Various adverse cutaneous reactions to anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody have been reported. In clinical studies with infliximab (Remicade^®) adverse drug reactions were most frequently reported in the respiratory system and in the skin and appendages. We describe here 6 patients receiving anti- TNF-α therapy (infliximab) for Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis who consulted our out-patient department for adverse cutaneous reactions between November 1999 and February 2002. The following diagnoses were made: leukocytoclastic vasculitis, lichenoid drug reaction, perniosis-like eruption (2 patients), superficial granuloma annulare and acute folliculitis.

The consensus presented herein provides valuable clarification of use of etanercept according to the label, which may have wider implications relating to the use of all biological therapies in psoriasis.

A 28-year-old woman developed an acute generalized exanthematic pustulosis in association with a massive lymphadenopathy. A viral etiology seemed highly probable although a drug reaction could not be excluded.

background. Although laser resurfacing is a well-accepted treatment, tolerance problems may preclude patient's acceptance of the procedure. Post-laser protracted erythema is a prime problem, associated with the symptoms of pain, itching, stinging and tightening. objective. The present study was conducted to evaluate a low-salt medical spring water (Avène, Avène-les-Bains, France), in conjunction with the standard use of an emollient, to improve tolerance by hydrating the postlaser skin. methods. A controlled, randomized, open-labeled, multicentric and two parallel group study was completed after 84 days in 74 patients, 34 applying a petrolatum ointment alone (control group), and 40 applying petrolatum ointment in association with the Avène spring water spray ad libitum (water group). results. The water spray showed a pronounced effect on reducing erythema, from the second week of postlaser onwards, with a statistically significant difference in favor of the water group compared with the control group ( p Յ 0.04 from day 14 to day 84, except a non-significant trend on day 28). In addition, the water spray was found to significantly reduce itching on day 28 ( p Ͻ 0.05), and stinging and tightening on day 14 and day 21 ( p Ͻ 0.05). Pain was not modified by the water. conclusion. Topical water appears to be a helpful adjunctive treatment to petrolatum ointment for counteracting erythema, itching, stinging and tightening during the postlaser treatment period. CommentaryThis is an interesting paper because erythema is a major postoperative problem for many laser patients. The conclusion that water has a beneficial effect on laser healing is important. However, it is difficult to draw statistical conclusions from 74 patients from seven different centers. Plain tap water may or may not provide the same benefit as the spring water spray studied here. Never-theless, the notion that topical water is a helpful adjunct to petrolatum ointment for counteracting erythema, itching, stinging, and tightening during the post-laser period is clinically relevant.

Topical water appears to be a helpful adjunctive treatment to petrolatum ointment for counteracting erythema, itching, stinging and tightening during the postlaser treatment period.