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Background: Observational studies suggest an increased risk of eczema in children living in hard versus soft water areas, and there is, therefore, an interest in knowing whether softening water may prevent eczema. We evaluated the feasibility of a parallel‐group assessor‐blinded pilot randomized controlled trial to test whether installing a domestic ion‐exchange water softener before birth in hard water areas reduces the risk of eczema in infants with a family history of atopy. Methods: Pregnant women living in hard water areas (>250 mg/L calcium carbonate) in and around London UK, were randomized 1:1 antenatally to either have an ion‐exchange water softener installed in their home or not (ie to continue to receive usual domestic hard water). Infants were assessed at birth and followed up for 6 months. The main end‐points were around feasibility, the primary end‐point being the proportion of eligible families screened who were willing and able to be randomized. Clinical end‐points were evaluated including frequency of parent‐reported doctor‐diagnosed eczema and visible eczema on skin examination. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and no statistical testing was performed as this was a pilot study. Results: One hundred and forty‐nine families screened were eligible antenatally and 28% (41/149) could not have a water softener installed due to technical reasons or lack of landlord approval. Eighty of 149 (54%) were randomized, the primary end‐point. Two participants withdrew immediately after randomization, leaving 39 participants in each arm (78 total). Attrition was 15% (12/78) by 6 months postpartum. All respondents (n = 69) to the study acceptability questionnaire reported that the study was acceptable. Fifty‐six of 708 (7.9%) water samples in the water softener arm were above the hard water threshold of 20 mg/L CaCO3. At 6 months of age 27/67 infants (40%) developed visible eczema, 12/36 (33%) vs. 15/31 (48%) in the water softener and control groups, respectively, difference −15% (95% CI −38, 8.3%), with most assessments (≥96%) remaining blinded. Similarly, a lower proportion of infants in the water softener arm had parent‐reported, doctor‐diagnosed eczema by 6 months compared to the control arm, 6/17 (35%) versus 9/19 (47%), difference −12% (95% CI −44, 20%). Conclusion: A randomized controlled trial of water softeners for the prevention of atopic eczema in high‐risk infants is feasible and acceptable. Trial registration: NCT03270566 (clinicaltrials.gov) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dr. Seneschal has been an investigator, speaker, or consultant for Novartis, Abbvie, Sanofi, LeoPharma and Eli Lilly. Dr. De Raeve is a consultant, member of scientific advisory boards and/ or received personal fees and non-financial support from LEO Pharma, Pierre Fabre, Sanofi-Genzyme and Bioderma. Dr. Vestergaard has been investigator, speaker, or consultant for Novartis, Abbvie, Sanofi, LeoPharma and Eli Lilly. [Extracted from the article]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that affects both children and adults, including a large number of adults of reproductive age. Several guidelines for the treatment of AD exist, yet specific recommendations for the treatment of pregnant or lactating women and for adults planning to have a child are often lacking. This position paper from the European Task force on Atopic Dermatitis (ETFAD) is based on up‐to‐date scientific literature on treating pregnant and lactating women as wells as adults with AD planning to have a child. It is based on the expert opinions of members of the ETFAD and on existing safety data on the proposed treatments, many of which are derived from patients with other inflammatory diseases or from transplantation medicine. For treating future parents, as well as pregnant and lactating women with AD, the use of topical treatments including moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, tacrolimus, antiseptics such as chlorhexidine, octenidine, potassium permanganate and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is deemed to be safe. Ultraviolet (UV) therapy may also be used. Systemic treatment should be prescribed only after careful consideration. According to the opinion of the ETFAD, treatment should be restricted to systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine A, and, in selected cases, azathioprine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that may require systemic therapy. Ciclosporin A (CsA) is a widely used, potent immunosuppressant but it is not effective in all patients with atopic dermatitis, and side‐effects limit its use. Dupilumab, a fully human anti‐interleukin 4 receptor‐alpha monoclonal antibody, inhibits signaling of IL‐4 and IL‐13, key drivers of Type 2/Th2‐mediated inflammation, and is approved in the U.S.A. and the European Union for the treatment of inadequately‐controlled moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis in adults. Objectives: To evaluate efficacy and safety of dupilumab with concomitant