The ages at onset of 245 female and 211 male psoriasis (Ps) patients were recorded. The distribution of age of onset in both sexes is bimodal, with separation at the age of 40 years into an early-onset group and a late-onset group. These distributions were normal (Gaussian) with equal variances. These data are compatible with the hypothesis that there are two genotypes for Ps. Further evidence for this hypothesis is provided by the relationship between age of onset and number of affected relatives. The latter, corrected for age at time of study, demonstrates a mixture of two negative binomial distributions, also with likely separation at the age of 40 years. The age distribution of Ps patients reflects the bimodality of age of onset, but with larger means and variances.

There is a widespread belief that psoriasis (Ps) and atopic dermatitis (AD) are clinically mutually exclusive. A prospective study was undertaken to record the concurrent and/or consecutive coincidence of the two conditions and any shared clinical features. Patients attending a dermatology clinic were systematically examined for the presence of Ps and/or AD. Nine hundred and eighty-three patients were studied – 428 with Ps, 224 with AD, 45 with both Ps and AD, and 286 controls. Of AD patients 16.7% had Ps, and 9.5% of Ps patients had AD. In consecutive occurrences, Ps generally followed AD. The ratio of concurrent to consecutive incidences was 3:1. The two diseases are shown not to be mutually exclusive and may coexist in the same individual.

Malalignment of the great toe-nails has been described for some time as occurring at birth, but there is still some dispute as to whether it is an inherited condition. We hope to provide some evidence that it may be inherited.

Retinoids have previously been described in the treatment of cutaneous malignancies and premalignancies. A case is reported of a patient with multifocal basal-cell carcinoma treated with a synthetic aromatic derivative of retinoic acid (etretinate) which resulted in complete resolution of the carcinoma confirmed by microscopy.

No abstract