[Replacing systemic with topical corticotherapy in patients with generalized bullous pemphigoid and serious steroid-induced iatrogenesis]. / Sustitución de corticoterapia sistémica por tópica en pacientes con penfigoide ampolloso generalizado y iatrogenia esteroidea grave.

We describe four patients with generalized bullous pemphigoid, who received treatment with oral prednisone and suffered serious corticosteroid-induced iatrogenesis. In all cases, we decided to quickly withdraw the systemic corticosteroid treatment and begin treatment with 0.05 % clobetasol propionate (20 g/day). New outbreaks of pemphigoid or significant side effects were not seen after this change in medication. The topical treatment went on for five to twelve months, and the patients were followed up for extended periods after treatment ended, with no recurrences being observed. Systemic corticosteroid treatment may be replaced by topical treatment without complications, and this may be especially indicated in patients with serious corticosteroid-induced iatrogenesis.

[Bilateral ossification of the auricular cartilage]. / Osificación bilateral del cartílago auricular.

Auricular petrification is an infrequent finding in which the ears become completely or partially rigid. The most frequent cause is the calcification of the auricular cartilage and, infrequently, auricular ossification. Ossification may be due to hypothermia, physical factors, inflammatory processes and different endocrinopathies. Severe hypothermia is the most frequent cause. We present a case of bilateral ossification of the auricular cartilage secondary to hypothermia.