topical corticosteroids (TCS) in adults with atopic dermatitis with inadequate response to/intolerance of CsA, or for whom CsA treatment was medically inadvisable. Methods: In this 16‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase III trial, patients were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg weekly (qw) or every 2 weeks (q2w) or placebo. All received concomitant medium‐potency TCS from Week −2 through Week 16; dosage could be tapered if lesions cleared, or stopped for adverse reactions to TCS. Results: In total, 390 patients were screened, 325 were randomized, and 318 completed the trial. Treatment groups had similar baseline characteristics. Significantly more patients in the dupilumab qw + TCS and q2w + TCS groups achieved ≥ 75% improvement from baseline in the Eczema Area and Severity Index at Week 16 vs. the placebo + TCS group (primary end point) (59·1% and 62·6% vs. 29·6%, respectively; P < 0·001 vs. placebo + TCS, both doses). Other clinical outcomes and atopic dermatitis symptoms were significantly improved in the dupilumab qw + TCS and q2w + TCS groups, including pruritus, pain, sleep disturbance, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and quality of life (QoL). Treatment groups had similar overall rates of adverse events (qw + TCS, q2w + TCS and placebo + TCS groups: 69·1%, 72·0% and 69·4%, respectively) and serious adverse events (1·8%, 1·9% and 1·9%, respectively). Conjunctivitis was more frequent with dupilumab + TCS; skin infections were more frequent with placebo + TCS. Conclusions: Dupilumab + TCS significantly improved signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis and QoL in adults with a history of inadequate response to/intolerance of CsA, or for whom CsA treatment was medically inadvisable. No new safety signals were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emollients can perform an important role in the treatment of a number of dermatological conditions. Currently, the use of emollient therapy in the UK is supported only by limited guidelines and a best-practice statement, although guidelines do exist for specific conditions such as childhood eczema. To address this need, a group of clinical professionals covering acute community-care settings and medicines management met to review current data and practice. Their aim was to support other professionals in their approach to the use of emollient therapies in dry-skin conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of disease modification has been introduced to define the therapeutic strategies aimed to break, stop, or reverse the natural course of a chronic invalidating disease. This strategy is tightly related to the biomarker-based stratification of affected patients using genetic and other biological markers. With regard to the progress in understanding the genetic background of atopic dermatitis ( AD), its natural history and its pivotal role in the emergence of allergic asthma, the time is mature to foster the research field of biomarkers in AD and to consider the elaboration of disease-modifying strategies in the management of AD with the goal to stop or even reverse the atopic march. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Development of the skin barrier continues up to 12 months after birth; therefore, care must be taken when cleansing and bathing infants’ skin. Available guidelines for skin care in newborns are, however, limited. In 2007, the 1st European Round Table meeting on ‘Best Practice for Infant Cleansing’ was held, at which a panel of expert dermatologists and paediatricians from across Europe aimed to provide a consensus on infant bathing and cleansing. Outcomes Based on discussions at the meeting and a comprehensive literature review, the panel developed a series of recommendations relating to several aspects of infant skin care, including initial and routine bathing, safety while bathing, and post-bathing procedures. The panel also focused on the use of liquid cleansers in bathing, particularly relating to the benefits of liquid cleansers over water alone, and the criteria that should be used when choosing an appropriate liquid cleanser for infants. Alkaline soaps have numerous disadvantages compared with liquid cleansers, with effects on skin pH and lipid content, as well as causing skin drying and irritation. Liquid cleansers used in newborns should have documented evidence of their mildness on skin and eyes, and those containing an emollient may have further benefits. Finally, the panel discussed seasonal differences in skin care, and issues relating to infants at high risk of atopic dermatitis. The panel further discussed the need of clinical studies to investigate the impact of liquid cleansers on skin physiology parameters on newborns’ and infants’ skin. Conclusions Bathing is generally superior to washing, provided basic safety procedures are followed, and has psychological benefits for the infant and parents. When bathing infants with a liquid cleanser, a mild one not altering the normal pH of the skin surface or causing irritation to skin or