Staphylococcus aureus induces the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in primary human keratinocytes.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus induces inflammatory cytokines and causes skin inflammatory diseases, but infection parameters leading to cytokine induction are poorly understood in keratinocytes, the primary skin cells to interface with S. aureus.

Methods: Human primary keratinocytes were infected with S.

Dissecting cellulitis treated with the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser.

Background: Dissecting cellulitis is a chronic inflammatory scalp condition characterized by pustular nodules, sinus tract formation, and resultant cicatricial alopecia. Current treatments are of limited efficacy.

Objective: This report explored treating dissecting cellulitis with the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser to determine the capabilities and limitations of this modality with respect to: (1) reducing pus formation; (2) enabling the termination of systemic treatments; (3) investigating the side-effect profile including dyspigmentation and scarring alopecia; and (4) terminating the disease process.

Narrow-band UVB induces apoptosis in human keratinocytes.

Narrow-band ultraviolet (NB-UVB) phototherapy emits mostly 311/312 nm light and is commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. As a source of UVB irradiation, NB-UVB causes apoptosis in T lymphocytes but its effects on keratinocytes are unknown. Herein, we have investigated the ability of NB-UVB to induce apoptosis in keratinocytes.

Common pathogens and differential diagnosis of skin and soft tissue infections.

The major organisms responsible for skin infections are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. To produce a disease state, both organisms must overcome the body's natural defenses, adhere to the skin, invade the tissue, and proliferate. Often, endogenous skin microflora can lead to systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.