It is concluded that contact allergy is influenced by sociodemographic parameters and plays an important role in the general population.

FA/FI in adults is frequently reported and associated with other manifestations of atopy. Hay fever in conjunction with FA/FI tends to be clinically more severe since therapeutic needs are enhanced.

There is indication that HDL cholesterol also plays a role in the complex interaction of fat intake, metabolism and the manifestation of atopy in adults. These findings may contribute to the understanding of time trends and regional differences of allergies.

Allergic sensitization (SPT and RAST) to common aeroallergens in adults follows a significant and linear association with school education.

A culture-based 28-day continuous therapeutic regimen plus facultative cultural outcome-dependent additional 14-day courses of a body weight-adapted dosage of itraconazole in tinea capitis due to M. canis and T. violaceum is discussed; this offers the advantage of an effective therapy with complete negative direct microscopy as well as negative cultural results, within a shorter active treatment period (cf. previous studies with continuous administration of itraconazole).