Warts and other human papillomavirus infections

Common nonvenereal genital lesions

There are a wide variety of local and systemic skin diseases that produce lesions in the genitoanal region. These lesions may resemble those produced by sexually transmitted microorganisms. The purpose of this article is to make physicians aware of the common skin diseases that produce lesions on the genitalia to avoid the inappropriate diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease.

Topical treatment of oral leukoplakia with bleomycin

Ten patients with oral leukoplakia were treated topically with bleomycin. We found the method convenient but only successful where sufficient attention was paid to the activity of the bleomycin-dimethylsulphoxide solution. The initial epithelial dysplasia disappeared completely in five of the 10 patients, while in the remainder the dysplastic grade remained the same. Following treatment the thickness of the keratotic layer increased in four patients, became thinner in five and remained unchanged in one. Although clinically the results of treatment only appear some 3 months after bleomycin application, once the lesions are cured their recurrence seems to be slower than after surgery. Nevertheless we strongly emphasise that 3-monthly follow-ups are mandatory for patients with oral leukoplakias whether or not they have been treated successfully.

Acute exanthems in children. Clues to differential diagnosis of viral disease

The numerous viral skin diseases that affect children present a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. Most of these diseases may be conveniently grouped according to the clinical appearance of the exanthem as maculopapular, petechial, papular, or vesicular. In some situations, viral infection may be difficult to differentiate clinically from nonviral disease; thus, extensive laboratory evaluation is sometimes necessary to pinpoint the virus involved. Nonviral disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with skin eruptions, especially of the maculopapular type. Common nonviral causes include Kawasaki disease, toxic shock syndrome, and drug reactions.