Hairy elbows syndrome

Hairy elbows syndrome (hypertrichosis cubiti) is an uncommon localized congenital hypertrichosis first described, by Beighton, in 1970. He described an overgrowth of fine hair on the extensor surface of the elbows in two patients of small stature, with short nails and brachydactyly. Hypertrichosis was noticed after birth and reached its greatest extension at 5 years of age. It is so important to reassure the patient and relatives of the absolute harmlessness of the hypertrichosis, in order to avoid expensive and useless treatments electrolysis and laser treatment etc)

Phenotypes of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common disease affecting both children and adults. AD develops from a complex interplay between environmental, genetic, immunologic and biochemical factors. Genetic factors predispose atopic subjects to mount exaggerated Th2 responses and to a poorly efficient epidermal barrier, which may be sufficient to initiate inflammation in the skin and may favor allergic sensitization. Thus AD can present with different clinical phenotypes. AD is classically distinguished into an intrinsic and extrinsic form, which are clinically identical but the former lacks high level specific IgE and is not associated with respiratory atopy. Although in many cases AD presents with monotonous eczematous lesions on the face, neck and skin folds, it may also present with other features. Very common is nummular eczema, which in many instances may be the dominant expression of AD. In other patients, AD affects limited areas (periorificial eczema, nipple eczema, cheilitis, hand eczema) or its main presentation is with excoriated papules and nodules (atopic prurigo). In conclusion, AD is a multifaceted disease affecting patients with epidermal barrier dysfunction and dry and sensitive skin. The recognition of the less common AD phenotypes is essential for proper patient management