The role of hair follicles in the percutaneous absorption of caffeine.

What Is Already Known About This Subject: * In recent years, it has been suggested that hair follicles represent important shunt routes into the skin for drugs and chemicals [1-3]. * In vitro studies have shown the importance of skin appendages for skin penetration by hydrophilic compounds [4]. Investigation of follicular penetration in vivo has been difficult due to the absence of appropriate analytical methods or suitable animal model systems.

[Efficacy, side effects and patient satisfaction with wrist conduction block anaesthesia prior to the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A].

Background: The treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A (BTX A) injections is one of the most effective therapeutic options. However, without adequate anaesthesia this treatment is not feasible in most patients. The anaesthesia of the radial, median and ulnar nerves (wrist block) is despite the absence of good data considered effective but risky.

[Randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial for the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of oral methantheliniumbromide (Vagantin) in the treatment of focal hyperhidrosis].

Background: Methanthelinium bromide is a quaternary ammonium derivate with anticholinergic activity. Since 1951 it has been used to treat patients with hyperhidrosis. However, all efficacy data has so far been limited to case reports and case series.

Treatment of bullous pemphigoid with dapsone, methylprednisolone, and topical clobetasol propionate: a retrospective study of 62 cases.

Dapsone has been used successfully as adjuvant therapy for bullous pemphigoid (BP). The effectiveness of dapsone for this indication, however, remains controversial. We evaluated the effectiveness and adverse events of dapsone (1.

[Significant decrease in quality of life in patients with pemphigus vulgaris. Results from the German Bullous Skin Disease (BSD) Study Group].

Background: Pemphigus vulgaris is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune disorder of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by antibodies against epidermal adhesion molecules. Clinically characteristic are painful chronic blisters or erosions of mucous membranes and skin. There are no published studies on the impact o this disease on quality of life.

In vivo determination of skin surface topography using an optical 3D device.

Background/purpose: Topography of the skin surface is a mirror of the functional skin status. Therefore, its evaluation is of great interest for dermatological research. In the present study, a new optical measuring system was applied to evaluate human skin surface topography in vivo and non-invasively, in order to determine elastotic and mimic wrinkles dependent on age, body site and therapy.

Risk factors for lethal outcome in patients with bullous pemphigoid: low serum albumin level, high dosage of glucocorticosteroids, and old age.

Background: Although bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequent autoimmune bullous disease and is associated with a considerable case-fatality rate, little is known about factors that influence its prognosis.

Objective: To identify prognostic factors for lethal outcome in the first year after the initial hospitalization in patients with BP.

Design: A multicenter retrospective cohort study.