Effect of oral tranexamic acid on erythema index in patients with melasma.

Melasma is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation that presents a therapeutic challenge for clinical dermatologists. The pathogenesis is complex, but previous studies have demonstrated vascular proliferation is a key factor in the development of the classic hyperpigmented patches. Studies have revealed reduction of erythema by oral tranexamic acid; however, there has been no direct comparison to placebo.

Magnitude, characteristics and consequences of topical steroid misuse in rural North India: an observational study among dermatology outpatients.

Introduction: Current evidence indicates an alarming increase in topical steroid (TS) misuse in India. Data regarding the magnitude and characteristics of this problem in rural India, where 68% of the population resides, are insufficient. This study analyses the magnitude, causes, characteristics and consequences of TS misuse in rural India.

Changes to infant feeding guidelines: Relevance to dermatologists.

The newly revised Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines recommends that all infants, including those at high risk of allergy, be introduced foods traditionally considered allergenic (such as peanut butter, dairy, wheat and egg) within the first year of life. High-risk infants are those with early onset eczema (<3-months old) or with moderate to severe eczema not responding to treatment (<6-months old). Eczema can also represent a symptom of allergy presentation and the recommended introduction of some foods in this group may lead to allergic reactions at home.

Think UV, not heat!

Background: Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, a preventable disease caused primarily by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in sunlight. Health promotion strategies play a significant role in sun protection.

Objectives: To assess the understanding of a population sample as to the time of year that the sun was 'at its most burning' in Melbourne, Australia.

Occupational allergic contact dermatitis to chromium from cement: Estimating the size of the problem in Australia.

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by chromium in cement is a significant occupational hazard. However, legislation in Europe over the past two decades to reduce the concentration of chromium in cement to <2 ppm through the addition of ferrous sulphate to cement, has seen a significant decrease in the incidence of chromium allergy. No such legislation exists in Australia.

Intraocular pressure lowering is associated with an increase in the photopic negative response (PhNR) amplitude in glaucoma and ocular hypertensive eyes.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to determine whether IOP lowering in glaucomatous and ocular hypertensive (OHT) eyes leads to an improvement in the full-field photopic negative response (PhNR) of the electroretinogram.

Methods: A prospective nonrandomized interventional cohort study was conducted. Patients with OHT or glaucomatous optic neuropathy were recruited, and photopic full-field electroretinograms (ERG) were performed at baseline and then repeated 1 to 2 months later.