While most dermal melanocytoses are congenital or have an onset in early childhood, there is a group which is clearly acquired, with an onset in adult life. While the Mongolian spot typically disappears in childhood, other dermal melanocytoses persist for life. A brief review of the clinical spectrum of the dermal melanocytoses is undertaken and three illustrative cases are described: a case of congenital naevus of Ota, a case of acquired bilateral naevus of Ota-like macules, and an unusual case of a congenital dermal melanocytotic lesion on the left had which began to spread in adulthood. The possibilities regarding the pathogenesis of this intriguing group of disorders are considered.

Objective: To assess the effect of use (washing and wearing) on the photoprotection provided by a cotton fabric. Methods: Twenty jersey‐knit pure cotton T‐shirts were worn for 4–8 hours per week and washed weekly for 10 weeks. Fabric samples taken before and after use were compared. Main outcome measures: Fabric ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) was calculated from spectrophotometric ultraviolet radiation transmission data. Changes in fabric structure and hole size were determined for samples from one T‐shirt by light microscopy and image analysis. Results: UPF increased consistently and significantly after use, from a mean of 19.0 to 40.6. A corresponding reduction in fabric hole area was seen under the light microscope and confirmed on image analysis (from 8.0% to 3.9% of total image area). Conclusion: UPF of pure cotton garments may improve after use, at least in the short term. The increase is mostly accounted for by reduction in fabric hole area due to shrinkage.

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The ca.se is presented of a thlrty-three-year-itld Cyprlot wotnan who sufjered cyclic premenstrual urticaria for twelve years. itUradermal progcsterotie te.sting gave a positive result la.sting 48 fiours attd indttced an ttrt'tcarial eritption lasting 34 hours. It is considered tfiat tfiis is convitmng evidetice of the diagnosis of aittoitntnutie progesterotic derittatitis. This is the first case of tfiis cotuiition reported in this cotttitry. INTKODUCTION

A case is presented of a Sweet's syndrome-like eruption in association with the oral contraceptive. A 46 year old caucasian woman developed recurrent episodes of erythematous tender plaques on her trunk six weeks after commencement of the oral contraceptive (OC). Her condition clinically and histologically resembled Sweet's dermatosis. On cessation of the OC there was complete resolution of her lesions and she remains well 12 months later. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a neutrophilic reaction to the oral contraceptive, and we believe that drugs may be implicated in the aetiology of atypical neutrophilic reactions simulating Sweet's syndrome in patients who are otherwise well.