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It is possible to observe the changes of intestinal functions, in particular absorbent, immunologic and hormonal ones, correlated to inside action of a pathogenic noxa, in the cutaneous district, thanks to clinico-dermatological manifestations. The most evident cutaneous pathologies are present in progress of inflammatory bowel diseases, however the most representative manifestations are present especially in progress of celiac disease. The importance of these associations leads to conclude that skin is the "mirror" of the small intestine, and that remembering it can be necessary for specialist and generalist in their clinical practice.

We describe a case of cutaneous tuberculosis in a 25-year-old Philippine man. Erythematous papulo-nodular lesions, measuring 0.5 to 1 cm, were present on lower limbs; a 2 cm nodule was located on the left flank. The examination of the skin biopsy showed the presence of a superficial and deep perivascular dermatitis with histiocytes, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Ziehl-Nielsen stain for mycobacterium were negative, while the cultural examination led to the isolation of M. tuberculosis. Direct smear and cultural examination of sputum for M. tuberculosis were negative; chest and skeletal roentgenograms, syphilis and HIV infection serology, haematological and hematochemical examinations and urinalysis were negative. Specific treatment with isoniazid, rifampin and ofloxacin led to a rapid remission of cutaneous lesions. This case was particularly difficult to classify, but the Authors think it would be considered a tuberculid.

The AA. report a case of yellow nail syndrome associated with rheumatoid arthritis and monoclonal gammopathy (IgG-lambda). Because of the great variety of the diseases associated with this syndrome, the AA. suggest to control patients periodically to verify the probable appearance of other clinical manifestations.