[Phototoxicity and photoallergy].

As phototoxic and photoallergic reactions have been recognised as unwanted skin manifestations caused by any of several hundred substances, drugs and chemicals, it is essential to determine the potential photo-sensitising properties of such substances before they are introduced in clinical therapy or made available on the market, in order to avoid such reactions. In cases of phototoxic reactions, the patient presents with skin changes resembling sunburn, sometimes accompanied by blistering, whereas in cases of photoallergic reactions the skin changes are similar to those of allergic contact dermatitis. The two most important aids to clinical investigation are determination of the erythema treshold, or the minimal erythema dose, and photopatch testing.

[Prevention and early diagnosis of malignant melanoma].

A Norwegian melanoma project was carried out in 1989-1993 as a joint study by the dermatological, surgical, oncological, and pathological departments at the five university hospitals in Norway, Of 4,582 patients (2,894 women, 1,688 men) diagnosed and treated at the Department of Dermatology, Ullevål Hospital, 1,347 patients (833 women, 514 men) were included in the analysis, which consisted of a clinical evaluation and pathological investigation of their excised pigmented lesions. In all, 66 malignant melanomas were diagnosed, including 50 superficial spreading melanomas, seven lentigo maligna melanomas, eight nodular melanomas, and one acral lentiginous melanoma. Persons with red hair and skin type I/II were at increased risk of developing malignant melanoma.

[Drug-induced photosensitivity in Norway. An analysis of reports from the period 1970-93].

We have reviewed the data on unwanted side effects of drug therapy, as reported to the Norwegian Medicines Control Authority during the period 1970 to 1993. In all, 13,000 unwanted side effects were reported during this period. The number of recorded side effects was analysed especially in respect of unwanted reactions of the skin and appendages, and photosensitive reactions.

[Benign symmetric lipomatosis--Launois-Besaude syndrome. A case report].

We describe the case of a 38-year-old male with a benign symmetrical lipomatosis Launois-Bensaude. He has suffered from severe obesity since the age of seven. At the age of 30, hypogonadism was diagnosed and treated.