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3. Galvin SA, Buchness MR. Rectangular reticulate patches on the pretibial areas. Erythema ab igne. Arch Dermatol 1990; 126: 386 ± 387. 4. Meffert JJ, Davis BM. Furniture-induced erythema ab igne. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996; 34: 516 ± 517. 5. Butler ML. Erythema ab igne, a sign of pancreatic disease. Am J Gastroenterol 1977; 67: 77 ± 79. 6. Ashby M. Erythema ab igne in cancer patients. J R Soc Med 1985; 78: 925 ± 927. 7. Arrington JH 3rd, Lockman DS. Thermal keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma in situ associated with erythema ab igne.

SUMMARY Seven patients with a bullous photodermatitis from nalidixic acid are described. Bullae develop characteristically on the dorsal aspects of the feet and on the lower legs, but also elsewhere, in patients taking the drug who are exposed to a high level of ambient sunlight. At times, the clinical picture may be confused with porphyria cutanea tarda. Abnormal reactions to sunlight may continue for several months after the acute stage, whether or not the drug is stopped, but some patients may continue to take the drug if direct sunlight on the skin is avoided. Investigations showed that long wave ultraviolet radiation appears to be responsible for the reaction and it proved possible to induce photosensitivity in three volunteers who took the drug for I week. The Honorary Editors of The Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medians kindly gave permission for details in the abridged version of this paper to be published.

SUMMARY.— The blood supply to the hair follicles has been studied by alkaline phosphatase staining in 31 patients with alopecia areata or totalis. Biopsies were taken before, during and after treatment with intralesional or systemic corticosteroids. The restoration of the normal pattern of the skin vasculature accompanies the re‐establishment of normal hair growth, whether this is induced by corticosteroids or occurs spontaneously.

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