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Fusidic acid in dermatology.

Fusidic acid is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of its own, the fusidanes. The molecule has a steroid-like structure but does not possess any steroid activity. The structure is thought to be responsible for the steroid-like high penetration, and for the fact that no cross-resistance or cross-allergy has been seen with other antibiotics in routine clinical use. The anti-microbial activity of fusidic acid is specifically aimed at the most common skin pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, towards which it is one of the most potent antibiotics. The place of fusidic acid in dermatology is in the treatment of mild to moderately severe skin and soft-tissue infections, e.g. impetigo, folicullitis, erythrasma, furunculosis, abscesses and infected traumatic wounds, whereas it is of less use in conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic leg ulcers, burns and pressure sores. The topical combinations of fusidic acid with either betamethasone or hydrocortisone are extremely useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis/eczema whenever staphylococcal/secondary infection is suspected, and in more persistent cases of eczema where staphylococcal superantigen may be playing an important exacerbating role.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Severe erythema nodosum due to Behçet's disease responsive to erythromycin.

A patient with severe erythema nodosum due to Behçet's disease is reported on here. Erythema nodosum lesions did not respond to classical treatments; however, they cleared after erythromycin treatment, which was prescribed for the treatment of coincidental erythrasma. Erythromycin treatment appears to be an effective treatment option in erythema nodosum. The hypothetical anti-inflammatory effects of erythromycin, besides its antibiotic properties, are reviewed and discussed to explain such a clinical improvement.

Administration, Oral↗

Corynebacterium minutissimum bacteremia in an immunocompetent host with cellulitis.

Since its original description in 1961, Corynebacterium minutissimum, the causative agent of erythrasma, has rarely been associated with extracutaneous disease. We report a case of cellulitis and bacteremia due to C. minutissimum. We discuss the treatment of C. minutissimum infection and describe the clinical settings in which isolation of Corynebacterium species from blood cultures should be considered significant.

Aged↗

Central venous catheter-related Corynebacterium minutissimum bacteremia.

Although Corynebacterium minutissimum is well-known as the cause of erythrasma, it is noted as the etiologic agent of nondermatologic disease only rarely. We document this organism as a cause of central venous catheter-associated bacteremia and report the use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to characterize its molecular epidemiology.

Bacteremia↗

Pedal interdigital condylomata lata: a rare sign of secondary syphilis.

BACKGROUND: Condylomata lata of the toe webs are uncommon manifestations of secondary syphilis. Considering the recent decline in the incidence of syphilis in the United States, such lesions are likely to present infrequently. In some cases, this phenomenon may be the only physical sign of syphilis; therefore, it is important that a high index of suspicion is maintained when evaluating toe web lesions in patients at epidemiologic risk for syphilis. GOALS: A case of secondary syphilis presenting solely with interdigital condyloma lata in the toe web spaces is reported, and similar cases reported in the literature are reviewed. STUDY DESIGN: This article documents the diagnosis of secondary syphilis based on a positive serology in conjunction with the development of interdigital condyloma lata as the only physical finding suggestive of lues. RESULTS: The latter lesions resolved after appropriate, adequate antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: A case of condylomata lata of the toe webs without other pertinent physical findings is presented. Analogous to lesions typically seen in the anogenital region, moist exophytic toe web plaques may represent condyloma lata and thereby be a sign of secondary syphilis. The differential diagnosis includes tinea pedis, erythrasma, macerated corns, verrucae, and several tropical mycoses (chromomycosis, mycetoma).

Adult↗

Fluorescence digital photography of acne using a light-emitting diode illuminator.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The fluorescence findings of several dermatological diseases, such as erythrasma, tinea versicolor, and acne are helpful for diagnosis and follow-up. However, many experience difficulty taking photographic images of fluorescence. The aim of this study was to develop a 405 nm light-emitting diode (LED) system for fluorescence digital photography of acne and to determine whether such a diode can be used to evaluate acne. METHODS: Eight healthy acne patients were compared with controls by fluorescence digital photography using a digital camera equipped with a 405 nm LED illuminator. Digital photographs were taken by two different ways of exposure, i.e. appropriate exposure level and longer exposure. One side of the nose, cheek, and glabella was compared. The numbers and extents of fluorescence dots were counted and measured. As normal controls, seven individuals with apparent oiliness and no acne were enrolled. RESULTS: Red fluorescent facial dots were observed and photographed digitally using the 405 nm LED illuminator. These were more numerous and extensive on the glabella and cheeks of acne patients. CONCLUSION: Fluorescence digital photography of acne was successfully performed using a 405 nm LED illuminator. This illuminator could be used for acne evaluations.

