Skin and its ethnic shades.

peer reviewedEthnic (racial) differences exist for a series of physiological skin characteristics. Colour is responsible for typology and resistance to ultraviolet irradiations. Other differences have also been reported for the transepidermal water loss, the size and cohesion of corneocytes, the vascular reactiviy, the biomechanical properties, the pH, the lipidic content, the superficial microflora and the structure of mast cell granules

How I treat....A stoutness-associated intertrigo

peer reviewedIntertrigo is a common inflammatory disorder of various origins. It can represent a single skin manifestation or be part of a disorder possibly exhibiting specific manifestations on other parts of the body. Hence, intertrigo may represent a sign of a peculiar disease. It may also result from physicochemical aggressions of the skin following occlusion of the large skinfolds particularly in case of stoutness. In this intance, a treatment similar to that of diaper dermatitis can be offered. A paste enriched or not with miconazole nitrate is indicated to prevent or treat most presentations of intertrigo

How I treat ...scalp psoriasis.

peer reviewedScalp involvement by psoriasis requires a ted treatment suited to the particularities of the anatomical site In course of time, the improvement of therapeutic agents and the galenic refinement have enhanced both the efficacy and cosmetic acceptability of the scalp care. The main therapeutic classes encompass keratolytics, dermocorticosteroids and vitamine D3 analogues. The patient compliance is reported to be best for the liquid or foam formulations

Syphilis: a STD back to us.

peer reviewedSexually transmitted diseases (STD) show frequent epidemiological changes. We report a case of secondary syphilis diagnosed in a 32-year old woman during post-partum. The disease, although showing a typical presentation, raises the problem of dating with precision the contamination time. This is of importance for treating the newborn at risk of congenital syphilis. We highlight the constant attention that should be brought to disclose this venereal disease that shows so variable clinical and histological presentations. Syphilis seems on the rise in the Mosan valley and in some cities where prostitution is imported from Eastern Europe and Africa

Electromagnetic Lipolysis and Semicircular Lipoatrophy of the Thighs

INTRODUCTION: The semicircular lipoatrophy of the thighs is a disorder whose incidence remained rare for years. Only recently, an "epidemic" situation emerged, affecting hundreds of subjects who shared a status of administrative employee. OBSERVATION: The older etiopathogenic hypotheses give way to a newer one implying the electromagnetic fields generated by computers and their wirings. The resulting modifications in the intrinsic bioelectrical properties of the skin could influence the biology of macrophages exhibiting lipophagic activity in the hypodermis. The electroactivation of these cells could lead to TNF-alpha release. DISCUSSION: The semicircular lipoatrophy of the thighs is a problem that may affect an employee out of two. Rather than hoping an efficaceous drug therapy, prevention must be advocated by adapting the work conditions related to the use of computerized devices

Severe paroxysmal drug eruptions.

peer reviewedSome drug reactions showing cutaneous expression exhibit a paroxysmal course. These diseases encompass the toxic epidermal necrolysis, the drug hypersensitivity syndrome, and the acute generalized exanthematic pustulosis. These syndromes are associated with dismal outcome. They represent medical emergencies needing hospitalization in specialized care units