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Biomedical subjects

K F Thomson

Publications and source records attributed to K F Thomson.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Eczema: quality of life by body site and the effect of patch testing.

BACKGROUND: Patients with dermatitis are known to have impaired quality of life. Whether this varies according to body site has not been evaluated. Patch tests have previously been shown to influence quality of life, although no previous studies have shown if this is dependent on the results of the patch tests. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of patch testing on quality of life according to the outcome of the investigations and to determine how quality of life varies according to eczema body site. METHODS: One hundred and sixty consecutive adult patients with active eczema were selected from a patch test clinic for inclusion into the study. Quality of life was determined using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the SF-36, prior to patch testing and 2 months later. Perceived eczema severity at each time point was also noted, along with the outcome of patch testing. Baseline comparison of quality of life was performed between four body site groups (face, hand, generalized, other). RESULTS: Patients confirmed as having relevant positive contact allergens were shown to have a significant improvement in both perceived eczema severity (P = 0.0004) and DLQI score (P = 0.0015) at 2 months after patch testing. No significant changes were noted in the SF-36 score, other than a borderline improvement in the pain score (P = 0.048). The improvement in quality of life and eczema severity was not noted in patients with negative patch tests. Eighty-nine per cent of patients diagnosed as having contact allergy were able to comply with avoidance advice. No significant variation was noted in quality of life according to body site affected by eczema. There was a positive correlation between DLQI score and perceived eczema severity (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients confirmed as having contact allergy show a subsequent improvement in eczema severity and an improvement in quality of life.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Terminal hair growth after full thickness skin graft: Treatment with normal mode ruby laser.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Treatment of hirsutism is often unsatisfactory with many of the currently used methods providing only temporary improvement. The use of lasers for hair removal has shown promising results and treatment by using the normal mode ruby laser has provided reduction in hair numbers sustained on follow-up. We report a woman who developed terminal hair growth at the site of a full thickness skin graft and describe her successful treatment with the normal mode ruby laser.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Low-dose thalidomide is an effective second-line treatment in cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND: The use of thalidomide in inflammatory cutaneous disorders has increased over recent years. Its use in cutaneous lupus erythematosus is now well documented, although most groups favour high-dose regimes (200 mg twice daily), where side effects are common and may limit drug use. METHODS: A total of 27 patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus were treated using a low-dose thalidomide regime (starting dose of 50 mg twice daily). RESULTS: Results have been favourable, with a good response or total disease remission seen in 66% of patients. The prevalence of side effects was low. Nausea, sedation or tremor were seen in 8 patients but these were tolerable in all but four patients. No patient had symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Owing to its teratogenicity, adequate counselling must be given to female patients of child-bearing age. CONCLUSION: On the basis of these findings, low-dose thalidomide is advocated as a second-line treatment in cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Allergic contact dermatitis to plant extracts in patients with cosmetic dermatitis.

Cosmetic contact allergy is commonly seen in patients undergoing patch testing, with fragrance one of the most frequently implicated ingredients. Many cosmetics contain plant extracts either as a fragrance or for medicinal properties. With a vogue for natural products there is an increase in their use. We have performed a prospective study over a 2-year period looking at the prevalence of contact allergy to plants in patients diagnosed with cosmetic dermatitis. In addition, we have performed a review of the products of two popular cosmetic companies, examining product labelling and the prevalence of use of plant extracts. We suggest that patients allergic to fragrance be advised to avoid plant extracts, which are separately labelled, in their personal care products.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Acne fulminans 'sine fulminans'.

Acne fulminans is characterized by the sudden onset of a severe, ulcerative acne associated with systemic features. Response to traditional acne therapies is poor. We have recognized a subset of patients with acne of a severity comparable to that of acne fulminans but with the absence of systemic involvement; we suggest modification of the treatment regimes used in this group.

Acneiform Eruptions↗
PubMed1999

The prevalence of corticosteroid allergy in two U.K. centres: prescribing implications.

Allergic contact dermatitis to topical corticosteroids is a common problem, seen in up to 6% of patients undergoing patch testing. Rates of steroid allergy vary widely both within and between countries. It has previously been shown that non-fluorinated steroids degrade and react with arginine more rapidly in an in vitro system and may therefore be more likely to sensitize than fluorinated steroids. We have compared the rates of steroid allergy and corticosteroid prescribing habits in two different areas in England to observe the relationship between these factors. The results suggest that predominant use of non-fluorinated corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone-17-butyrate and budesonide) results in a higher prevalence of corticosteroid contact allergy in comparison with those areas using a greater proportion of fluorinated corticosteroids.

Administration, Topical↗