Melanocortins (MC) such as adrenocorticotropic hormon (ACTH) and α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (αMSH) are neuropeptides derived from the prohormone proopiomelanocortin (POMC). It is now well established that the human skin is not only a target but also a local source for MCs. Almost all cutaneous cell types express MCs and MC‐receptor (MCRs) in vitro. The POMC peptides, their receptors and CRH the main inducer of POMC gene/protein expression in the pituitary and in skin ‐were also detected in human scalp hair follicles (HFs). MCs regulate pigmentation: stimulate melanogenesis, dendricity and proliferation in epidermal melanocytes, and similar effect was reported recently on cultured melanocytes derived from the outer root sheath of human HFs. TRH is the most proximal member of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid (HPT) axis. In amphibian skin, TRH also regulates POMC release, which leads to skin darkening via αMSH‐MC1R interactions. Recently we found TRH and TRH‐R expression in human HFs. Therefore, we examined the – as yet ill‐explored – effect of exogenous CRH, ACTH, αMSH and TRH on melanin production, melanocytes number and dendricity in normal, microdissected, organ‐cultured human anagen scalp HFs. Melanin production was measured by quantitaive Masson‐Fontana histochemistry, and melanocyte dendricity were assessed by immunohistochemistry against the melanosome marker gp100 (Nki‐beteb). The melanin content increased significantly after αMSH (10–100 nM) and TRH(1–10 ng/ml) addition to the medium. Total Nki‐beteb immunoreactivity was significantly elevated in the HF melanocytes treated with αMSH, thus confirming the Masson‐Fontana results. TRH, CRH (10 nM–100 pM) and MC (10–100 nM) also stimulated dendrite formation of HF pigmentary unit melanocytes. CRH, MCs and TRH as well were able to compensate the significant decline of the melanin content caused by catagen induction with TGFβ2. This provides unequivocal evidence that CRH, ACTH and a‐MSH stimulate normal human hair follicle pigmentation in situ. We also show for first time that TRH, a key regulator of pigmentation in amphibian skin, might play similar role in human HF.

Papular acrodermatitis (Gianotti-Crosti syndrome) was seen in a six-year-old girl. The disease was marked by the characteristic triad of a papular-vesicular rash, lymphadenopathy and liver damage. Serological findings suggest an infection with Epstein-Barr virus as the causative factor. In such cases hepatitis-B induced papular eruptive acrodermatitis should be considered in differential diagnosis.

Abstract:  The trimethylated amino acid l‐carnitine plays a key role in the intramitochondrial transport of fatty acids for β‐oxidation and thus serves important functions in energy metabolism. Here, we have tested the hypothesis that l‐carnitine, a frequently employed dietary supplement, may also stimulate hair growth by increasing energy supply to the massively proliferating and energy‐consuming anagen hair matrix. Hair follicles (HFs) in the anagen VI stage of the hair cycle were cultured in the presence of 0.5–50 μm of l‐carnitine–l‐tartrate (CT) for 9 days. At day 9, HFs treated with 5 μm or 0.5 μm of CT showed a moderate, but significant stimulation of hair shaft elongation compared with vehicle‐treated controls (P < 0.05). Also, CT prolonged the duration of anagen VI, down regulated apoptosis (as measured by TUNEL assay) and up regulated proliferation (as measured by Ki67 immunohistology) of hair matrix keratinocytes (P < 0.5). By immunohistology, intrafollicular immunoreactivity for TGFβ2, a key catagen‐promoting growth factor, in the dermal papilla and TGF‐β II receptor protein in the outer root sheath and dermal papilla was down regulated. As shown by caspase activity assay, caspase 3 and 7, which are known to initiate apoptosis, are down regulated at day 2 and day 4 after treatment of HFs with CT compared with vehicle‐treated control indicating that CT has an immediate protective effect on HFs to undergo programmed cell death. Our findings suggest that l‐carnitine stimulates human scalp hair growth by up regulation of proliferation and down regulation of apoptosis in follicular keratinocytes in vitro. They further encourage one to explore topical and nutraceutical administration of l‐carnitine as a well‐tolerated, relatively safe adjuvant treatment in the management of androgenetic alopecia and other forms of hair loss.