eyes should be chosen. Conflicts of interest M.J. Cork and F. Vanaclocha are advisors to Johnson and Johnson. U. Blume-Peytavi is a member of the advisory board of the ‘Penaten Beirat’, Johnson & Johnson, Germany. J. Faergemann, C. Gelmetti, J. Szczapa declared to have no conflict of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that occurs with greatly increased frequency in the rare recessive autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy syndrome (APECED) caused by mutations of the autoimmune regulator ( AIRE) gene on chromosome 21q22·3. We have previously detected an association between alopecia areata and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AIRE gene. Objectives To report the findings of an extended study including haplotype analysis on six AIRE polymorphisms ( AIRE C–103T, C4144G, T5238C, G6528A, T7215C and T11787C) in vitiligo, another APECED-associated disease. Methods A case–control analysis was performed. Results Results showed a strong association between AIRE 7215C and vitiligo [ P = 1·36 × 10−5, odds ratio (OR) 3·12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·87–5·46]. We found no significant association with the other polymorphisms individually. However, haplotype analysis revealed that the AIRE haplotype CCTGCC showed a highly significant association with vitiligo ( P = 4·14 × 10−4, OR 3·00, 95% CI 1·70–5·28). To select the most informative minimal haplotypes, we tagged the polymorphisms using SNP tag software. Using AIRE C–103T, G6528A, T7215C and T11787C as tag SNPs, the haplotype AIRE CGCC was associated with vitiligo ( P = 0·003, OR 2·49, 95% CI 1·45–4·26). Conclusions The link between vitiligo and AIRE raises the possibility that defective skin peripheral antigen selection in the thymus is involved in the changes that result in melanocyte destruction in this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Desquamation occurs after proteolysis of corneodesmosomal proteins, including corneodesmosin (CDSN), by proteases of the kallikrein family, particularly KLK7. Impaired desquamation is one of the features of psoriasis, and psoriasis-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms of the CDSN gene may potentially modify the proteolysis of the encoded protein. Objectives To test whether the proteolysis of CDSN and other corneodesmosomal components is altered in psoriatic epidermis. Methods Total protein extracts obtained by tape-stripping of nonlesional and lesional skin from 11 patients were compared by immunoblotting experiments. Results An almost intact form of CDSN that has never been observed previously in the normal upper stratum corneum was detected in the lesional skin extracts, showing an altered proteolytic processing of the protein. This form was also observed in the nonlesional skin extracts, but in lower amounts. For most patients, increased amounts of desmoglein 1, plakoglobin and of high molecular weight fragments of desmocollin 1 were detected in the lesional skin. For most of them, similar amounts of KLK7 were immunodetected in both nonlesional and lesional skin extracts. No particular differences were observed related to the psoriasis type, the HLA-Cw6 status of the patients or any particular CDSN polymorphisms. Conclusions We detected a near full-length form of CDSN that has not been previously observed in normal stratum corneum. The results suggest a reduced degradation of all corneodesmosomal proteins in psoriatic lesions which probably reflects the persistence of corneodesmosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alopecia areata is an immune-mediated disorder, occurring with the highest observed frequency in the rare recessive autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) syndrome caused by mutations of the autoimmune regulator ( AIRE) gene on chromosome 21q22.3. We have previously detected association between alopecia areata and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the AIRE gene in patients without APECED, and we now report the findings of an extended examination of the association of alopecia areata with haplotype analysis including six SNPs in the AIRE gene: C-103T, C4144G, T5238C, G6528A, T7215C and T11787C. In Caucasian groups of 295 patients and 363 controls, we found strong association between the AIRE 7215C allele and AA [ P = 3.8 × 10−8, OR (95% CI): 2.69 (1.8–4.0)]. The previously reported association between AA and the AIRE 4144G allele was no longer significant on correction for multiple testing. The AIRE haplotypes CCTGCT and CGTGCC showed a highly significant association with AA [ P = 6.05 × 10−6, 9.47 (2.91–30.8) and P = 0.001, 3.51 (1.55–7.95), respectively]. To select the haplotypes most informative for analysis, we tagged the polymorphisms using SNPTag software. Employing AIRE C-103T, G6528A, T7215C and T11787C as tag SNPs, two haplotypes were associated with AA; AIRE CGCT and AIRE CGCC [ P = 3.84 × 10−7, 11.40 (3.53–36.9) and P = 3.94 × 10−4, 2.13 (1.39–3.24) respectively]. The AIRE risk haplotypes identified in this study potentially account for a major component of the genetic