Adverse reactions and alleged allergy to local anesthetics: analysis of 331 patients.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of true local anesthetic (LA) allergy among patients referred for suspected hypersensitivity and to describe the main characteristics of adverse drug reactions (ADR) induced by LA in our population. We retrospectively analyzed the medical files of patients referred to the Department of Dermatovenereology, University Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia, for the investigation of LA hypersensitivity in the period between January 2000 and December 2012. A total of 331 patients underwent skin testing and, in cases of negative results, subcutaneous exposition to LA.

Phytophotodermatitis in Rijeka region, Croatia.

Contact with plants can cause phototoxic or rarely photoallergic reactions. Phototoxic dermatitis (photophytodermatitis) occurs after contact or ingestion of plants containing furocumarins i.e.

Molecular and genetic mechanisms in melanoma.

Recent studies have indicated an increasing incidence of melanoma worldwide. Although UV signature mutations are found rarely in melanoma cells, there is some evidence that intense intermittent exposure to sunlight can induce melanocyte tumorigenesis, and this is also observed after UV irradiation in some animals. The purpose of this paper is to review some of the most important mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this tumor.

Occupational skin diseases caused by UV radiation.

This overview highlights the risk of skin diseases arising in workers exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) at their workplace. There is a plethora of skin manifestations in outdoor workers such as seamen, fishermen, farmers after acute intense or long-term exposure to solar UVR, but some cutaneous diseases may also develop in indoor workers exposed to artificial sources. In recent years, investigations of the biological effects and damage caused by UVB and UVA on the skin have improved our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of photoaging, skin cancer and other skin diseases caused by UVR exposure.

Photocarcinogenesis--molecular mechanisms.

The carcinogenicity (photocarcinogenicity) of sunlight to human skin has been recognized more than a century ago. Last decades numerous experimental studies show that UV rays damage DNA, cause gene mutations leading to the development of malignant tumors such basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and melanomas. The tumors occur most frequently in fair skinned people, and the mutations typically are found at dipyrimidine sites with C-T or / and CC-TT tandem double mutations.