The rash of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is usually treated with topical corticosteroids, but prolonged use causes adverse cutaneous side-effects. We assessed the efficacy of topical tacrolimus for treating the skin lesions of SLE. Three patients with SLE affecting their facial skin applied 0.1% tacrolimus ointment on one side of their face twice daily for 3 weeks, in conjunction with a sunscreen cream. After 3 weeks, erythema on the treated side was ameliorated in all three patients compared with the untreated side. Although the study is preliminary, the results demonstrate that topical tacrolimus may be useful for treating the malar rash of SLE.

Our findings indicate that the efficacy of the ICG test is comparable to direct microscopy for the detection of dermatophytes. Performance of the assay was easy, and results were available quickly. We suggest that it is an effective tool for dermatophytosis screening.

Objectives: To validate the itch-related cognition questionnaire (Kognitive Faktoren beim Juckreiz, KFJ) in Japanese. Patients and Methods: 100 patients with atopic dermatitis who received only standard medical treatment participated in the study. The original questionnaire was translated by a German-Japanese bilingual researcher and a native German speaker. Retranslation was made after definitions and fluency had been checked by unaware dermatologists. Results: The Japanese version of the KFJ showed good psychometric qualities similar to the original. This was indicated by the results of factor analysis and internal consistency (catastrophizing scale: α = 0.89; coping scale: α= 0.80). Concurrent validity was supported by state anxiety and depression having a positive correlation only with the catastrophizing scale (r = 0.41 and 0.44 respectively). Supernatural and internal locus of control also had a positive correlation with the catastrophizing scale. Predictive validity was confirmed in that patients with severe skin lesions scored high on the catastrophizing scale. Discussion: These findings support the utility of the Japanese version of the KFJ, which has the advantage of measuring precisely the outcome of psychological interventions focusing on coping with itch in atopic dermatitis patients.

No abstract

The effects of a newly synthesized phospholipid polymer, poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butyl methacrylate) [poly(MPC-co-BMA)], on the water barrier function and water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum were examined by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and electrical conductance of the skin surface. On the backs of four NC mice, the epidermal permeability barrier was abrogated by cellophane tape stripping 30 times. The skin was then treated with 0.1% poly(MPC-co-BMA) or distilled water twice daily for the following 3 days. Poly(MPC-co-BMA) reduced TEWL significantly compared with the control after the first treatment (P = 0.044) and this effect was observed for 3 days. In human skin, water-holding capacity was measured at 5, 10, 15, 30 min and 1, 2, and 4 h after the application of poly(MPC-co-BMA) or distilled water to both volar forearms of 21 healthy volunteers. Skin treated with poly(MPC-co-BMA) showed significantly greater ability to retain water at all time points. Poly(MPC-co-BMA) is the first synthetic material that can enhance both the water barrier function and water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum. Our results indicate that this substance may be useful clinically in the treatment of dry skin.