risk of developing alopecia areata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cystatin A ( CSTA) is a strong candidate for atopic dermatitis (AD) because it maps to AD susceptibility locus on chromosome 3q21 and it does inhibit Der p 1 and Der f 1, major house dust mite cysteine proteases and environmental triggers for AD and asthma. Objective: To examine any association between polymorphisms in CSTA and AD and study the effect on the CSTA mRNA expression level. Methods: We identified three polymorphisms and characterized the linkage disequilibrium mapping of the CSTA gene. All three CSTA polymorphisms were genotyped in 100 AD patients and 203 matched controls. Subsequently, we performed transfection-based RNA stability assays. Results: We found a significant association between the CSTA +344C variant and AD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.91; P = 0.024]. When further 61 control samples were genotyped. The association with CSTA +344C allele was enhanced OR = 2.13; P = 0.006. To test whether the CSTA +344 affected the CSTA transcriptional activity, the decay rates of RNAs transcribed from the CSTA +344C and CSTA +344T variants were investigated. COS-7 cells were transfected with a pcDNA3.1−CSTA+344C or a pcDNA3.1−CSTA+344T construct and cultured in the presence or absence of actinomycin D. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that CSTA +344C mRNA is more than two times less stable than the CSTA +344T mRNA ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that the CSTA +344C allele associated with unstable mRNA could result in failing to protect the skin barrier in AD patients from both exogenous and endogenous proteases [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Young people who are concerned that consultations may not remain confidential are reluctant to consult their doctors, especially about sensitive issues. This study sought to identify issues and concerns of adolescents and their parents, in relation to confidentiality and teenagers' personal health information. Setting: Recruitment was conducted in paediatric dermatology and general surgery outpatient clinics, and on general surgery paediatric wards. Interviews were conducted in subjects' own homes. Methods: Semistructured interviews were used for this exploratory qualitative study. Interviews were carried out with 11 young women and nine young men aged 14-17. Parents of 18 of the young people were interviewed separately. Transcripts of tape recorded interviews provided the basis for a framework analysis. Results: Young women were more concerned than young men, and older teenagers more concerned than younger teenagers, about people other than their general practitioner (GP) having access to their health information. Young people with little experience of the healthcare system were less happy than those with greater knowledge of the National Health Service (NHS) for non-medical staff to access their health information. As they grow older, adolescents become increasingly concerned that their health information should remain confidential. Conclusion: Young people's willingness to be open in consultations could be enhanced by doctors taking time to explain to them that their discussion is completely confidential. Alternatively, if for any reason confidentiality cannot be assured, doctors should explain why. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outcomes of health care interventions can be measured in many different ways, but there has been growing interest in the role that quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) can play in informing priorities in health care. While existing generic preference-based measures can be used to obtain QALYs, these measures may often be inappropriate for some conditions such as atopic dermatitis (AD). These measures are also usually developed for adults and may not capture the domains pertinent to children. To develop a preference-based quality-of-life measure for use in children with AD. Items generated from interviews conducted with parents of children with AD were used to form a health state classification system that gives 16 unique health states. One hundred and fifty members of the general population were interviewed to derive preference weights for these states, following the methods used in the valuation of the Health Utilities Index 2 (HUI 2). Each person valued 10 health states using the standard gamble technique. The primary analysis was the estimation of mean health state values for each of the 16 states. Mean values across the 16 health states range from 0·36 (SD = 0·36) for the worst state to 0·84 (SD = 0·19) on a scale from zero to one, where zero is for health states thought to be as bad as being dead and one is for perfect health. There was some support for the validity of the values from the fact that the values were logically consistent with the ordering of the health state classification system. These results show the perceived importance of the defined health states of childhood AD to the general population. The resultant health state