Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiologic, etiopathogenic and clinical aspects - part I.

Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is the result of a chronic infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. ovis and occasionally by the Calmette-Guerin bacillus. The clinical manifestations are variable and depend on the interaction of several factors including the site of infection and the host's immunity. This article revises the current knowledge about this disease's physiopathology and immunology as well as detailing the possible clinical presentations.

Sarcoid-like lesions in paracoccidioidomycosis: immunological factors.

The clinical presentation of paracoccidioidomycosis is spectral. Spontaneous cure, state of latency or active disease with different levels of severity can occur after the hematogenous dissemination. The morphology and number of skin lesions will depend on the interaction of host immunity, which is specific and individual, and fungus virulence. Some individuals have natural good immunity, which added to the low virulence of the fungus maintain the presence of well-marked granulomas with no microorganism and negative serology for a long time, making the diagnosis a challenge. Factors inherent to the fungus, however, may modulate the immune response and modify the clinical picture over the time. We present a sarcoidosis-like clinical presentation and discuss the immunological factors involved.

Cutaneous tuberculosis: epidemiologic, etiopathogenic and clinical aspects - Part I

Cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) is the result of a chronic infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. ovis and occasionally by the Calmette-Guerin bacillus. The clinical manifestations are variable and depend on the interaction of several factors including the site of infection and the host's immunity. This article revises the current knowledge about this disease's physiopathology and immunology as well as detailing the possible clinical presentations.

Comparação entre duas loções hidratantes de diferentes pHs na melhora da hidratação da pele e na redução do prurido / Comparison between two moisturizing lotions with diff erent pHs in skin moisture improvement and pruritus reduction

Introdução: A dermatite atópica (DA) afeta aproximadamente 15% da população e é uma das doenças infl amatórias crônicas mais comuns da infância. O prurido e a xerose intensa da pele são os seus sintomas mais importantes. A restauração dos elementos da barreira de proteção epidérmica através do uso de emolientes é essencial para o tratamento da doença. Objetivo: Avaliar a melhora do prurido, a hidratação cutânea e xerose em dois grupos de pacientes utilizando hidratantes idênticos (aveia coloidal, Glicerol e petrolato), mas com diferentes pHs em pacientes com DA. Materiais e Métodos: Vinte e um pacientes, com idades entre 7 a 54 anos, com DA moderada a grave e prurido, foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. Os grupos foram trocados após 30 dias. Resultados: Os resultados foram avaliados após 60 dias. A melhora no prurido, na xerose e na hidratação foram avaliadas pelo médico, pelo paciente e por corniometria. Não houve diferença estatística em ambos os grupos, sendo então os dados avaliados como de um único grupo ao fi nal. A redução do prurido foi observada por 59% dos pacientes e por 52% dos clínicos, e da xerose por 52% dos pacientes e 43% dos clínicos. O nível de hidratação da pele nas áreas com eczema aumentou em 79%, em comparação com o início do tratamento. Conclusão: Hidratantes contendo aveia coloidal, glicerol e petrolato com pH próximo ao da pele normal mostraram-se apropriados na melhora do prurido em pacientes com DA.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects approximately 15% of the population and is one of chronic infl ammatory diseases more common in childhood. Intense pruritus and skin xerosis are the most important symptoms of the disease. Restoration of epidermal barrier protection elements through the use of emollients is essential for disease treatment. Objective: To evaluate the improvement in pruritus, skin hydration, and xerosis in two groups of patients using the same moisturizer (colloidal oatmeal, glycerol and petrolatum), but with different pH values in patients with AD. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients aged 7 to 54 years with AD moderate to severe and pruritus were randomly divided in two groups. The groups were switched after 30 days. Results: The results were assessed after 60 days. Improvement in pruritus, xerosis, and hydration were evaluated by the physician, the patient, and by corneometry. There was no statistical difference in the two groups; therefore, data were evaluated as belonging to a single group at the end. Decrease in pruritus was observed by 59% of patients and 52% of physicians; xerosis reduction was observed by 52% of patients and 43% of physicians. The level of skin hydration in areas with eczema has increased by 79% compared with baseline period. Conclusion: Moisturizers containing colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, and petrolatum with pH close to the one in normal skin showed to be appropriate to improve pruritus in patients with AD.