The prevalence of skin diseases in the elderly: analysis of 4099 geriatric patients.

Background: The geriatric population is composed of persons over 65 years of age, and few studies are available on the dermatologic diseases in this group.

Methods: Data on a total of 4099 geriatric patients admitted between the years 1999-2003 were analyzed. Hospital-based patient registry records were used for data collection.

A comparative evaluation of quality of life and life satisfaction in patients with psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis.

Both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have a negative impact on patients' quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to compare QOL and life satisfaction in patients with RA and PsA. Forty patients with PsA, 40 patients with RA, and 40 healthy control subjects were included in the study.

Serum interleukin-8 as a serologic marker of activity in Behçet's disease.

Background: Immune dysregulation has been shown to be one of the major aspects of the yet unknown pathogenesis of Behçet's disease. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a major chemokine with pivotal effects concerning leukocytes and endothelial cells, has been found to be elevated in patients with Behçet's disease.

Aim: To evaluate the significance of elevated levels of IL-8 with respect to the activity of Behçet's disease.

Comparison of nickel patch test reactivity in phases of the menstrual cycle.

Background: In earlier studies, it has been shown that severity of some diseases varies with menstrual cycle. Severity of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, lupus erythematosus, infections due to herpes virus, urticaria and acne were also reported to increase in the premenstrual phase. Effect of estradiol on the cellular immune system was investigated and it was found to depress the cellular immune response.

Prurigo pigmentosa.

Background: Prurigo pigmentosa is a rare inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology characterized by recurrent, pruritic erythematous papules and gross reticulate hyperpigmentation. It is seen most commonly among young adult Japanese females. Only 20 cases have been described outside Japan.