The present study shows that, when treated with both MAL-PDT and cryotherapy, subjects significantly prefer MAL-PDT treatment for AK. MAL-PDT is an attractive treatment option for AK, with comparable efficacy and superior cosmetic outcomes compared with double freeze-thaw cryotherapy.

No abstract

Cyclosporin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of adult atopic dermatitis, but there are no clinical trials evaluating its use in childhood. Atopic dermatitis is more common in children and the severe form can be associated with considerable morbidity. We report on 18 children with severe refractory atopic dermatitis who have been treated with cyclosporin on an open basis. The drug was given at an initial daily dose of 5 or 6 mg/kg and in some patients the dose was reduced according to response. Sixteen patients showed a good or excellent response to treatment, one a moderate response and one patient failed to improve. The treatment was well tolerated and there were no significant changes in serum creatinine or blood pressure. Long remission after withdrawal of treatment was seen in some patients, although most relapsed within a few weeks. We suggest that cyclosporin is an effective and safe short-term treatment for severe atopic dermatitis in childhood.

The precorneal drainage of radiolabelled solutions containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) have been measured in rabbit and man by gamma scintigraphy. Concentration of the polymers was varied to produce solutions with a viscosity range between 10.2 and 102 mPas. Solution drainage was faster in man than in the rabbit with a more pronounced effect of viscosity. Significant retardation of drainage in man was noted at the higher polymer concentrations (0.9% HPMC or 5.85% PVA).

Treatment of trigeminal trophic syndrome is challenging and often unsatisfactory, particularly in patients with cognitive impairment. We report the novel use of a thermoplastic dressing in two patients with trigeminal trophic syndrome. Use of the dressing resulted in successful healing of ulceration in both patients, which has been maintained in the short term, representing a simple and economical therapeutic option in the management of this difficult condition.