneous lymphomas are uncommon. They must be distinguished from secondary skin manifestations of primary nodal lymphomas. ⋯ Since cure is not possible, the aim of treatment is to control the disease and reduce symptoms. A variety of new and promising therapeutic modalities have been introduced in recent years.
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When making therapeutic decisions, doctors often find themselves faced with a dilemma regarding ethical, professional, legal liability, social and service aspects of their duties. These conflicts may be enhanced when medications have to be prescribed for non-approved usages, known as off-label prescribing, because existing therapy options have been exhausted. ⋯ In order to clarify the basis for taking decisions in a given situation, an oncology expert commission has been formed under the coordination of the Department of Health and Social Security. However, this is no solution for the great variety of uncommon dermatological diseases which often require off-label medication usage.
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Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LcV) is the most common form of cutaneous vasculitis. Often LcV results from deposition of immune complexes in the vascular wall. When IgA is the dominant immunoglobulin in these complexes, systemic involvement is likely (Henoch-Schönlein purpura), being more severe in adults. ⋯ Corticosteroids are indicated at initial signs of necrosis or ulceration. Chronic recurrent LcV may respond to dapsone or colchicine. Severe systemic vasculitis requires immunosuppressive therapy.
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Patients affected by atopic dermatitis tend to develop viral infections. Probably the most feared complication of atopic dermatitis is eczema herpeticum, a disseminated infection with herpes simplex virus. ⋯ The clinical diagnosis may be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, viral culture, electron microscopy with negative staining, Tzanck test, immunofluorescence tests or serology. While intravenous acyclovir is still regarded as standard treatment of eczema herpeticum, several recently-developed antiviral drugs provide therapeutic options.
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The large number of surgical procedures in many subspecialty areas of dermatology, such as dermatologic oncology, phlebology and aesthetic dermatology, raises the question of possible complications and emergency situations. Along with common complications such as post-operative bleeding, infections or flap necrosis, there are emergency situations which require immediate intervention to avoid significant harm to the patient. One must distinguish between dermatologic situations which require emergency surgery and emergencies that arise during or after dermatological surgery.