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Background:Although children are affected frequently with alopecia areata (AA), data are limited on clinical characteristics and treatment choices. Materials and Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the records of the pediatric dermatology department over a 12-year period to identify children with AA. Clinical data were collected. Results:Three hundred and sixty-four children with AA were identified, aged 1–12 years, 214 males and 150 females. The mean age of onset was 6.6 years (±3.3). The disease presented with patches on the scalp in the majority (90.7%), whereas only 6 children had alopecia totalis or universalis. The most commonly prescribed treatment was topical steroids (69.1%), followed by the combination of topical steroids and minoxidil 2% (14.3%). Oral steroids were prescribed in only 16 children. Follow-up at 3 months was available for only 70 children and the majority (84.3%) had some hair regrowth. Hair regrowth was unrelated to the number of plaques (p= 0.257), disease location (p= 0.302), and atopy (p= 0.999). Hair regrowth only correlated with the type of treatment (p= 0.003) with potent topical and intralesional steroids giving the best results. Conclusion:AA usually presents with a mild form in children, and potent topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment.

Background: Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) is a disease presenting typical wheals characterized by itching, angioedema or both. Although CU is, by appearance, a relatively “simple” disease, yet it has a devastating effect on those suffering due to its immense social implications. Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of omalizumab in the treatment of CSU. In particular, gender, co-administration of drugs and comorbidities were taken into account. Materials and Methods: 108 patients (25 Males/83 Females) admitted to our department were diagnosed with CSU and were treated for 30 months. CSU was estimated on a score basis, which was used in order to define disease severity. The mean total CSU score and the mean CSU score of the first trimester, as well as the first semester, were calculated. Patients were treated with omalizumab, and in several cases, with co-administration of dapsone, cyclosporine and anti-histamines. Results: Females manifested significantly higher scores as compared to males. Further on, patients who relapsed manifested significantly higher scores during the whole time course, as well as at the end of the first semester. Conclusion: Females are more prone to CSU. Although CSU scores in patients with remission, relapse and poor response manifested no significant difference at diagnosis, relapsed patients manifested higher CSU scores in the first semester. Therefore, the first semester of treatment is probably critical for the final patient outcome. Further studies are necessary in order to understand the mechanisms of CSU for better treatment and prognosis.

The most common reaction to fragrances is contact dermatitis, a delayed hypersensitivity reaction; however, other reactions include immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria) and photo-allergic reactions. Fragrance mix (FM) and balsam of Peru (BP) are used to screen for fragrance allergy.

The action of theophylline on the uptake of α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB; an indicator of anti-inflammatory potency) stimulated by the glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, in cultured rat fibroblast monolayers was evaluated. Theophylline alone (0.1mm) did not show significant activity (3314±27cpm) compared with the baseline level (3186±130cpm), but in the presence of 10nmdexamethasone the stimulation of AIB uptake was increased to 5263±100cpm, approximately to the same extent as with 100nmdexamethasone alone (5397±28cpm). Activation of glucocorticoid-receptor complexes in rat fibroblast cytosol was studied by assessing the extent of their binding to DNA-cellulose. Activated and non-activated forms of glucocorticoid-receptor complexes were analysed by DEAE-Sephadex chromatography. Theophylline (1mm) was found to have a direct effect (0°C), similar to that of heat (25°C) on DNA-cellulose binding, that is approximately 64.5% and 68.7%, respectively, thus indicating that theophylline promotes activation of glucocorticoid receptors at low temperature. The effect of theophylline on the stimulation of AIB uptake by dexamethasone when considered in the light of its activation of GR receptors in the fibroblast cytosol indicates that this effect may be mediated by GR activation.

We describe a study on 38 children from 1 to 11 years of age, with anogenital warts, 25 were girls. The disease was primarily perianal. Sexual abuse was confirmed in one 9-year-old boy. Most responded to monotherapy with podophyllotoxin, imiquimod 5, or cryotherapy in a 3-month follow-up period.

The legume food family is large and includes peanut and soybean, two of the most frequent causes of food allergy. Literature on type I hypersensitivity to lentils, also a legume, is scarce.