Shahrokh Mehrpisheh; Azadeh Memarian
Abstract
Background: Skin disorders in neonates can be considered as determining concepts for prognosis and genetic counseling. So far, few studies have investigated the relative frequency of neonatal skin disorders. The present study aimed to investigate cutaneous lesions and their relationship with other variables ...
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Background: Skin disorders in neonates can be considered as determining concepts for prognosis and genetic counseling. So far, few studies have investigated the relative frequency of neonatal skin disorders. The present study aimed to investigate cutaneous lesions and their relationship with other variables in neonates hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 403 neonates hospitalized in the NICU of Rasoul Akram Hospital in 2014. After selecting the patients via convenience sampling, data were collected from the medical records.Results: Of the 403 neonates, 366 (90.8%) had no cutaneous lesions, while 37 (9.2%) had cutaneous lesions. Among the latter group, 18 (48.6%) cases were pathological. According to the results obtained, the gender, type of delivery, gestational age, and reason for hospitalization were not related to the presence of cutaneous lesions and their pathological status (P > 0.05). Moreover, gender, gestational age, and reasons for hospitalization had no significant relationship with the lesion type (P > 0.05). The type of delivery had a statistically significant association with the kind of cutaneous lesions (P = 0.043).Conclusion: Cutaneous lesions in neonates hospitalized in the NICU were less frequent in the present study compared to those in other studies, which can be attributed to the retrospective nature and the lack of direct medical examination of patients.
Mohammad Ahmad Abdalla; Mohammad Shahatha Nayaf; Sura Zahim Hussein
Abstract
Background: Vitiligo is a skin disease caused by the destruction of melanocytes of the epidermis, leading to well-defined white patches that are often distributed symmetrically. The presentstudy aimed to determine the correlation relationship between the α-MSH and vitamin D serum levels among Iraqi ...
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Background: Vitiligo is a skin disease caused by the destruction of melanocytes of the epidermis, leading to well-defined white patches that are often distributed symmetrically. The presentstudy aimed to determine the correlation relationship between the α-MSH and vitamin D serum levels among Iraqi vitiligo patients. Materials and Methods: This study was done on outpatients who attended the Dermatology and Venereology Consulting Clinic of Salah-Al Deen General Hospital from November 2017 to March 2018. One hundred and ninety individuals were stratified into 110 cases of vitiligo and 80 healthy controls. Serum assays for α-MSH and vitamin D levels were sent for all subjects. Results: Vitiligo patients had significantly lower α-MSH levels and vitamin D levels than the controls (P ≤ 0.01). There was a significant, positive correlation between α-MSH and vitamin D levels in vitiligo patients overall (r = 0.236; P ≤ 0.01), though this correlation was negative within the male and female subgroups (r = -0.392 and -0.661, respectively; P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Compared to normal controls, vitiligo patients had significantly lower levels of α-MSH and vitamin D. These findings may back the normalization of both α-MSH and vitamin D levels in vitiligo patients as an important step toward disease recovery.
Fatemeh Mohaghegh; Farahnaz Fatemi; Parvin Rajabi; Samaneh Mozafarpoor
Abstract
Primary angioplasmacellular hyperplasia is a scarce clinical dermatologic condition presenting different skin lesions diagnosed through biopsies indicating vascular proliferation with perivascular plasma cell infiltrations. In the current case presentation, a 40-yearold healthy male was referred to our ...
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Primary angioplasmacellular hyperplasia is a scarce clinical dermatologic condition presenting different skin lesions diagnosed through biopsies indicating vascular proliferation with perivascular plasma cell infiltrations. In the current case presentation, a 40-yearold healthy male was referred to our outpatient dermatologic clinic with concurrent limbs and trunk erythematous vascular lesions for five years. The chief complaint of the patient was intermittent pruritus and relative irritation for years. Multiple biopsies were derived from the lesions, and vascular proliferation of capillaries with intensive perivascular infiltration of plasma cells was detected in the pathological specimen that finally led us to the final diagnosis of primary angioplasmocellular hyperplasia. Treatment with isotretinoin was initiated, and the patient responded to the treatment protocol dramatically. Given the rarity of reported cases, this report is considered the first case of primary angioplasmacellular hyperplasia with numerous lesions scattered and the first experience of successful treatment with isotretinoin.
Ramin Taheri; Arash Nekuvaght Tak; Nooshin Masoudian
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease. In some recent studies, the association between this disease and migraine headaches has been indicated. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of migraine headache in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.Methods: In this ...