classification and values can be used to calculate QALYs for use in assessing the cost-effectiveness of interventions for children with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alopecia areata (AA) is a disorder primarily affecting the hair and nails in which associated autoimmune or atopic disease is common. Genetically, it is a complex trait with evidence of a role for genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), the interleukin-1 cluster and chromosome 21 in the pathogenesis. The strongest association is with HLA class II alleles, although whether this indicates a direct contribution to the pathogenesis or results merely from linkage disequilibrium with nearby disease genes is unknown. Notch4 is a recently defined gene in the HLA class III region. Notch signalling is a direct determinant of keratinocyte growth arrest and entry into differentiation. A possible role for Notch in hair growth has been indicated by transgenic mouse findings that activation of the Notch pathway in the hair cortex leads to aberrant differentiation of adjacent hair-shaft layers. Notch4 is therefore a plausible candidate gene for AA. We have examined two polymorphisms in the coding sequence of the Notch4 gene at positions +1297 and +3063 in a case-control study of 116 AA patients and 142 ethnically matched, healthy control subjects. The initial analysis showed a significant association of AA in the overall data set with the Notch4(T+1297C) polymorphism (P<0.001) but not with Notch4(A+3063G). To confirm this association, we genotyped an additional 62 patients and found that the risk for disease was higher in Notch4(+1297C) homozygotes [odds ratio (OR) 3.43 (1.63, 7.19)] than in heterozygotes [OR 2.58 (1.57, 4.24)]. On classifying the patients by severity of disease, the association appeared to be confined to the severest form (alopecia universalis) [OR 4.02 (1.64, 9.88), P=0.0014]. These results support previous findings showing that different HLA susceptibility alleles are associated with mild and severe AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism has been described in intron 2 of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene. Allele 2 of this polymorphism is associated with many chronic inflammatory diseases. Using direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products from individuals of known genotype for the VNTR, we have identified four single base change polymorphisms in exons 1 and 2 and one upstream of exon 1 all of which are probably in linkage disequilibium with the intron 2 VNTR. The exonic polymorphisms do not alter the encoded amino acid sequence. Using the exon 2 polymorphism as a marker for the intron 2 disease-associated allele, we have been able to analyse allele-specific mRNA in heterozygotic keratinocyte cell lines. The disease-associated allele shows no difference from other alleles in this cell type with respect to mRNA accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of the benefits of patch testing has been difficult. We have attempted to establish patients' views on patch testing and to assess the effectiveness of advice given in the clinic. Postal questionnaires were sent to 135 patients. A total of 105 replies were received (77.8% response rate). 42 patients (40.4%) reported improvement in their skin condition after testing. Of the 43 patients with a final diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), 31 (72%) believed that patch testing had helped. About ½ of these were able to avoid the allergens concerned and had made changes in their lifestyle. This contrasts with the group of patients with final diagnoses other than ACD, in whom only 20 of 62 (32%) recorded patch testing as helpful. Similar numbers in both groups had improved sufficiently to be discharged from the clinic. 91 of the patients were entirely correct in their knowledge of the patch test results. 39 felt that the results had not been explained in sufficient detail. This study shows that patch testing is beneficial, especially for those with ACD. Patients knowledge of the results was good but education could be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a group of 612 consecutive patients undergoing routine patch tests for suspected allergic contact dermatitis, more than four-fifths of the 364 women had had their ears pierced, over half gave a history of cutaneous reactions to metallic jewellery and almost one-third were sensitive to nickel. The increase in the frequency of nickel sensitivity in women with pierced ears compared to those with unpierced ears was highly significant (P<0.001). In men, nickel sensitivity was much less frequent; occupational factors were often implicated and few eases were related to ear piercing. Jewellery dermatitis was more frequent in atopic than non-atopic women but atopy did not appear to influence the propensity for developing nickel sensitivity in either sex. Ear piercing seems to induce nickel allergy which may result in lifelong morbidity and difficulty in employment, jewellery suppliers should he encouraged to provide nickel-free earrings