Fred Levit

Trichomycosis axillaris: A different view

Trichomycosis axillaris is a trivial disease of worldwide occurrence that is believed to be caused by the genus Corynebacteria. In addition to invading the cuticle of the hair, the Corynebacteria are believed to elaborate a material that, together with colonies of bacteria, make up the concretions formed on the hair shaft. A careful review of the literature on this disease indicates that this latter belief may not be correct.

Computer-assisted prescription writing.

Abstract A computer-assisted prescription writing system that can do most of what can be done with a prescription pad has been developed. It has advantages, which include speed and legibility. A coding method is used which is easy to remember and which follows the mental process used by the physician in writing a prescription. Complex labels containing multiple instructions can be written, and certain kinds of compounded prescriptions can be written. The program used operates as a code expander, expanding the characters of code into lines of print which are moved to the appropriate place in the empty prescription. When the entire prescription has been assembled it is printed in duplicate at the physicians terminal. One copy is filed, and the second signed and given to the patient.

DERM/MIS update: The Dermatology Management and Information System of the American Academy of Dermatology

The Dermatology Management and Information System (DERM/MIS) was created by the Task Force on Biomedical Communications of the American Academy of Dermatology. The concept of such a System was conceived as part of the National Program for Dermatology and has been actively pursued since. The purpose of this report is to review the current status of DERM/OMS (Dermatology Office Management System); DERM/LIT (Dermatology Literature); DERM/RX (Dermatology treatment); DERM/DDX (Dermatology Differential Diagnosis); DERM/PATH (Dermatopathology). Other components of the DERM/MIS system are currently being planned. Predictions indicate that by the end of this decade a substantial percent of dermatologic offices will have access to some form of computerized programs. The DERM/MIS system has been designed specifically to meet the needs of the practicing dermatologist in the office setting.

Erosive Dermatitis and Progressive Neurological Symptoms—Quiz Case

A 32-year-old morbidly obese man (316 kg, body mass index, 102.7 [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared]) with no medical history presented with a 2-year history of 2 progressively enlarging tumors on his bilateral thighs. These tumors were asymptomatic, but they greatly interfered with ambulation. Physical examination revealed 2 pedunculated, oblong, soft, nontender subcutaneous tumors (Figure 1). The tumors grew from the distal right and proximal left thighs and measured 30 4 5 cm and 102 30 50 cm, respectively. The overlying skin was extremely edematous with several shallow pressure ulcerations. Focal lichenification and erythema were present on the larger tumor, reflecting chronic rubbing on the ground while walking. An intraoperative incisional biopsy specimen of the larger tumor was sent for histologic examination (Figure 2 and Figure 3). Ultrasonography demonstrated fatty tissue, edema, and minimal flow throughout the tumors. What is your diagnosis?

Dermabrasion and Chemical Peeling in the Treatment of Certain Cosmetic Defects and Diseases of the Skin

If it were possible to learn to do dermabrasions by reading a book, then this would be the book to read. The description of the technique of the procedure and the chapters on selection of patients, indications and contraindications, and complications are very detailed and complete. The impression that the book gives at first reading is one of having taught it all. Such minor defects as the uneven quality of the clinical photographs do not alter that impression. More careful reading, however, reveals that this book is really a very personal statement. It is based on 25,000 dermabrasions (thats right, 25,000!) done by the author. It is hard to argue with that much experience. Yet, despite the effort to justify and explain it all, some obvious personal prejudices appear. For example, routine oral steroids are prescribed for every patient undergoing dermabrasion. Also, routine prophylactic antibiotics are administered to every patient.