IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Atopic eczema (AE) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin condition and one of the most common, potentially debilitating diseases with increasing incidence. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW The complex etiology of AE with multiple systemic and local immunologic and inflammatory responses and interactions between susceptibility genes and environmental factors leading to d...

BACKGROUND/AIMS To compare the effectiveness and side-effect profile of two doses of interferon alpha2b (IFNalpha2b) eye-drops (1 million international units (IU)/ml versus 3 million IU/ml) in the treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). METHODS Retrospective case series. RESULTS Thirty-five eyes were identified over an 11-year period (1996-2007). Twenty-one eyes (19 patients) wit...

Topical antibacterial agents occupy an important niche of antimicrobial therapy for both inpatients and outpatients. These agents, including antiseptic and antibiotic preparations, are used for prophylaxis and treatment of infection. Prophylactic uses include application for traumatic and surgical wounds, burns, intravascular catheters, and eradication of S. aureus nasal carriage. Topical antib...

A study was made in rabbits of the effect of topical dexamethasone ointment, .05%, and either subconjunctival or intraperitoneal D-penicillamine on the duration of function of glaucoma filtering surgery. The drugs were tested alone and in combination. Intraperitoneal D-penicillamine was not effective, either alone or combined with topical dexamethasone. Topical dexamethasone ointment alone and ...

we present a 21-years old woman with alopecia universalis, generalized vitiligo, and graves' disease. she had had thyroidectomy in early childhood and was receiving replacement therapy with levothyroxine. the patient was treated with systemic puva and glucocorticoid in combination with topical treatment for alopecia. after 6 months of treatment, alopecia was reversed but vitiligo was unchanged.

INTRODUCTION While corticosteroids are an effective choice of treatment for severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), their long-term use is restricted due to side effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical cyclosporine A (CsA) 0.05% in the treatment of VKC. METHODS A total of 30 patients with VKC that was resistant to topical corticosteroids, antihistami...

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD The majority of patients with psoriasis can be safely and effectively treated with topical therapy alone, either under the supervision of a family physician or dermatologist. For those requiring systemic agents, topical therapies can provide additional benefit. Optimal use of topical therapy requires an awareness of the range and efficacy of all products. AREAS COVERED...

Vitiligo is an acquired cutaneous disorder of pigmentation, with an incidence of 0.5% to 2% worldwide. There are three major hypotheses for the pathogenesis of vitiligo that are not exclusive of each other: biochemical/cytotoxic, neural and autoimmune. Recent data provide strong evidence supporting an autoimmune pathogenesis of vitiligo. As vitiligo can have a major effect on quality of life, t...

Acne vulgaris (acne) is probably the most common dermatological complaint in the U.S. Acne has a range of presentations and manifestations, thus apparently comprising many disease states. Although acne is not an infectious disease, specimens of bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes, Propionibacterium granulosum, and Staphylococcus epidermidis can be obtained for culture from the eruptions of...