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A family with ichthyosis, severely affecting both men and women, is reported. The clinical, histological and genetic data are strongly suggestive of X-linked recessive ichthyosis. Assay of steroid sulphatase in cultured skin fibroblasts from two ichthyotic female patients revealed an absence of this enzyme and thus confirmed this diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of proven X-linked recessive ichthyosis in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of `peeling skin syndrome' is reported. We have demonstrated a hitherto unreported keratohyalin abnormality and a four-fold increase of cellular retinoic acid binding protein, in one of two biopsies from an erythematous, scaling lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of keratosis pilaris and accentuated palmoplantar marking was evaluated in 61 patients with atopic dermatitis, 35 patients with dominant ichthyosis vulgaris and 247 other dermatological cases taken as controls. Our data showed that (1) these features are of no diagnostic significance for atopic dermatitis and (2) they are significantly more frequent in patients with ichthyosis vulgaris without associated eczema than in those with atopic dermatitis. Consequently, they should be considered as part of the phenotype of ichthyosis vulgaris rather than attributed to a concomitant atopic dermatitis as suggested by some. These findings should be taken into account when evaluating atopic dermatitis or ichthyosis. To assess the frequency of scaling under winter weather conditions, 155 control subjects were also examined for evidence of visible desquamation and 25.8% showed slight but definite scaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents information related to deep venous thrombosis. It has been known for some time that the incidence of deep thrombosis found at post-mortem is greatly in excess of that diagnosed clinically. Deep venous thrombosis may lead to pulmonary embolism resulting sometimes in death or in chronic pulmonary hypertension. Locally, the thrombosis may destroy the effect of the muscle-venous pump in the legs. Thrombotic occlusion of major veins in the leg, even if followed by recanalization or adequate collateral circulation, frequently leads to chronic dependent oedema.

This article presents information on lipid metabolism disorders. Xanthomatous skin lesions usually indicate abnormal lipid metabolism. However, exceptions to this are 50% of patients with xanthelasma, patients with reticulo-endothelial disorders and diffuse plane xanthomata. It is now possible to classify the majority of lipid disorders on the basis of alterations in the proteins concerned with their transport. Biochemically, six types of hyperliproteinaemia can be identified. Currently, the diagnosis is best determined by fasting serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels with electrophoresis of the lipoproteins. Classification helps in the selection of specific therapy.

Discusses the clinical use of retinoic acid. Essentiality of retinol for vision and reproduction; Effects of topical vitamin A on human epidermis; Details on the pharmacology and physiology of retinoic acid.

Examines the management of Henoch-Schönlein purpura by dermatologists. Etiological factors in the disease; Use of corticosteriods in the treatment of the disease; Establishment of the use of immunosuppresive drugs in purpura.

Discusses the effects of the use of idoxuridine with herpes simplex keratitis. Efficacy of the therapeutics; Situations on the basis for herpes simplex infection to be a serious problem; Adverse effects of the treatment.

Discusses the therapeutic properties of urea. Treatment of ichthyosis with a cream containing urea; Use of urea as a topical agent; Dermatological benefits of urea.

Presents a letter to the editor about the efficacy of terbinafine treatment of tinea capitis in children varies according to the dermatophyte species.