The Nipple Test

Prescribing practices for seborrheic dermatitis vary with the physician's specialty: implications for clinical practice

The prescribing practices of different medical specialties (dermatology, family medicine, pediatrics and other) for seborrheic dermatitis were analyzed using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS). The frequency of use of various antifungal and anti-inflammatory medications was found to differ greatly between specialties, with the greatest difference being seen between dermatologists (who frequently prescribe the antifungal ketoconazole) and non-dermatologists (who most frequently prescribe corticosteroids).

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammation of the skin, occurring most often on the face, scalp and chest. It is closely related to infantile seborrheic dermatitis, or diaper rash. Seborrheic dermatitis is particularly common in patients with Parkinson's disease or with HIV/AIDS. The recent resurgence of interest in Malassezia yeasts has revived the old hypothesis that seborrheic dermatitis is caused by an altered relationship between these skin commensals and the host. Moreover, the success of antifungal medications in treating seborrheic dermatitis provides new evidence for this view.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Upon completing this paper, the reader should be aware of the clinical presentation of seborrheic dermatitis and which populations are at particular risk of developing this disorder. In addition, s/he will be aware of the role of Malassezia yeasts in seborrheic dermatitis and the way in which knowledge of the importance of these yeasts has altered the treatment of this disorder.

The effect of androgenic substances on the growth of the teat and mammary gland in the immature male guinea-pig

It is commonly believed that in most species of mammals the mammary gland in the male remains rudimentary throughout life and consists only of a duct system at the base of the teat, which itself remains smaller than in the pubertal female. Nevertheless, there is no doubt whatever that the male mammary gland is equipotential with that of the female as regards its capability of responding to the growth stimulus of ovarian hormones, and consequently the male has been extensively used in studies of the experimental development of the mammary gland (see numerous citations by Nelson 1936).

Fennel and anise as estrogenic agents

Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, and anise, Pimpinella anisum, are plants which have been used as estrogenic agents for millennia. Specifically, they have been reputed to increase milk secretion, promote menstruation, facilitate birth, alleviate the symptoms of the male climacteric, and increase libido. In the 1930s, some interest was shown in these plants in the development of synthetic estrogens. The main constituent of the essential oils of fennel and anise, anethole, has been considered to be the active estrogenic agent. However, further research suggests that the actual pharmacologically active agents are polymers of anethole, such as dianethole and photoanethole.