Geographic tongue: What is this disease?

Geographic tongue or benign migratory glossitis, is a unique and peculiar tongue condition, producing a map-like appearance with filiform papillae atrophy, on different parts of the tongue. The lesions change in shape with time. The exact etiology remains unknown, although it has been suggested relating the lingual microbiota of a patient. The association between geographic tongue and psoriasis has long been pointed out, and histological similarities existed between both as well. Increasingly, recent findings suggest the involvement of certain oral bacteria. Here, we discuss these findings with an overview of the recent literature.

Importance of Mast Cell Activation Control for Preventing Scar Formation in Severe Acne.

Post-acne scarring in severe acne is a major aesthetic problem that can impair a patient's quality of life. It has been pointed out that blocking mast cell function with tranilast can prevent or minimize scarring and can be a satisfactory therapeutic strategy. Mast cells are prominent in acne lesions, and their involvement in scar formation has also been specified. Here, we discuss the importance of mast cell control in suppressing post-acne scar formation.

Seasonal facial erythema in a patient with allergic rhinitis treated using a combination of tranilast and roxithromycin.

OBJECTIVE: A competitive effect with suppression of Th2 immune responses of the tranilast and roxithromycin combination is examined in an allergic rhinitis patient. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 42-year-old female patient with allergic rhinitis caused by cedar pollen, which is one of the most common allergies during the spring, exhibited facial erythema with itching, particularly on both cheeks, and rhinitis symptoms, such as nasal discharge, and 200 mg/day of tranilast (original) and 300 mg/day of roxithromycin were administered. RESULTS: After 2 weeks, the patient's skin lesions were mostly eliminated, with the skin appearing almost normal; itching was nearly absent; and rhinitis symptoms disappeared. CONCLUSION: This combination may be a promising new therapeutic strategy for allergic rhinitis.

Th1 regulatory events by infectious pathogens, herpes zoster and herpes simplex viruses: prospects for therapeutic options for atopic eczema.

Infections caused by viral and bacterial pathogens are typically perceived as harmful, such as in cases of herpes zoster and herpes simplex virus infections. However, clinical observation of an improvement in atopic skin lesions upon herpes virus infection has been noted, particularly at the site of varicella and Kaposi's varicelliform eruption. Th1 immune cells and cytokines, mobilized and induced for protection against infectious pathogens, are expected to improve Th2 dominant atopic symptoms. This study focuses on Th1 immunoregulatory events mediated by infectious pathogens, particularly herpes viruses. Immunoregulatory events induced by herpes viruses may have a potential therapeutic value for treating atopic eczema.

Pigmented purpuric dermatosis persistent over 20 years treated with an ozone nanobubble water oral rinse: A case study.

Pigmented purpuric dermatosis is a rare, unique purpuric skin disorder, most commonly located on the lower extremities and characterized by petechiae with tiny red rashes and brown pigmented patches. The precise etiology and a reliable treatment have not been established. This case report presents a 72-year-old female with repeating purpuric, tiny rashes and persistent extensive brown pigmented patches with pigmented purpuric dermatosis on both lower extremities for the past 20 years. Ozone nanobubble (ONB) water is a new sterilizing agent containing dissolved nanosized ozone gas bubbles in water. The patient performed an oral rinse every night with ONB water and was successfully treated. However, vitamin C administration and Ruby laser treatment were needed to reduce residual pigmentation. This case suggests that oral bacteria may be a causative factor of pigmented purpuric dermatosis.