Endocrinology and the skin.

This article discusses various cutaneous features associated with endocrine disease, which are of general medical relevance. Many of these, such as features associated with hypothyroidism, are common, while others, such as features of adrenal insufficiency, are relatively rare but important.

A literally blinded trial of palpation in dermatologic diagnosis.

Background: As an adjunct to visual inspection, dermatologists routinely palpate the skin during clinical examination. The value of palpation in isolation is unproven.

Methods: To determine whether palpation alone could distinguish between two common dermatoses, atopic dermatitis and plaque psoriasis, a cohort of 16 patients were examined by a dermatologist using touch alone, with screens to prevent visualisation of the lesions.

Feasibility study to inform the design of a UK multi-centre randomised controlled trial of prophylactic antibiotics for the prevention of recurrent cellulitis of the leg.

Background: This paper describes the results of a feasibility study for a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Methods: Twenty-nine members of the UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network (UK DCTN) expressed an interest in recruiting for this study. Of these, 17 obtained full ethics and Research & Development (R&D) approval, and 15 successfully recruited patients into the study.