Acne Vulgaris↗

Superficial mycoses in Saudi Arabia.

Between June 1988 and December 1990, 1018 cases of superficial mycoses were investigated. Diagnosis was confirmed by microscopic examination in 503 cases and the causal agent was isolated in 490 cases. Tinea capitis accounted for 47.7% (92.5% in children below 10 years of age). The frequency of other clinical types in descending order was pityriasis versicolor 25.8%, tinea corporis 9%, onychomycosis 5.8%, tinea pedis 4%, intertrigo 3.9% and tinea cruris 2.8%. Erythrasma was encountered three times and mixed piedra and trichomycosis axillaris once. Microsporum canis was the commonest aetiological agent, responsible for 46.9% of ringworm infections. Malassezia furfur was the next most common agent (26.5%) followed by Candida albicans (8.6%) and Trichophyton violaceum (8.2%). Other species were found less frequently. T.simii was isolated from four cases of tinea cruris and one each of tinea capitis and tinea corporis, and Piedraia hortae and Trichosporon beigelii from a case of mixed piedra infection.

Adolescent↗

Recurrent breast abscesses caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum.

A 42-year-old woman developed severe, recurrent breast abscesses caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum. Prior reports of C. minutissimum infection have been limited to erythrasma, a minor dermatosis. The microbiological and clinical features of this species were reviewed.

Abscess↗

Embolic retinopathy due to Corynebacterium minutissimum endocarditis.

Infective embolic retinopathy as a sequela of bacterial endocarditis is described in a 31-year-old woman with mitral valve prolapse. The infective organism, Corynebacterium minutissimum, has not been previously found to cause ocular or multisystem diseases. It is a common mucocutaneous inhabitant which causes erythrasma. In our case report both ocular involvement and septicaemia were present. The infection was confirmed by positive serial blood cultures. Mitral valve prolapse was confirmed by echocardiography. On clinical examination the retinopathy consisted of white intraretinal lesions which resolved with antibiotic therapy. By fluorescein angiography focal areas of hypofluorescence corresponding to the white fundus lesions were present. Optic disc oedema was also seen.

Adult↗

Bacterial skin infections in the elderly: diagnosis and treatment.

Skin and soft tissue infections are quite common in elderly people. A number of special conditions and circumstances need to be considered in the diagnosis and therapy. It is important to try to establish the causative organism, exclude other cutaneous disorders and identify precipitating factors. Treatment modalities include antiseptics, topical and systemic antibacterials, dressings and biotherapy. Skin infections presenting with erythema, blisters, pustules, and ulcerations or in body folds are described in detail. Cellulitis and infected ulcers are the most commonly encountered cutaneous infections in the elderly. Accurate and quick diagnosis and treatment are imperative to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Appropriate antibacterials, antiseptics and dressings are necessary depending on the severity of the clinical presentation and resistance patterns. Laboratory tests, such as skin swabs, to establish the exact pathogen take time and the results might represent colonisation rather than infection of the skin. Cellulitis should be clinically distinguished from erysipelas and necrotising fasciitis. The latter is a life-threatening condition, which in the majority of cases requires surgical debridement of the infected tissue. Blisters and honey-coloured crusts are typical features of impetigo. It is very contagious and close contacts should be examined. Folliculitis is a commonly seen skin infection, which often responds to the use of antiseptics and topical antibacterials. More severe pustular skin eruptions, such as furunculosis and carbunculosis, usually require treatment with systemic antibacterials. Intertrigo and erythrasma have a predilection for the body folds, especially the axillae and groin, and topical therapy is usually sufficient. Secondary skin infections are often the result of persistent pruritus associated with increasing dryness of the aging skin. Emollients and antihistamines are useful measures. Primary cutaneous disorders and systemic diseases should be excluded with the aid of appropriate investigations, such as blood tests and skin biopsy. Staphylococcus aureus and beta-haemolytic streptococci are the most common causative organisms of cutaneous infections.

Aged↗

Bifonazole. A review of its antimicrobial activity and therapeutic use in superficial mycoses.

