No abstract

Nail clippings from patients suspected of having onychomycosis were processed for histologic evaluation in the same manner as routine skin with the addition of a chitin-softening solution prior to processing. The sections were stained by the periodic acid-Schiff method and examined for fungal hyphae. The results were compared with the results of fungal cultures from the same nail. Our findings indicate that routine histopathologic analysis of the nail plate alone is a useful complementary method to fungal culture for diagnosing onychomycosis.

No abstract

These data suggest that the incidence of photoallergy due to fragrances is declining, while reactions to sunscreen agents, in particular oxybenzone, are increasing. This trend may reflect an altered use pattern by the general population for products containing these chemicals.

Pseudoporphyria is a photo-induced cutaneous bullous disease characterized by distinct clinical, histologic, and most recently, immunofluorescent features. By definition, results of porphyrin studies are normal in this disease. We describe here a woman with naproxeninduced pseudoporphyria, and we review previously reported cases of pseudoporphyria. The increasing frequency of pseudoporphyria is a result of the current popularity of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Physicians need to be aware of this reversible skin disorder. Pseudoporphyria must be considered and an appropriate evaluation must be done when an individual who is taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs develops bullae and increased fragility of exposed skin.Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a blistering disorder caused by a deficiency of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, an enzyme in heme biosynthesis. Porphyrins accumulate in plasma and are excreted in the urine in great excess. Exposure to sunlight results in photosensitive lesions. PCT can be inherited or acquired. Treatment alternatives include phlebotomy and antimalarial agents ( 1 4 ) .