Giovanni Menchini

UV-B radiation microphototherapy. An elective treatment for segmental vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a common disease of unknown cause that produces disfiguring white patches of depigmentation. Previous studies have suggested the effectiveness of UV‐B radiation in generalized vitiligo (GV) therapy, but there was no evidence to support the same role for segmental vitiligo (SV).

Immune response to Leishmania infection in human skin

Leishmania is a serious infectious disease found on all the continents except Australia and Antarctica.1 There are several species of the genus Leishmania. Each species tends to occupy a particular zoo-geographical zone. Species are morphologically identical and are distinguished by their iso-enzyme patterns and DNA analysis. Monoclonal antibodies have also proved useful for rapid identification of isolates, especially in the field.2 Cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Old World is due to L. donovani, L. major, L. tropica, L. aethiopica, and L. infantum; the latter is responsible for the disease in the Mediterranean basin, for some cases in North Africa and Asia. Cutaneous leishmaniasis in the New World is mainly due to L. mexicana, L. brasiliensis, and L. peruviana. American leishmaniasis is an endemic and mainly rural disease of damp, forested areas in South and Central America.3 It becomes epidemic among young men who work in the forest, 25% of young soldiers fighting in the jungle in certain areas, and in villagers settled on land recently taken from the tropical forest. The optimum time for transmission is immediately after the rainy season.

Alternative treatment of psoriasis with balneotherapy using Leopoldine spa water

Background Leopoldine spa water is a hypotonic water rich in sulphate that has been used occasionally for balneological treatments in psoriatics. We evaluated the anti‐inflammatory effects of this salso‐sulphate water on the skin of subjects with psoriasis.

Inhibitory effects of Leopoldine spa water on inflammation caused by sodium lauryl sulphate

Background Sulphur mineral waters may have anti‐inflammatory effects on human skin. We evaluated the anti‐inflammatory effects of Leopoldine spa water, a salso‐sulphate water ( Table 1 ), on human skin tested with sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS).

Pyoderma gangrenosum, an unusual aspect of cutaneous vasculitis

P yoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon, ulcerating skin disease usually included in the group of vasculitic disorders with distinctive cutaneous clinical characteristics first described in 1930.1 Currently, the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum is made on the basis of clinical evaluation and confirmed by exclusion of various other diseases that may cause cutaneous ulcers.2 About half of the subjects are found to have an associated systemic disease; thus, careful evaluation of possible systemic alteration is mandatory. Unfortunately, the lesions of PG do not exhibit a specific histopathological pattern, and other laboratory examinations have yielded variable and nonspecific findings. Considerable debate exists concerning histopathological changes in PG. This could be due to several factors such as the clinical type of lesion from which the specimen is obtained, the stage of evolution of the lesion, and the site. Various histopathological pictures can be shown demonstrating these different situations.3

TREATMENT PEARLS FROM EUROPE

Discussing the need for psychological treatment of a dermatological condition with children and families can be a daunting task. Families must be given accurate information about the role of psychological or behavioral factors in the exacerbation or maintenance of their childs condition; however, this information must be presented in a way that families and children do not feel criticized or judged. This article discusses nondrug treatments of skin diseases.

Arachidonate transforming and immunomodulating agents: unapproved uses or indications

Arachidonic acid is the major component of membrane phospholipids. Stimulation of cell membrane activates the enzyme phospholipase A, eventually releasing fatty acids (ie, arachidonic acid) to form inflammatory and vasoactive metabolites named eicosanoids, such as prostaglandins (PGs), thromboxanes (TXs), and leukotrienes (LTs). Prostaglandins were originally shown to be synthesized in the prostate gland, thromboxanes by platelets (thrombocytes), and leukotrienes by leukocytes, hence the derivation of their names.1 The eicosanoids produce several biological effects on inflammatory responses, in particular those of the skin, eyes and, joints; on the intensity and duration of pain and fever; in pregnancy and, in particular, in induction of labor; in inhibiting gastric acid secretion, regulating blood pressure through vasodilation or constriction, and inhibiting or activating platelet aggregation and thrombosis. All mammalian cells except erythrocytes synthesize eicosanoids. These molecules are extremely potent and can cause evident physiological effects at very dilute concentrations. All eicosanoids function locally at the site of synthesis, through receptor-mediated G-proteinlinked signaling pathways leading to an increase in cAMP levels.1 Two main pathways are involved in the biosynthesis of eicosanoids (ie, the prostaglandins and thromboxanes are synthesized by the “cyclic” pathway and the leukotrienes by the “linear” pathway).

A bath for dry skin and itching

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