Quantification of skin color in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

Background: In patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis, a peculiar hyperpigmentation develops, the intensity of which may or may not be related to the duration of treatment and use of erythropoietin. Objective: Our purpose was to conduct a comparative cross-sectional study of white patients with distinct diseases that modify their skin color. Methods: A reflected-light colorimeter was used to compare the color of the forehead and forearms of 61 white patients receiving hemodialysis with that of matched controls and of patients with anemia or icterus. Results: Significant differences were found in both reflectance and chromaticity between these groups of patients. Duration of hemodialysis and use of erythropoietin did not significantly influence the colorimetric measurements. Conclusion: The use of a color-reflectance meter allows precise evaluation of subtle changes in skin color and may be used to monitor several diseases

Biometrical evaluation of the stratum corneum texture in patients under maintenane hemodialysis

Xerosis and hydration of the stratum corneum were evaluated in 60 hemodialyzed patients. Xerosis and a low capacitance of the stratum corneum were evidenced in more than 80% of the patients. Pruritus was present in two third of the subjects. We failed to disclose any significant relationship between severity of these three parameters

Aroma and perfume allergy: anathema for some epicurean appeal?

peer reviewedAromas and fragrances are present in many cosmetics, some topical drugs, food and various hygiene, household and industrial products. They can be responsible for contact dermatitis. Multiple sensitizations can even involve in various combinations some fragrance compounds, a given degradation product or a contaminant. The diagnosis relies on clinical examination and oriented anamnesis. A histological examination is sometimes necessary. Specific path testing brings insight on the culprit chemical compounds

Cutaneous Tumors Due to Papillomaviruses. Value of Immunopathology and in-Situ Hybridization

On connaît actuellement une soixantaine de papillomavirus humains. Ils sont responsables des verrues, des condylomes, de papillomes ainsi que de lésions maculeuses paucisymptomatiques. Certaines tumeux épithéliales, localement invasices ou franchement malignes sont également le reflet d'une infection par certains de ces papillomavirus. Nous présentons une brève revue des méthodes cliniques et histologiques qui peuvent être mises en oeuvre pour le dépistage et l'identification de ces atteintes virales

How to investigate....A darkened skin lesion during pregnancy. A difficult task for the clinician.

peer reviewedCancers rarely coexist with pregnancy. Cutaneous melanoma, however, is one of the most frequently encountered neoplasms during pregnancy. Gestation may also be a period during which the aspect of some melanocytic naevi can change eventhough the tumor remains benign. Distinction between a benign and a malignant lesion may then be a dilemma. Clinical morphometry, dermoscopy, skin surface biopsy, conventional histology and immunohistochemistry are valuable means that can be used to secure maximum diagnostic confidence