Bifonazole is a substituted imidazole antifungal agent structurally related to other drugs in this group. It possesses a broad spectrum of activity in vitro against dermatophytes, moulds, yeasts, dimorphic fungi and some Gram-positive bacteria. Both non-comparative and comparative clinical trials have clearly demonstrated the efficacy and safety of various formulations of bifonazole 1% (cream, gel, solution and powder) applied once daily in the treatment of superficial fungal infections of the skin such as dermatophytoses, cutaneous candidiasis and pityriasis versicolor. In comparative studies bifonazole was significantly superior to placebo and at least as effective as alternative imidazole antifungal drugs including clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole, oxiconazole and sulconazole. Preliminary studies in other superficial skin and nail infections/dermatoses suggest that bifonazole may be useful for treating onychomycoses (in a combination cream; bifonazole 1% plus urea 40%), otomycoses, erythrasma, sebopsoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and rosacea. However, controlled trials are needed in each of these clinical settings to assess accurately its relative place in therapy. Thus, bifonazole is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for superficial fungal infections of the skin. Compared with the majority of topical antifungal drugs, which need to be applied at least twice daily, bifonazole offers the convenience of once daily administration, which may improve patient compliance.

Antifungal Agents↗

Common cutaneous disorders in athletes.

Athletic activity may cause or aggravate skin disorders, which in turn may diminish athletic performance. Since many sporting activities necessitate prolonged exposure to the sun, athletes must avoid painful sunburn which will adversely affect their performance. Drugs and chemicals also may cause photoallergic and/or phototoxic reactions, including polymorphous light eruption and athletes should thus avoid photosensitising drugs and chemicals. The effects of chronic ultraviolet exposure include ageing, pigmentation and skin cancers. The most effective protection against excessive exposure to sunlight is the use of sunscreens, although inadequate application and poor protection in the UVA spectrum may diminish their effectiveness and contact allergies may create other problems. Viral, bacterial and fungal infections are common in athletes due to heat, friction and contact with others. Herpes simplex may be treated with any drying agents (e.g. alcohol) as they are as effective as more expensive topical agents such as acyclovir. Molluscum contagiosum may be spread by close contact or water contact and is treated by superficial incision, cryotherapy or standard wart varnishes. Plantar wart infection is transmitted by swimming pool decks, changing rooms and hand-to-hand from weights in gymnasiums. Plantar warts presenting with pain may be aggressively treated, by blunt dissection, but painless ones are best treated conservatively. Impetigo and folliculitis often develop after trauma. Antibiotics are effective against mild infections while abrasions and lacerations should be cleansed and dressed with occlusive dressings. Diphtheroid bacteria in moist footwear may produce pitted keratolysis and erythrasma. Tinea pedis is common in athletes and probably originates in swimming pools, gymnasium floors and locker rooms. Interdigital, dry-moccasin and pustular-midsole forms can be distinguished. The latter two forms respond to topical antifungal agents, while the interdigital form, a mixed fungal/bacterial infection, is treated with debridement, antibiotics and drying routine similar to the therapy of otitis externa. Nail infections by a variety of organisms may appear as onycholysis with or without paronychia and should be treated with the appropriate antibiotics. Tinea versicolor occurs in heat and humidity. Since Pityrosporum orbiculare is part of the normal flora it often recurs, necessitating regular treatment. Acute trauma injuries include contusions, black heel or petichiae of the heel, black toe (bleeding under the nail), 'jogger's nipple' caused by chafing, and foot blisters. Chronic trauma may result in calluses, corns and paronychia. Plantar corns can be disabling and may be caused by overly tight shoes or abnormalities in biomechanics; treatment includes restoring normal foot function and minimal surgical procedures. Paronychia is treated best by wedge resection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Humans↗

Seeing through the stratum corneum.

The stratum corneum (SC) provides a vital barrier membrane between the external environment and the vulnerable internal tissues of the skin. It impedes the flow of water, the penetration of xenobiotics, and invasion of pathogenic micro-organisms. It also has protective capacity against ultraviolet radiation and thermal injury. As routine histopathology provides a misleading picture of a disorganized and shadowy SC, we would recommend the skin surface biopsy technique. This painless technique is easy and reliable in obtaining information from the SC. It demonstrates the geometric patterns of the surface, the openings of the eccrine ducts and hair follicles. The skin surface biopsy technique is also ideal for the investigation of the in situ microbiology of skin. Staining with periodic acid Schiff reagent makes it possible to see ringworm fungi, pityriasis versicolor, candida species, or erythrasma micro-organisms. Scanning electron microscopy can be employed when the higher magnification is needed. Histochemical applications include silver staining for melanin particle, potassium ferricyanide staining for blood pigments and lipid staining with Sudan red, for sebum. The rate of movement of topically applied drugs into the skin can be measured using the skin surface biopsy technique. The concentration of radiolabelled drugs can be counted and compared. Comedogenicity and DNA analysis are other applications of this non-invasive technique.