Trichothiodystrophy leading to generalized trichorrhexis nodosa-like hair changes with abnormal hair breakage is described in a 4-year-old girl. A marked deficiency of sulphur and the sulphur-containing amino acid, cystine, was detected in the biochemical analysis of the hair. Further investigation of the hair showed the morphological criteria of trichothiodystrophy. Commonly related symptoms, such as mental retardation, ichthyosis and increased sensitivity to sunlight, were not present in our patient.

The aetiopathogenesis of alopecia areata has not yet been established. The present data suggests an autoimmunological origin. One of the typical symptoms is a peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrate with a CD 4 + /CD 8 + - ratio shifted in favour of the CD 4 + cells (T- helper -cells) to about 4: 1. An effective therapy is not yet known. The effectiveness of zinc sulphate on alopecia areata was first described by Wolowa and Jablonska in 1976. Further investigations showed zinc to have a potent immuno-modulatory affect in the sense of normalizing the CD 4 + /CD 8 + - ratio. In line with the a.m. trial of Wolowa and Jablonska, 178 patients with alopecia areata were treated with zinc sulphate, 3 x 200 mg p.o. for 6 months. Another 129 patients received a placebo. Regarding the most important factors of prognosis, i.e. duration of the disease (? 3,7 years), extent of alopecia (? 52 % of the scalp) and age at first manifestation of the disease (? 28,5 years), both groups were well comparable. The number of atopic patients was slightly increased in the placebo - group, e.g. 45 % versus 35 % in the zinc - group. After 6 months the data of 108 patients of the zinc - group and 83 patients of the control - group were available for evaluation. Our results show an overall response of 44 % in the zinc treated group, complete remission in 13 % and partial remission in 31 % of the cases. Compared with the control - group this is a significantly better outcome: Only 23 % of these patients had a complete (4 %) or partial (19 %) remission after 6 months. The difference becomes even more obvious when analysed with reference to the extent and the duration of the alopecia: The shorter the course of the disease and the more limited the extent, the higher the effect of the zinc compared to the placebo group. 14 patients had mild gastrointestinal symptoms and nausea. In summary, the data shows good results in briefly manifested and limited forms of alopecia areata, so that a trial with zinc is justified in these cases, especially as there is only a low risk of harmful side effects.

In 23 subjects sensitized to p-phenylenediamine (PPD) patch tests were carried out with monosubstituted 1,4-diaminobenzenes, substituted p-aminophenols, metasubstituted aminobenzenes, nitrosubstituted aminobenzenes, polycyclic aminoaromates, resorcinol, and methylresorcinol as well as substituted aminopyridines. All substances are important in the daily practice, especially in the field of hair coloring.Most frequently positive tests were found to chloro-PPD (11), followed by 4,4'-diaminodiphenylamine (9), p-toluylenediamine (8), 4-aminodiphenylamine (8) and 1-hydroxy-2.4-diaminobenzene (8). Nitro-PPD elicited positive tests in four persons, p-aminophenol, 2-hydroxy-4-aminotoluene and 2,5-diaminoanisol in three persons each. Bandrowski's base which is under debate regarding its relevance to PPD-contact allergy elicited test reactions in three subjects. A noteworthy results was the reaction to m-phenylenediamine in three persons. Resorcinol, various N-substituted compounds (secondary amines) and pyridine derivatives produced no positive results.The relationship between chemical structure and activity is discussed.

The number of hairdressers suffering from occupational dermatoses has been steadily increasing over the last ten years. Nevertheless, adequate skin care programs are rarely carried out in most salons. The new technical regulations governing hazardous substances used in hairdressing, TRGS (technical regulations on dangerous substances) 530, issued by the German Department of labor, emphasize the need for wearing gloves. However problems arise in enforcing these regulations. There are neither general regulations governing the quality of gloves nor standard procedures for measuring the resistance of the used material Therefore, we have examined the permeation of several allergologically relevant chemicals found in hairdressing products through widely used glove materials such as latex and nitrile-latex. Our results prove that nitrile-latex is best suited of the tested materials. In order to implement effective improvements in the safety of the hairdressers working conditions, it is essential to find an appropriate glove material, standardize testing procedures, increase the production quality control, and declare all components in the materials.

