The mutagenicity of dinitrochlorobenzene.

A sample of dinitrochlorobenzene, determined by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to be greater than 98% pure, was tested in the Salmonella typhimurium plate assay. The chemical evoked a marked mutagenic response at all concentrations tested (3 to 150 micrograms per plate). These results confute the suitability of this agent for the treatment of benign skin disorders.

Photolocalized tinea facialis.

The case of a 34-year-old white woman with tinea facialis that persisted for nine months prior to diagnosis is presented. The confluent plaquelike erythematous eruption of the face with eyelid lichenification that flared outdoors was thought to represent polymorphic light eruption and was refractory to antibiotics, corticosteroids (topical and systemic), and antimalarials. A KOH preparation was positive when the dermatosis spilled onto the mandibular region, and restaining of the initial skin biopsy revealed fungal hyphae. Complete resolution was accomplished with griseofulvin and MicTin. Tinea cab be added to the list of infectious agents that have a photosensitivity component. The fungus possibly "photolocalizes" to sun-damaged areas, ie, areas of increased capillary permeability. This case illustrates the importance of including tinea in considering diagnoses of sun-exposed lesions of the face.

Atopic cataracts versus steroid cataracts.

A case of cataract development in a patient with atopic dermatitis is presented. Malpractice litigation was brought about because the patient alleged that he had steroid cataracts, which resulted from his having received systemic corticosteroids. Data are presented to show that atopic cataracts and corticosteroids. Data are presented to show that atopic cataracts and steroid cataracts can be similar in appearance and cannot be distinguished from one another in many cases. All patients receiving chronic corticosteroids should have an ophthalmologic examination early in the course of treatment and periodically thereafter.

Injectable collagen implant--update.

Injectable collagen implant (ICI), a new biomaterial reportedly useful for correction of scars and certain aging skin lines (wrinkles), was recently introduced. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this product. Data for this study were obtained from a survey which was sent to a group of cutaneous surgeons. They were asked about test site and treatment site reactions and about their satisfaction with ICI. The incidence of adverse reactions is low, and the severity of the reactions does not appear to be serious. The long-term benefit of ICI has not been established.

Scalpel excision of primary cutaneous malignant melanomas without metastasis.

Views and opinions about surgical treatment of primary malignant melanomas that are without local spread or metastasis are presented. An attempt is made to determine the limitations of office-based dermatologists in the treatment of malignant melanomas of this stage. Using accepted criteria for clinical recognition of malignant melanomas early, it is suggested that surgical excisions of small malignant melanomas that are judged to be complete obviate preliminary biopsies and furnish surgical specimens that can be read histopathologically for confirmation of clinical diagnosis and adequacy of excision.

An improved mattress suture.

An improved mattress suture that is completely buried and leaves no noticeable cross marks on either side of the incision is described.

Basal-cell epithelioma occurring in a smallpox vaccination scar.

A patient with basal-cell epithelioma occurring in a smallpox vaccination site is reported. The association is probably not a chance occurrence.