[Mental disorders from climate and environmental changes using the example of dermatology].

Background: Global climate and environmental changes impose a significant impact on human health by increasing prevalences of chronic and acute skin diseases. Climate-associated environmental changes can also trigger or intensify mental illnesses independently of a skin disease.

Aim: Discussion of the effects of the climate and environmental changes on dermatological diseases applying the biopsychosocial model.

[Body dysmorphic disorder : Diagnostics and treatment in cosmetic dermatology].

People with a body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) suffer from excessive preoccupation and anxiety about an imagined or to others a negligible defect in their appearance. They cannot bear to look at themselves, feel ugly, are convinced that their nose, their physique and their skin are disfiguring. The more concerned they become about their appearance, the more their attention is drawn to the ostensible blemishes and reinforces the impression of their own unattractiveness.

Topical corticosteroid phobia in atopic dermatitis: International feasibility study of the TOPICOP score.

Background: Adherence to topical corticosteroids (TCS) is essential for the effective treatment of atopic dermatitis but can be limited by concerns about their use. This study examined the feasibility of applying the validated TOPICOP score for assessing TCS phobia across different countries.

Methods: This was a prospective multicentre feasibility study conducted in 21 hospitals in 17 countries.

[Skin-picking disorder].

The disorder is characterized by compulsive repetitive skin-picking (SP), resulting in skin lesions. The patients must have undertaken several attempts to reduce or stop SP. The disorder must have led to clinically significant limitations in social, professional, or other important areas of life.

[Aged skin and skin care].

Background: Aged skin is the sum of chronological und UV-induced aging. Light-exposed skin is unattractive, with irregular pigmentation, roughness und scaliness. The skin is often dry and itches.

[Alopecia areata].

The epidemiology of alopecia areata as well as murine models of this disease and genome-wide association studies support the concept of alopecia areata as an autoimmune disease. In addition, the genome-wide association studies have led to the identification of new potential therapeutic targets such as CTLA4; these results have already led to the initiation of clinical studies, for example, with abatacept. Currently topical and intralesional corticosteroids as well as immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone are most common therapeutic approaches.

[Modern light protection from the view of occupational dermatology].

UV-light induced skin cancer is being more and more accepted in Germany as an occupational disease for several jobs with increased UV-light exposure. Over the past 100 years sunscreens with filters against UVB- and UVA-light have been developed. Another development is the use of antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C and herbal agents for additional photoprotection.

[New insights into the pathogenesis of sensitive skin].

Many persons in the developed countries report sensitive skin. Persons with sensitive skin have a predisposition to several skin diseases, most importantly dry skin, but also atopy, seborrheic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis. Their complaints may be triggered by environmental factors such as low temperature, wind, high temperature, sun exposure and stress.

[Genetics of contact allergy].

The genetics of contact allergy (CA) is still only partly understood, despite decades of research. This might be due to inadequately defined phenotypes used in the past. Therefore we suggested studying an extreme phenotype, namely, polysensitization (sensitization to 3 or more unrelated allergens).

[Azelaic acid 15% gel in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Combined results of two double-blind clinical comparative studies].

Background: Topical measures are still the mainstay in the therapy of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Azelaic acid 20% in a cream formulation has been established as an efficacious and safe topical drug for 15 years. A new non-alcoholic hydrogel formulation containing 15% azelaic acid was clinically tested against two standard drugs--5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and 1% clindamycin.

[Hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (Flegel's disease) - a complex disorder of epidermal differentiation with good response to a synthetic vitamin D3 derivate].

Hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (Flegel's disease) is a rare but clinically and histologically highly characteristic genodermatosis. We report on new immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings suggesting a complex disorder of epidermal differentiation. In this context, a good response to calcipotriol, a synthetic vitamin D3 derivative is of particular interest.

Allergy, skin and environment.

The skin is very often the target organ of allergic reactions. This may be explained by many immunological competent cells in this organ such as the Langerhans cell, mast cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils. This is especially true for the antigen-presenting Langerhans cell.

Patch testing with preservatives, antimicrobials and industrial biocides. Results from a multicentre study.

Preservatives are biologically reactive substances, and their allergenic potential has been known for a long time. This study examined the role of different preservatives in a large number of patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis. Patch test data and data from the patients' history were collected from the 24 departments participating in the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 1994.