[Thalidomide: an eclectic medication in dermatology]

The authors review the indications for the use of thalidomide in dermatological conditions. They consider leprotic reaction, prurigo nodularis of Hyde, actinic prurigo, discoid lupus erythematosus, Weber-Christian panniculitis, recurrent mouth aphtosis, Behcet's syndrome, and pyoderma gangrenosum. The dramatic situation created by the use of thalidomide in the sixties not-withstanding, interest in its use is warranted within certain limits due to its wide therapeutic action.