R.R.M. Harman

Focal acral hyperkeratosis

We report fifteen cases showing focal acral hyperkeratosis. They were clinically identical to acrokeratoelastoidosis (AKE) but lacked the elastorrhexis which is a feature of AKE. The name focal acral hyperkeratosis is proposed for this condition which differs histologically from AKE.

Oral albendazole for the treatment of cutaneous larva migrans

Cutaneous larva migrans is becoming more common in the U.K. with the popularity of tropical countries as holiday destinations. We describe the increasing use of a new benzimidazole derivative, albendazole, which is very effective in the treatment of cutaneous larva migrans. In contrast to thiabendazole, it is virtually free from side‐effects and should, we feel, become the treatment of choice for this condition.

Cutaneous carcinoma arising in erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp

We report a patient in whom a histologically unusual carcinoma has arisen in an area of erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp.

Local PUVA treatment for nail psoriasis

contact regime at home for relapses. Twenty-one answered the questions on which preparation caused least burning and staining, which was easiest to wash off and their overall preference. The results are summarized in Table i. Nineteen patients also filled in io cm visual analogue scales to show the degree of burning, staining and the ease of washing off. Results were analysed by the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks test (two-tailed). There was no significant difference between cream and ointment in the degree of burning but the cream caused significantly less staining (P < o 05) and was easier to wash off {P < 001). We conclude that Dithrocream® was more acceptable than dithranol in yellow soft paraffin but equally effective at the concentrations used in this study. As it has been established by other workers that increasing the concentration of dithranol shortens the clearing time, and we found that many of the patients in this study could have tolerated higher strengths, we feel that the manufacturers of cream-based dithranol products should be encouraged to formulate higher strengths than are presently available.

The treatment of psoriatic nail dystrophy with intradermal steroid injections

Thirty‐seven patients with psoriatic nail dystrophy were treated with intradermal nail‐fold injections of either triamcinolone acetonide or triamcinolone hexacetonide, using the Port‐0‐Jet needleless injector.

Cutaneous anaesthesia in necrobiosis lipoidica.

Cutaneous sensation in plaques of necrobiosis lipoidica was assessed in five non‐diabetic and seven diabetic patients. Eleven of the twelve showed partial or complete anaesthesia of the affected skin. These findings are important in the differential diagnosis of tuberculoid leprosy. Further studies of nerve function in cutaneous granulomas need to be carried out.

Botryomycosis; a complication of extensive follicular mucinosis.

A case of extensive follicular mucinosis, without evidence of lymphoma and present for 9 years, was complicated by cutaneous botryomycosis which initially resembled sporotrichosis. Scanty Staphylococcus aureus was cultured with difficulty.

Milk recorder dermatitis

Occupational contact dermatitis to Bronopol® and Kathon® CG has been identified in 3 milk recorders following the introduction of it new milk preservative. The source of exposure, sensitising potential and measures for prevention are discussed.

Exfoliative dermatitis due to nifedipine.

We report the case of a 63‐year‐old Caucasian female, with reno‐vascular hypertension, who developed a generalized skin eruption with lichenoid histological features, induced by nifedipine. A repeat challenge with nifedipine confirmed that it was the causative agent.

Nail staining due to hydroquinone skin‐lightening creams

Staining of the nails due to hydroquinone‐containing creams is not a well‐recognized condition. We report two cases in older women in whom brown discoloration developed after the use of cosmetic skin‐lightening creams for actinic lentigines of the hands. The cause of the discoloration and its relation to light exposure is discussed.