Long-lasting contact dermatitis in patients with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: The aetiology of contact dermatitis, a common inflammatory skin disorder, is often complex and multifactorial. OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of patients with contact dermatitis who also have concomitant atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2011, adult patients with chronic contact dermatitis (six months or more), which also had concomitant atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, were recruited for a descriptive retrospective study in a tertiary care Spanish hospital. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used for the analysis of the collected data. RESULTS: 76 patients with atopic dermatitis and 130 with psoriasis were recruited. The most frequent site of contact dermatitis in both groups was the hands. The most frequent clinically relevant allergen in both groups was nickel sulphate. According to multivariate logistic regression, a statistically significant association was found between facial contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (adjusted OR 0.2 95% CI: 0.05-0.8; P = 0.022). No differences were found between the groups for patch test results (adjusted OR 0.6 CI 95%: 0.3-1.3; P = 0.194). CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of patients was limited, our results provide valuable insight on the behaviour of contact dermatitis in patients with atopic dermatitis and with psoriasis. Facial contact dermatitis was positively associated with atopic dermatitis. No differences were found with respect to rates of contact hypersensitivity or positivity to different allergens.

Vulvar dermatoses: a cross-sectional 5-year study. Experience in a specialized vulvar unit.

BACKGROUND: Vulvar diseases are common in the general population and have a negative impact on the quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience as dermatologists in the management of vulvar dermatosis consultations. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted with patients who attended monographic vulvar consultations over a 5-year period. Clinical information was obtained from the patient's charts. RESULTS: 148 women were studied. Their mean age was 43.24 years (standard deviation: 15.15 years), with ages ranging from 4 months to 80 years. 53.4% of patients took between 2 and 5 years to seek medical attention for the first time. The most frequent diagnosis was lichen sclerosus (41.9%), irritative eczema of the vulva (14.9%), and lichen simplex chronicus (10.1%). 83.8% reported anogenital itching, 66.2% pain, and 45.9% dyspareunia. The most frequently prescribed treatment was ultra-potent topical corticosteroids (clobetasol propionate; 41.2%). Patients with lichen sclerosus were significantly older than those who presented with any of the other diseases. No differences were found in terms of either the time of disease evolution or in symptom presentation. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study. Vulvar diseases with an infectious cause are usually managed in primary care, therefore, were not included. All patients were recruited from a single private hospital which limits the comparisons with the public health system. CONCLUSIONS: Vulvar diseases frequently occur and are associated with high morbidity. It is essential to promote the development of specific vulvar consultations in hospitals. Specialties such as dermatology, gynecology, urology, or physiotherapy must be part of these units.

Vulvar dermatoses: a cross-sectional 5-year study. Experience in a specialized vulvar unit

Abstract Background: Vulvar diseases are common in the general population and have a negative impact on the quality of life. Objectives: To describe our experience as dermatologists in the management of vulvar dermatosis consultations. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted with patients who attended monographic vulvar consultations over a 5-year period. Clinical information was obtained from the patient's charts. Results: 148 women were studied. Their mean age was 43.24 years (standard deviation: 15.15 years), with ages ranging from 4 months to 80 years. 53.4% of patients took between 2 and 5 years to seek medical attention for the first time. The most frequent diagnosis was lichen sclerosus (41.9%), irritative eczema of the vulva (14.9%), and lichen simplex chronicus (10.1%). 83.8% reported anogenital itching, 66.2% pain, and 45.9% dyspareunia. The most frequently prescribed treatment was ultra-potent topical corticosteroids (clobetasol propionate; 41.2%). Patients with lichen sclerosus were significantly older than those who presented with any of the other diseases. No differences were found in terms of either the time of disease evolution or in symptom presentation. Study limitations: Retrospective study. Vulvar diseases with an infectious cause are usually managed in primary care, therefore, were not included. All patients were recruited from a single private hospital which limits the comparisons with the public health system. Conclusions: Vulvar diseases frequently occur and are associated with high morbidity. It is essential to promote the development of specific vulvar consultations in hospitals. Specialties such as dermatology, gynecology, urology, or physiotherapy must be part of these units.