Chronic itch induced by thalamic deep brain stimulation: a case for a central itch centre.

Background: Central itch syndrome has been previously described in conditions such as stroke. The neurophysiology of central itch syndrome has been investigated in non-human primates but remains incompletely understood.

Methods: We report an observational study of a rare case of severe central itch following thalamic deep brain stimulation and postulate the location of the central itch centre in humans.

Cutaneous manifestations of infections: an update for general physicians.

Infection rashes can present in a number of different ways, some giving a reactive pattern in the skin to infection elsewhere in the body, while others reflect infection within the affected skin itself. Recognising the possible systemic symptoms, characteristic distribution and morphology of rashes can lead to a high degree of accuracy in making a clinical diagnosis in the clinic room/at the bedside that can be confirmed with a few simple laboratory tests.

Kaposi sarcoma: no longer an AIDS-defining illness? A retrospective study of Kaposi sarcoma cases with CD4 counts above 300/mm³ at presentation.

Background: Historically, Kaposi sarcoma (KS) has been considered to occur in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who have low CD4 counts and high viral loads. However, merging data show that KS also occurs in HIV-positive patients with CD4 counts of > 300/mm(3) and undetectable viral loads.

Aims: To investigate the characteristics of HIV-positive patients with CD4 counts of > 300 cells/mm(3) and presence of KS.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: is cutaneous phenotype a prognostic marker for outcome? A review of clinicopathological features of 27 cases.

Background: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) describes a heterogeneous group of severe adverse reactions to medications. The cutaneous phenotype has a number of guises, accompanied by a variety of systemic features including fever, haematological abnormalities and visceral involvement, most commonly the liver. Clinical markers of prognosis have not been identified.

Travel-associated skin disease.

Travel associated skin disease is extremely common and a frequent cause of the returning traveller seeking medical attention. Widespread cutaneous eruptions usually represent reactive rashes, indicating an underlying systemic infection or allergic reaction. Patients with disseminated or spreading rashes following travel often present with fever and malaise.

A retrospective study of the management of pediatric kerion in Trichophyton tonsurans infection.

Kerion celsi is the inflammatory extreme of tinea capitis, representing a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the causative dermatophyte. Some authors have advocated the use of oral corticosteroids in patients with kerion formation to inhibit the host inflammatory response and minimize the risk of scarring. This retrospective study analyzed the management and outcome of all children younger than 10 years old presenting to our pediatric dermatology service with tinea capitis resulting in kerion formation between 2003 and 2009.

Ten cases of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) treated with pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare, life-threatening, drug-induced illness characterised by a widespread polymorphic eruption, fever and multivisceral involvement. There is little published on the management of DRESS. Prompt recognition and withdrawal of the causative drug is essential, along with supportive treatment.