MC1R, ASIP, TYR, and TYRP1 gene variants in a population-based series of multiple primary melanomas.

Allelic variants of the low-penetrance melanoma gene MC1R increase the risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Common variants of the genes ASIP, TYR, and TYRP1, which regulate the melanogenic pathway, have also been shown to associate with melanoma. In this population-based study, we investigated SNPs of MC1R, ASIP, TYR, and TYRP1 as risk factors for development of multiple primary melanomas (MPM) in 388 Norwegian cases.

Variability in patch test reactions--first report from the Norwegian Patch Test Registry.

Background: A nation-wide Norwegian Patch Test Registry (NOLAR) was established in 2005 as a collaboration between six dermatology departments. International, multi-centre studies have documented great variability in the frequency of positive patch test reactions, considered as mainly due to heterogeneity of test populations.

Objectives: To analyse the variability of positive test reactions by studying patch tests performed at the six collaborating departments, using standardized procedures.

Onycholysis induced by nail hardener.

Nail hardeners appeared in the market during the 1960s. They were basically solutions of formaldehyde. The first adverse effects were published in 1966 (1).

Dermatitis herpetiformis presenting as ataxia in a child.

Dermatitis herpetiformis and coeliac disease are gluten-sensitive diseases that share immunopathological mechanisms. Neurological disorders are reported in both diseases, being more frequent in coeliac disease. Dermatitis herpetiformis is rare in paediatric populations and only sporadic cases with neurological dysfunction are reported.

Ruby laser treatment of congenital melanocytic naevi--a pessimistic view.

Congenital melanocytic naevi may be disfiguring and potentially malignant. Treatment with lasers is a relatively new option, and promising results have been published. Most studies include few patients, and describe the effect of different lasers and different techniques.

Small diameter melanoma: a follow-up of the Norwegian Melanoma Project.

Background: Melanoma prognosis is dependent upon early recognition and treatment. There is a need for good clinical guidelines that focus on the early signs of melanoma. The ABCD (asymmetry, border, colour and diameter) rule states that most melanomas are more than 6 mm in diameter.