What's new in atopic eczema? An analysis of systematic reviews published in 2010-11.

This review provides a summary of key findings from 24 systematic reviews of atopic eczema (AE) published or indexed between 1 August 2010 and 31 December 2011, updating published summaries from previous years. Epidemiological evidence points to the protective effects of early daycare, endotoxin exposure, consumption of unpasteurized milk, and early exposure to dogs, but antibiotic use in early life may increase the risk for AE. With regard to prevention of AE, there is currently no strong evidence of benefit for exclusive breastfeeding, hydrolysed protein formulas, soy formulas, maternal antigen avoidance, omega-3 or omega-6 fatty-acid supplementation, or use of prebiotics or probiotics.

Skin tumours in the West of Scotland renal transplant population.

Background: Organ transplant recipients have an increased risk of skin cancers. A specialist dermatology clinic for renal transplant recipients (RTRs) was established in 2005.

Objectives: To analyse the type and incidence of skin cancers in prevalent patients in the West of Scotland after renal transplant, and to analyse the impact of the time since transplant and the immunosuppression regimen.

What's new in atopic eczema? An analysis of systematic reviews published in 2009-2010.

This review provides a summary of key findings from 18 systematic reviews on atopic eczema, published or indexed between January 2009 and 24 August 2010. There was no good evidence on the possible benefit of organic food consumption and eczema. Maternal intake of fish or fish oil may be associated with a reduced risk of eczema in offspring, although further studies are needed.

Effect of withdrawing topical fusidic acid on Staphylococcus aureus resistance rates.

A previous local study revealed high levels of fusidic acid (FA) resistance within dermatology. It was therefore decided to limit use of topical FA within dermatology and then assess the effect on resistance rates. The local microbiology department produced FA resistance data within dermatology over a five-year period.

Molecular genetics of the skin: the implications of understanding.

During recent decades, discoveries in genetic skin disease have produced insights into the biology of the skin, and in some cases permitted preventive prenatal diagnosis, but application of this knowledge in palliation or cure remains a tantalising prospect.

Treatment of severe psoriasis with infliximab.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune mediated inflammatory disease characterized by increased cell signalling via cytokines and chemokines on a background of up-regulated gene expression. There is substantial evidence that psoriasis should be regarded as more than a cutaneous disease; major psychological morbidity and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease and cancer are increasingly recognized. Improved understanding of the genetic and immunological mechanisms underpinning psoriasis has occurred concurrently with the development of targeted biological therapies including infliximab.

An evidence base for reconsidering current follow-up guidelines for patients with cutaneous melanoma less than 0.5 mm thick at diagnosis.

Background: Despite current guidelines, there is uncertainty about the required duration and frequency of follow-up visits for patients with invasive primary cutaneous melanoma < 0.5 mm thick.

Objectives: To review patients with invasive melanoma thinner than 0.