VESICULAR AND BULLOUS DISEASES OF THE SKIN—Cytologic Diagnosis

A new technique, first described by Tzanck, for diagnosis of vesicular and bullous diseases of the skin by cytologic examination of material firmly scraped from lesions has a number of advantages over excision of biopsy specimens. It takes relatively little time, is painless, simple and inexpensive. The method also has value in research and teaching.     

USE OF TRANQUILIZERS IN DISEASES OF THE SKIN—A Preliminary Report

Tranquilizing agents such as chlorpromazine and reserpine were used in various diseases of the skin in which the psychogenic factors were considered important etiologic agents. While a tranquilizing effect was obtained in the majority of instances, the side reactions and variation in response were so great as to render these agents unsatisfactory for routine use as tranquilizers. Meprobamate (marketed under the trade names Miltown and Equanil) was then used on a group of dermatologic patients with more consistent tranquilizing effect and comparatively little unpleasant side reactions. It is felt that further study of the use of meprobamate as a tranquilizing agent in dermatology is worth while.