Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by piroxicam: a case report

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe adverse cutaneous reaction characterized by an acute episode of sterile pustules over erythematous-edematous skin. The main triggering drugs are antibiotics, mainly beta-lactam and macrolides. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs may rarely be responsible. We describe a case of a woman with AGEP, who presented with generalized pustulosis lesions after the use of piroxicam for renal colic. The diagnosis was confirmed by the clinical and histological correlations and the dermatosis resolved after withdrawal of the drug.

The relationship between alopecia areata and alexithymia, anxiety and depression: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata (AA) is a skin disease characterized by the sudden appearance of areas of hair loss on the scalp and other hair-bearing areas, but its aesthetic repercussions can lead to profound changes in patient's psychological status and relationships.

AIM

The goal was to investigate a possible relationship between AA and alexithymia as well as two other emotional dimensions, anxiety and depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty patients with AA seen in the Department of Dermatology of Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax were included in this study. Anxiety and depression were evaluated by Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale questionnaire, alexithymia was assessed by Toronto Alexithymia scale 20, and severity of AA was measured by Severity of Alopecia Tool.

RESULTS

Patient's mean age was 32.92 years. 52% of patients were females. Depression and anxiety were detected respectively in 38% and 62% of patients. There was statistically significant difference between patients and control group in terms of depression (P = 0.047) and anxiety (P = 0.005). Forty-two percent of patients scored positive for alexithymia. No significant difference was found between patient and control groups (P = 0.683) in terms of alexithymia. Anxiety was responsible for 14.7% of variation in alexithymia (P = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows a high prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in AA patients. Dermatologists should be aware of the psychological impact of AA, especially as current treatments have limited effectiveness.

A multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled study comparing the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of a sequential therapy with RV4104A ointment, ciclopiroxolamine cream and ciclopirox film-forming solution with amorolfine nail lacquer alone in dermatophytic onychomycosis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of topical antifungals is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of a sequential(SEQ) treatment with chemical nail avulsion and topical antifungals to amorolfine nail lacquer in dermatophytic onychomycosis.

METHODS

This was a randomized,parallel-group, controlled study comparing a 36-week SEQ treatment with chemical nail avulsion with RV4104A ointment(class I medical device containing 40% urea) followed by ciclopirox cream for 8 weeks and ciclopirox nail lacquer for 25 weeks (SEQ group) to amorolfine nail lacquer for 36 weeks (AMO group). Patients had to have a big toenail onychomycosis,sparing the matrix. The primary efficacy criterion was complete cure at week 48. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 142 patients were randomized. The complete cure rate at week 48 was significantly higher in the SEQ group than in the AMO group (36.6 vs. 12.7%, p = 0.001). Clinical cure at week 48 was observed in 53.5% of patients in the SEQ group versus 17% in the AMO group (p < 0.01). The cost of cure per patient was 50% lower with SEQ treatment (EUR 33) compared with amorolfine(EUR 76).

CONCLUSION

A treatment of onychomycosis comprising chemical avulsion of the pathological nail, ciclopirox cream and nail lacquer is significantly more effective than amorolfine nail lacquer.