Biopsy↗

The influence of various factors on the human resident skin flora.

Various factors, e.g. prolonged occlusion, skin disinfectants, systemic antimicrobials, can have an impact on the ecosystem of the normal human skin flora for a short time. These impacts are of clinical importance in the treatment of some skin diseases, where members of the normal human skin flora are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, e.g. Propionibacterium acnes in acne vulgaris, Corynebacterium species in erythrasma, trichomycosis palmellina and pitted keratolysis, Pityrosporum orbiculare/ovale in Pityriasis versicolor, Pityrosporum folliculitis and others. Using the standardized forehead skin test, SFST, proposed by us, antibacterial short-term effects including the action degree profile, the action time profile, and the depth penetration profile of a topically applied antibacterial agent can be measured. Testing 60 v/v% isopropanol, 60 v/v% n-propanol, povidone iodine (aques solution), 3 w/v% salicylic acid in 50 v/v% isopropanol and 1 v/v% phenoli liquefacti in 50 v/v% isopropanol, salicylic acid showed equivalent reduction factors as 60 v/v% n-propanol immediately after the application. With the modified SFST, salicyclic acid tincture produced a 50-fold higher bacterial density reduction 12 hours after the fourth application and a 100-fold reduction 12 hours after the eighth application in comparison with 60 v/v% isopropanol. Salicylic acid, mainly used in dermatotherapy as a keratolytic agent, fulfills all these above mentioned requirements including a well antimicrobial efficacy. Since Salicyclic acid is also effective against yeast and dermatophytes, the substance has some advantages over other antimicrobials used in the dermatotherapy.

Bacteria↗

Antibacterial efficacy of Fabry's tinctura on the resident flora of the skin at the forehead. Study of bacterial population dynamics in stratum corneum and infundibulum after single and repeated applications.

The in-vivo antibacterial activity of Fabry's tinctura (FT), a 3 w% salicylic acid, 1 w% phenoli liquefacti containing 50 v/v% isopropanol used in dermatology for the treatment of erythrasma, pityriasis versicolor, acne vulgaris a.o. on the human resident skin flora was assessed by a new test method in comparison to 60 v/v% isopropanol. The test method consists of a detergent scrub method (DSM) in combination with the cyanoacrylate method (CAM) thus allowing the quantitative determination of bacterial densities in two depth compartments of human skin, separately for bacterial genera. The most important innovation of this test method is that its arrangement, especially the separate evaluation of the genera of the resident flora, makes it possible to examine the ability of an antimicrobial agent to invade different depth compartments by its bioactivity against the resident flora and to measure short-and-long-term efficacies under physiological conditions. Our findings in 120 volunteers indicate that compared to 60% isopropanol FT is able to reduce bacterial density in superficial and deep skin compartments immediately after a single application equally well, but for a significantly longer period. In repeated applications, 60% isopropanol does not produce a cumulative or long-lasting effect, but it causes an abundant rebound growth of Propionibacterium spp. in the lower skin compartment. FT, however, shows a cumulative antibacterial effect at the surface and in the depth persisting up to four days after the last application. It is concluded that by its salicylic acid and phenolic content FT is an effective drug for the topical antimicrobial therapy of skin diseases.

1-Propanol↗

[Pitted keratolysis of hyperkeratotic form and isolation of the etiologic agent: Corynebacterium sp].

Two cases of "pitted keratolysis" with a very accentuated plantar hyperkeratosis, and the isolation on chocolate thelurite agar of the presumptive etiologic agent, Corynebacterium sp., is presented. In order to keep permanently in mind, for a proper diagnosis, the original description of the disease as "keratoma plantare sulcatum" (Castellani, 1910), we are proposing to distinguish two different clinical forms: The hyperkeratotic one and the common or usual form of "pitted keratolysis" with keratolysis as the main sign. The prosecution of our biochemical studies with a significant number of strains isolated from both "pitted keratolysis" and from classical erythrasma cases, will surely permit us to definitively determine if all of them should or not be assimilated to Corynebacterium minutissimum.

Adolescent↗