Impetigo contagiosa is a skin infection primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus and sometimes by Streptococcus pyogenes. In this study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of 1% nadifloxacin ointment (Acatim^® ointment 1%) on impetigo contagiosa and the sensitivity of clinical isolates against various antimicrobials. Among all 42 cases, the cure rate and improvement rate at the completion of treatment with 1% nadifloxacin ointment with a concomitant oral antibiotic were 57.1% and 97.6%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in all cases, and MRSA was isolated from 9 cases (19.6%) and MSSA from 37 cases (80.4%). Nadifloxacin exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against MRSA and MSSA. The present results indicate that 1% nadifloxacin ointment is a useful topical antimicrobial agent, which exerts its effect on MRSA.Skin Research, 11: 520-527, 2012

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In this study, we assessed nocturnal scratching during sleep using software that could specifically recognize the sound of scratching. We recorded the sound during sleep at night for 64 minutes using an IC recorder, with a sound-concentrating microphone attached to the arm of a patient who had exhibited severe nocturnal scratching behavior due to an itch caused by atopic dermatitis. The recorded data were transformed into 32 pieces of brief (2 minutes) digital sound data (AVI format) and were compared with scratching sound samples using scratching sound-identifying software that had been created at Director Nagao's Laboratory in the Graduate School of Environment and Information Science, Yokohama National University, and the scratching time in the 2 minutes of sound data was calculated. As a result, the analysis of scratching time using the sound of scratching during sleep yielded the same result as the quantitative analysis employing two different methods, namely, a video camera and a wristwatch-type acceleration sensor.Skin Research, 11: 528-531, 2012

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Case 1: A 67-year-old man had received oral minocycline therapy for 4 years and 9 months to treat rheumatoid arthritis and its related conditions. He noticed discoloration of his lower legs and left instep. Histopathological examination of the left lower leg revealed increased melanin granules in the basal layer of the epidermis and the deposition of hemosiderin-like particles in the upper dermis. Case 2: A 31-year-old woman suffering from atopic dermatitis took oral minocycline for acne vulgaris for 10 days. She noticed a change in the color of her lips 5 days after this oral administration. We diagnosed these cases as hyperpigmentation caused by the internal use of minocycline. The discolorations gradually improved by discontinuation of minocycline. The pigmentary change induced by minocycline usually disappears gradually after cessation of use of the drug, but it sometimes takes several years. We should be careful about discoloration of the skin when we administer minocycline to our patients.Skin Research, 11: 532-537, 2012

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Hemodialysis patients often suffer from intractable itching as an important complication that influences their quality of life. This study investigated the effects of a spray of 100% purified camellia oil (hereinafter, camellia oil spray) in skin itching alleviation and moisture retention in hemodialysis patients. Eighteen patients used the camellia oil spray for 4 weeks. Significant amelioration was achieved in skin drying and scratch marks compared with pre-use findings (p＜0.01). A questionnaire-based visual analogue scale evaluation demonstrated significant effects in itching alleviation and moisture retention (p＜0.01). No adverse reactions were observed in any subjects. A comprehensive evaluation of skin symptoms, global improvement ratings, adverse reactions, questionnaire-based survey results, and diary records yielded a usefulness rate of 100% (percentage of subjects with the rating “slightly useful” or higher). Judging from these findings, the camellia oil spray is a skin care agent that can be safely and effectively used against dry, itchy skin in hemodialysis patients.Skin Research, 11: 538-547, 2012

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It is important to correctly remove makeup for having healthy and great skin.　Demonstrated how to remove makeup.　1. To make it easier to remove makeup on the facial line, put hair together.　2. Gently remove eye and lip makeup using special cleansing product.　Despite of the fact that eye areas are declicate, we tend to use varlous long-wearing makeup products thus we need to use safe for eyes and gentle for eye areas product to remove them thoroughly and comfortably.　3. Then remove makeup on the entire fact.　There are many types of cleansing products for the entire face and it can be chosen accordlng to one's skin condition as well as daily lifestyle or preference.　4. After removing makeup, wash face using a faclal soap, Then use skin care products on the cleansed skin.Skin Research, 11: 548, 2012

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The mechanism of skin immune responses had been analyzed mainly using in vitro, histology and/or animal models until when we could utilize two-photon microscopy. Using this technique, we can visualize the skin in three dimension, which has revealed the mobilization of T cells and dendritic cells in cutaneous immune responses.Skin Research, 11: 549-551, 2012

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