to reduce the frequency of this apparently avoidable problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of lichen sclerosus remains unknown. However, it has been frequently associated clinically with autoimmunity. The MHC haplotype A1, B8, DR3 is associated with many autoimmune conditions and has also been associated with the uncommon allele of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) promoter polymorphism. This allele is also associated with higher production of TNF in vivo and in vitro, and thus it has been speculated that it is the TNF-α gene which underlies the genetic association of many diseases with the autoimmune haplotype. There have been many reports of HLA associations with lichen scleroses, but these have not been concordant. We therefore decided to analyse the TNF-α polymorphism in patients with lichen scleroses to determine if TNF-α was likely to play a role in susceptibility or severity of lichen scleroses. No association between alleles of the TNF-&alpha polymorphism and lichen scleroses was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Summary: Atopic dermatitis (also called AD or eczema) is a chronic skin disease found in up to 1 in 10 adults, causing itchy rashes that may cover most of the body. Ciclosporin, an oral treatment (taken by mouth) commonly used for AD, doesn't always work and can have significant side effects. Other broadly‐acting oral medications are sometimes used, but not approved, for AD. Dupilumab is a new medication approved in many countries for adults with inadequately controlled moderate‐to‐severe AD. Dupilumab specifically targets pathways in the body that drive AD. Researchers in Europe evaluated how well dupilumab injections improved rashes, itch, and daily lives of people whose AD required ciclosporin, but for whom ciclosporin wasn't working or caused intolerable side effects, or whose medical conditions prevented its use. Among 325 participants, 110 received 300 mg dupilumab once‐weekly, 107 received it every two weeks, and 108 received placebo (dummy drug) once‐weekly. All participants used topical (applied to the skin) corticosteroids during the 16‐week study. Dupilumab improved AD rashes: at Week 0, participants’ Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores were about 31 (scale: 0–72), but by Week 16, 59% to 62% of dupilumab‐treated participants achieved 75% or greater improvement in EASI, versus 29.6% of people on placebo. Dupilumab also improved itch, other symptoms, mood, and quality of life. Conjunctivitis and injection‐site reactions were more frequent among dupilumab‐treated patients; skin infections (excluding herpes) and AD exacerbations (worsening) were more frequent with placebo. The authors conclude that dupilumab plus topical corticosteroids significantly improved AD even in adults with AD who had previously failed treatment with or were unable to use ciclosporin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 13-month-old girl presented with red finger marks on both shoulders thought initially to be secondary to child abuse. The appearance of the marks was not typical of bruising of the stated age and there were no social concerns or other medical features of child abuse. Direct questioning revealed that the mother had been gardening on a sunny day and had picked the child up prior to the appearance of the marks. The marks are thought to represent a phytophotodermatitis. Many paediatric skin conditions can mimic child abuse. Recognition of this further possibility will prevent avoidable errors of diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the authors discuss the adverse effect of aqueous cream BP to the skin in healthy volunteers. They note that aqueous cream damages the skin barrier resulting from increased protease activity as associated with sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) formula. They add that aqueous cream is ineffective treatment in repairing skin barrier in volunteers with history of atopic eczema/dermatitis (AD).

The article focuses on the Pediatric Advisory Committee of the United States Food and Drug Administration's warnings for pimecrolimus cream and tacroilmus ointment because of concerns of potential safety risks. There are however no evidence that topical use of pimecrolimus and tracolimus causes malignancies.

Resin-reinforced plaster casts are now widely used in orthopaedic practice, as they are strong, lightweight and waterproof. When the plaster is put in water, the melamine-formaldehyde resin is activated and, as it breaks down, formaldehyde is released. The resin then condenses to coat the plaster crystals forming a firm casing as it sets. This article reports 4 cases of allergic contact dermatitis associated with the use of Cellamin plaster bandages. 2 of the patients developed hand dermatitis. These were both health care workers who frequently applied plaster. The other 2 cases were orthopaedic patients who had developed an allergic contact dermatitis under the plaster cast.

Presents a letter to the editor about the treatment of Grover's disease with calcipotriol.