Skin care in occupational contact dermatitis of the hands.

A survey of patients attending an occupational dermatology clinic with suspected occupational contact dermatitis affecting the hands was undertaken to determine if optimal skin care treatment had been instituted prior to referral for patch testing. Appropriate treatment for contact dermatitis of the hands was defined as concurrent use of a soap substitute, use of a lipid-rich moisturizer, and if appropriate, use of a topical corticosteroid in an ointment vehicle. Patients were asked about the use of a particular soap substitute, the name and type of any moisturizer used and the name and type of topical corticosteroids currently used. The products were examined where possible. Only one-third of all patients were using the complete package at the time of their clinic appointment. Nearly all of these patients had seen a dermatologist prior to this appointment. Of the group of patients with work-related diseases who reported having seen a dermatologist prior to the clinic appointment, only 38% were using the complete skin care routine.

Occupational dermatoses.

BACKGROUND: Occupational contact dermatitis is a common condition often assumed to be 'part of the job'. OBJECTIVE: This article explores common causes of occupational contact dermatitis and details high risk occupations utilising local data. Tips for improved understanding and management of occupational contact dermatitis are also presented. DISCUSSION: General practitioners have an important part to play in the recognition and management of occupational contact dermatitis. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome in patients with occupational contact dermatitis.

Use of gloves in protection from diallyl disulphide allergy.

Contact dermatitis, particularly affecting the fingertips, is a recognized presentation of garlic allergy. There have been no recommendations in the literature with respect to the type of gloves that offer the best protection against diallyl disulphide, the major allergen in garlic and onion. In fact, we have found that diallyl disulphide penetrates most commercially available glove types. Silver laminate gloves offered only slightly better protection.

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia presenting with cutaneous xanthomas: response to liver transplantation.

A 19-month-old girl with cutaneous xanthomas was diagnosed with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, treated with atorvastatin, plasma exchange and finally at the age of 3.5 years, with liver transplantation. Her serum cholesterol levels fell to normal and the xanthomas regressed following liver transplantation. She remains well 17 months post transplant.