The relevance of epicutaneous tests with fragrances is frequently discussed. In the following, the reaction to perfumed substances under application conditions is shown in seven volunteers with a positive epicutaneous test to ''fragrance mix''. The fragrances used in those applications are identical with those of the fragrance mix. Three leave-on products (deodorant spray, deodorant stick, and a skin care cream) and one rinse-off product (shampoo) were tested. We found that an allergic reaction did not constantly occur under each condition. Our volunteers reacted, depending an the product being used, quite differently. These results prove that a positive reaction to the fragrance mix does not inevidably mean a ban of perfumed products for the patients. Application with the cosmetics chosen by the patient should additionally be carried out.

Contact DermatitisVolume 26, Issue 4 p. 282-283 Contact allergy to cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) Corinna Peter, Corinna Peter Hautklinik, Universitätsklinik Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 2000 Hamburg 20, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorEdo Hoting, Edo Hoting Hautklinik, Universitätsklinik Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 2000 Hamburg 20, GermanySearch for more papers by this author Corinna Peter, Corinna Peter Hautklinik, Universitätsklinik Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 2000 Hamburg 20, GermanySearch for more papers by this authorEdo Hoting, Edo Hoting Hautklinik, Universitätsklinik Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 2000 Hamburg 20, GermanySearch for more papers by this author First published: April 1992 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.1992.tb00261.xCitations: 8AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume26, Issue4April 1992Pages 282-283 RelatedInformation

The properties of diphencyprone (DPC), its possible mechanism of action in the therapy of alopecia areata (AA), and its side-effects are summarized. The results of our own study of treatment in 45 patients with AA, with a mean treatment duration of 72 (15-146) weeks, are presented, and compared with the results of previous studies. We suggest that, in future, therapy protocols should define entry criteria and therapy results more precisely, and include follow-up assessments to establish the length of remission. In view of the low response rates and short lengths of remission, the indications for DPC therapy should be set more rigorously.

Patients suffering from atopic dermatitis show increased phosphodiesterase activity in leucocytes. As a result, the level of intracellular c-AMP is reduced, which can produce a number of metabolic dysfunctions: We found strong evidence that an enhanced release of several inflammation mediators can favor itching, which in turn promotes the development of eczema, since it induces reflectory scratching. In order to solve the question whether papaverine as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor might offer a new approach in the systemic therapy of itching, we performed a placebo-controlled study on 51 patients with atopic dermatitis, who were orally treated with papaverin-HCl over 8 weeks. However, we did not observe any improvement of itching or eczema during treatment. Some other recently developed phosphodiesterase inhibitors are discussed.

Five patients with refractory advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) (Stage IIB, two; Stage III, one; Stage IVA, two) and one patient with a refractory Stage IB CTCL (two females, four males, median age 58 years) were treated with a new polyaromatic retinoid, arotinoid-ethylester (Ro 13-6298), which has a much higher antiproliferative activity than other known retinoids. There was an objective clinical response in three of six cases [complete remission (CR) = 1, partial remission (PR) = 2]. One patient is in CR since 102 weeks currently. Mean duration of PR was 43 weeks. Two patients were withdrawn from treatment after 4 weeks because of disease progression. Two patients, one of them in PR, had to be retired from further treatment due to toxic side effects. Main side effects were mucocutaneous dryness, skin atrophy, and skin vulnerability. Skin biopsies were performed on four patients 4 weeks after the start of treatment. The epidermis and the subepidermal grenz zone were found to be clear of mononuclear clear cell infiltration in three patients. Although the number of patients is small, the results obtained suggest that arotinoid-ethylester offers a promising approach to the treatment of CTCL.