The Second to Fourth Digit Ratio in Acne Vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Androgen hormones are thought to play a leading role in acne vulgaris (AV). The 2D:4D digit ratio refers to the ratio of the length of the second finger (index finger) to that of the fourth finger (ring finger). It is thought that the balance between fetal testosterone and fetal estrogen during the prenatal period largely determines this ratio, which does not change with age in the postnatal period. METHODS: Patients with no other disease except AV and a control group of healthy patients were included in the study. Sex, age, family history, age of onset, and duration of disease in patients diagnosed with AV were recorded. The lengths of the patients' second and fourth fingers were measured using a digital caliper with a resolution of 0.01 mm. Hormone levels were also measured. RESULTS: When the 2D:4D ratio for the right hand and the left hand (separately) as well as the average (mean) 2D:4D ratio of both hands in male and female patients were compared with those of the control group, no statistically significant difference was observed. The right 2D:4D ratio of female patients was positively correlated with free androgen index percentage and prolactin values and negatively correlated with sex hormone-binding globulin. The left 2D:4D ratio of female patients was found to be positively correlated with disease duration and follicle-stimulating hormone values. CONCLUSION: The 2D:4D ratio was not significantly different between the group with AV and the control group independent of sex. Also, we did not observe a significant association with age of onset, severity of disease, or family history.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome-Like Exanthema Secondary to Methotrexate.

Methotrexate is an antineoplastic drug used commonly in leukemia treatment. Because of becoming resistant to standard doses after 1970s, it is used intermediate or high doses. The complications of high doses are mucositis, vomiting, dermatitis exfoliativa, B-cell dysfunction, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and bone marrow depression. There were only two studies in literature about Stevens-Johnson syndrome occuring in two patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma after receiving high doses methotrexate and leukoverin. We have reported a two-year-old boy patient suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) developed a severe skin reaction two days after administration of high dose methotrexate. The skin lesions simulated Stevens-Johnson syndrome with ulceration of the oral mucosa and erythema multiforme-like target lesions.

Treatment of faun-tail naevus with intense pulsed light.

BACKGROUND: Faun tail is a rare cutaneous marker of spinal dysraphism. This neurological abnormality may lead to difficulties such as severe pain and burning sensations in treatment of hypertrichosis of faun tail with laser or laser-like devices. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated outcomes of an intense pulsed light source in two patients with faun tail. METHODS: The Lumina intense pulsed light system [650-nm handpiece (550-1100 nm)] was used for the treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging and neurological examination were done. RESULTS: Tethered cord syndrome was detected as a neurological abnormality. The patients were treated with an energy fluence of 18- 26 J/cm(2), pulse sequencing of 3 to 4, and a delay time of 20-35 ms. Local anesthesia was applied in one patient during treatment for severe pain sensation. A mean of 85% hair reduction was achieved. CONCLUSION: A good cosmetic result with intense pulsed light treatment was achieved in the patients with faun tail. Local anesthesia may be required before treatment of faun tail with laser or laser-like systems due to associated neurological abnormalities.