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Biomedical subjects

Monica Corazza

Publications and source records attributed to Monica Corazza.

33 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Evaluation of contact sensitization in vulvar lichen simplex chronicus. A proposal for a battery of selected allergens.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of contact sensitization in vulvar lichen simplex chronicus and to select appropriate batteries of allergens to test. STUDY DESIGN: Between 1993 and 2000, 61 women affected by vulvar lichen simplex chronicus were enrolled to evaluate the role of contact hypersensitivity. All the patients underwent patch tests with the Italian standard series and with a wide battery of allergens (preservatives, perfumes, emulsifiers, medicaments) and products they used routinely. RESULTS: Of the women, 47.5% had at least one positive patch test, and relevant positivities were observed in 26%. The relevant allergens were usually medicaments and preservatives. CONCLUSION: It would be acceptable to reduce the number of allergens tested, in particular omitting the perfume series. Patch tests are a helpful diagnostic tool in vulvar lichen simplex chronicus and improve prescribing practice.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Eyelid dermatitis: an evaluation of 447 patients.

BACKGROUND: Eyelids can be affected by various types of dermatitis that are often difficult to diagnose. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to establish some guidelines for a correct diagnosis. METHODS: A total of 447 patients treated at 12 research units for eczema or other inflammatory dermatitis located on the eyelids were invited to complete a questionnaire. When necessary, patch tests with haptens of the standard series from Gruppo Italiano di Ricerca sulle Dermatiti da Contatto e Ambientali della Società Italiana di Dermatologia e Venereologia (SIDEV-GIRDCA) were performed. RESULTS: Of the subjects studied, 50.2 % were diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD); 20.9% were affected by irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), 13.5% by atopic dermatitis, 6.3% by seborrheic dermatitis, 6.5% by aspecific xerotic dermatitis, and 2.3% by psoriasis. Approximately 91% of all subjects reported an absence of familial atopy. A significant statistical association between diagnosis type and a personal history of atopy was evident (p <.000001, chi-square test). The results of gradual logistic regression models showed four-eyelid involvement as the main risk factor for ACD (odds ratio [OR] = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1-8.1); with ICD, the main risk factor was the onset of symptoms at between 2 and 6 months (OR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-4.0), whereas for atopic dermatitis, the main risk factors were the onset of symptoms later than 6 months and a personal history of atopy (OR = 4.9 and 3.6, respectively). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that many characteristics of the patients examined can be used for the differential diagnosis of palpebral eczematous dermatitis.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Multiple congenital symmetric skin dimples.

Skin dimples are seldom observed in sites other than the face. We report on a male premature child who was seen at the age of 2 months for the evaluation of cutaneous depressions symmetrically located on the shoulders, elbows and in the sacral region. Skin dimples have sometimes been considered a benign autosomal dominant trait. However, several authors have reported these cutaneous defects in a variety of conditions like congenital syndromes, infections, inborn errors of metabolism and mechanical trauma. In our case, the aetiology is unknown, even though maternal drug or infective exposure can reasonably be excluded as well as traumatic events. At a 3-year follow-up, the patient shows a normal psychophysical development. This appears to be the first case of a child presenting congenital, symmetric dimples in three different areas.

Fetal Growth Retardation↗
PubMed2002

Allergic contact dermatitis from transdermal estradiol and systemic contact dermatitis from oral estradiol. A case report.

BACKGROUND: About 20% of patients using transdermal estradiol complain of adverse local side effects. CASE: A 47-year-old, postmenopausal woman developed eczematous lesions at the sites of application of a estradiol therapeutic transdermal system and successively at the sites of application of a gel containing estradiol. Due to the topical intolerance, the therapy was switched to oral estrogen, which caused a systemic pruritic rash. Positive patch tests with estradiol led to the diagnosis of type IV allergic dermatitis due to transdermal estradiol and to a gel containing estradiol. Systemic contact dermatitis due to oral estradiol was also diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Even though allergic contact dermatitis from estradiol is extremely rare, local side effects from estradiol systems must be kept in mind and correctly diagnosed. Patch tests allow identification of the causative agent. In the case of primary sensitization to topical estradiol, oral estrogens must be prescribed cautiously to avoid systemic reactions.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Air bags and the skin.

Air bags, fitted in the majority of new automobiles, are safety devices activated when a sudden deceleration causes the ignition of a propellant cartridge containing sodium azide. The bag is inflated by nitrogen liberated during the combustion. Deployment releases various high-temperature gases, including nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and produces sodium hydroxide, a highly irritant alkaline substance. In about 7%-8% of cases, air bags cause dermatologic injuries such as traumatic lesions, irritant dermatitis, and chemical and thermal burns. Nondermatologic lesions, such as ocular damage (alkali keratitis, corneal abrasions), ear lesions, bone fractures, and contusive damage can also be caused by air bag deployment.

Air Bags↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Primary cutaneous plasmacytoma on chronic lymphoedema.

An unusual case of cutaneous plasmacytoma with multiple lesions in a 77-year-old man affected by chronic lymphoedema of his lower limbs is reported. Histopathology and immunohistochemical staining led to the diagnosis of cutaneous plasmacytoma. Staging studies were not able to identify extracutaneous involvement. The lesions were successfully treated with melphalan and prednisone. No signs of progression of the disease were seen at a 2- year follow-up.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Acroangiodermatitis of amputation stump.

Acroangiodermatitis is an angioproliferative disease characterized by pseudosarcomatous papules and plaques. It is often associated with different disorders like: chronic venous insufficiency, artero-venous malformations, artero-venous shunts, paralysed limb. In the case of amputation stumps the traumatic and suctional stimula may be the cause of this reactive pathology. We describe a case of acroangiodermatitis in an above-knee amputation stump in a 48-year-old-female affected by Down's syndrome.

Acrodermatitis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Face and body sponges: beauty aids or potential microbiological reservoir?

Small natural or synthetic sponges are commonly used in daily hygiene and in removing make-up. In our study we try to assess the role of sponges as reservoirs and vehicles in the transmission of potentially pathogenic bacterial species. We demonstrate that numerous Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial species are detectable in sponges after normal use by the healthy population. The most common bacteria to be found are Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in both cellulose and nylon sponges; this observation supports the idea that the environmental factors (humidity, temperature) favour bacterial growth more than the different materials the sponges are made of. Sponges should be restricted to personal use, regularly washed, completely dried and kept in a dry place.

Adult↗