Patient-reported outcomes from a multicenter, randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical study of MAS063DP (Atopiclair) in the management of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in adults.

BACKGROUND: MAS063DP (Atopiclair) is a topical cream approved for symptomatic relief in the treatment of atopic and contact dermatitis. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study in adults with mild-moderate atopic dermatitis. Patients were given MAS063DP or vehicle (2:1) three times per day to areas affected by atopic dermatitis for up to 50 days. A patient global assessment change from baseline was determined at days 8, 22, 36, and 50. Patient total body pruritus (visual analog scale) and patient opinion on treatment acceptability were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 218 patients (active: n = 145, vehicle: n = 73) were enrolled. At Day 22, 77% of patients on MAS063DP had a patient global assessment of good improvement or better versus 21% on vehicle (p<0.0001, chi-squared test). Similarly, more patients had improvement in itch over their total body on MAS063DP than on vehicle (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: MAS063DP treatment results in patient-perceived improvements in mild-moderate atopic dermatitis.

Cutaneous diseases in Native Americans.

Native Americans have a rich and complex heritage and culture. Although the genetic pool has changed with increasing integration with other Americans with different ancestry, there are important conditions that are unique to Native Americans, the most prominent example being actinic prurigo. The scientific literature dealing with Native American skin conditions is sparse and more studies are needed to understand more fully cutaneous disease in Native Americans.

Erythema migrans and the differential diagnosis of annular erythema.

The diagnosis of Lyme disease (LD) or Lyme borreliosis is often based on the recognition of erythema migrans (EM) because its clinical appearance precedes systemic manifestations of the disease and the antibody response. The clinical basis and variable presentation of EM leave room for diagnostic error and, as a consequence, potential long-term repercussions such as rheumatic, cardiac, ophthalmic, or neurologic complications. Most cases are reported in the Northcentral and Northeastern states. In areas where LD is not endemic, the differential diagnosis of annular erythema may not list EM highly, although all the features of a lesion may fit the typical description of EM. Therefore, a complete understanding of LD and its clinical presentation are key in making a diagnosis, especially in areas with low incidence. We present a hypothetical case report of EM from Oklahoma, a state with low incidence of LD, for the purposes of review of this entity and the differential diagnosis of annular erythema.