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Internationally approved guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Malassezia-related skin diseases are lacking. Therefore, a panel of experts consisting of dermatologists and a microbiologist under the auspices of the Danish Society of Dermatology undertook a data review and compiled guidelines for the diagnostic procedures and management of pityriasis versicolor, seborrhoeic dermatitis and Malassezia folliculitis. Main recommendations in most cases of pityriasis versicolor and seborrhoeic dermatitis include topical treatment which has been shown to be sufficient. As first choice, treatment should be based on topical antifungal medication. A short course of topical corticosteroid or topical calcineurin inhibitors has an anti-inflammatory effect in seborrhoeic dermatitis. Systemic antifungal therapy may be indicated for widespread lesions or lesions refractory to topical treatment. Maintenance therapy is often necessary to prevent relapses. In the treatment of Malassezia folliculitis systemic antifungal treatment is probably more effective than topical treatment but a combination may be favourable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of nickel in certain consumer goods has been regulated in Denmark since 1990. The aim of this study was to reveal the clinical characteristics of nickel-allergic patients seen in seven private dermatology clinics and to identify current sources of nickel that may elicit nickel dermatitis. During 2006 to 2007, 634 patients with dermatitis aged 17-91 years were patch-tested and completed a questionnaire including a question about the occurrence of dermatitis following skin contact with ear-rings or ear-pins, watches, buttons or metal clasps (i.e. metal dermatitis). χ² tests were applied to test for statistical significant differences. Analysis revealed a lower prevalence of nickel allergy among women in the youngest age group (17-22 years) in comparison with older age groups (23-34 years and 35-46 years) (p<0.03). Most patients experienced metal dermatitis on the first occurrence between 1975 and 1985. No new cases of metal dermatitis were identified after 1985. We conclude that nickel allergy has decreased among young females with dermatitis due to the nickel regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on potential factors related to low quality of life in patients with hand eczema. It highlights materials and methods used including a self-administered photographic guide, skin patch test, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaires. It reports that hand eczema shows a measurable impact on the quality of life of the patients.

The article describes the case of a 62-year-old male patient with a history of keratonic follicular papules, erythematous annular scaly plaques and tinea corporis and who developed Darrier disease (DD) due to cutaneous terbinafine-resistant Tricophyton rubrum infection. The diagnosis was confirmed after performing skin scraping, direct microscopy, Sabouraud agar culture and antifungal susceptibility testing. A discussion on drug resistance in dermatophytes is presented.