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Background: Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease. In some recent studies, the association between this disease and migraine headaches has been indicated. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of migraine headache in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 72 patients with psoriasis vulgaris referred to dermatologists in Semnan from April 2018 to September 2018 were included using the complete enumeration method. After the confirmation of migraine headache by a neurologist, the migraine severity and clinical features were assessed. Data were collected and analyzed by SPSS 16 software.Results: Among 72 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, 15 (20.8%) had a migraine. In patients with migraine headache compared to others, the mean and standard deviation of the visual analog scale-based headache severity (8.33 ± 1.05 vs. 4.11 ± 2.30, P < 0.001), MIDAS-based headache severity (13.85 ± 2.48 vs. 4.98 ± 2.11, P = 0.004), and PASI score-based psoriasis severity (22.55 ± 7.08 vs. 5.38 ± 2.95, P = 0.001) were significantly higher.Conclusion: The prevalence of migraine headaches is significantly higher in patients with psoriasis vulgaris, and patients with severe psoriasis are more likely to suffer from migraine headaches. We recommend screening for migraine headaches in patients with psoriasis, especially when the relevant risk factors are evident. High-risk patients should be given further consideration, facilitating the achievement of better management and higher patient satisfaction.
Leili Amani; Fatemeh Fadaei; Mohammadreza Shams Ardakani; Mehran Mirabzadeh Ardakani; Seyede Nargess Sadati Lamardi; Laila Shirbeigi
Abstract
Background: Skin conditions are among the most common health problems worldwide and are associated with immense psychological, social, and financial burdens. Atopic dermatitis, alopecia, eczema, diabetic ulcers, and abscesses are common acute or chronic conditions, which are increasing ...
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Background: Skin conditions are among the most common health problems worldwide and are associated with immense psychological, social, and financial burdens. Atopic dermatitis, alopecia, eczema, diabetic ulcers, and abscesses are common acute or chronic conditions, which are increasing dramatically in prevalence due to industrialization and unhealthy lifestyle habits. The use of complementary and alternative medicine to treat skin diseases has been increasing in recent years. Methods: This review focuses on proposed skin conditions for leech therapy as mentioned by Avicenna, a great Iranian philosopher and physician (980-1037 AD)in the Canon of Medicine. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for clinical studies on treatment protocols in this book to compare them with recent clinical trials involving leech therapy. Results: Investigation of traditional Iranian medicine literature can lead to the identification of natural medicines for the management of skin problems. Leech saliva contains anti-coagulative, antiaggregative, and vasodilatory components. Conclusions: In addition to the annelid’s mechanical ability to extract blood, leeches can contribute to patients’ health while posing minimal risks.
Fariba Iraji; Fatemeh Mohaghegh; Atefeh Shajari; Parvin Rajabi; Samaneh Mozafarpoor
Abstract
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common skin subtype of T-cell lymphoma. Its underlying cause is not yet clearly understood, and diagnosis might be difficult since MF presents itself with symptoms similar to some other dermatologic disorders. In the current case presentation, we report a 12-year-old ...
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Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common skin subtype of T-cell lymphoma. Its underlying cause is not yet clearly understood, and diagnosis might be difficult since MF presents itself with symptoms similar to some other dermatologic disorders. In the current case presentation, we report a 12-year-old female with concurrenthypopigmented and pigmented purpuric dermatosis-like lesions that underwent skin biopsies and immunohistochemistry study. Microscopic findings of hyperkeratosis and mild acanthosis in addition to epidermotropism of lymphocytes with perivascular and interstitial infiltration led us to the probable diagnosis of MF.Intraepidermal lymphocyte immunohistochemistry assessments were positive for CD3 and CD4 while negative for CD8 and CD7. The peripheral blood smear revealed a normal CD4 to CD8 ratio, and the number of Sézary cells detected was insufficient to diagnose Sézary syndrome. Therefore, the final diagnosis of MF was made for this young patient.
Anu George T; Vinutha Rangappa; Jayadev Betkerur
Abstract
Background: Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH), a common problem of multifactorial etiology, is obvious on the face and can affect patients’ quality of life (QoL). It is essentially a clinical diagnosis, but dermoscopy might aid in further classification of the disease. Also, it might give us ...
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Background: Periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH), a common problem of multifactorial etiology, is obvious on the face and can affect patients’ quality of life (QoL). It is essentially a clinical diagnosis, but dermoscopy might aid in further classification of the disease. Also, it might give us a clue regarding the etiology and help in the treatment, as different types of POH respond to varying treatments. We aimed to assess clinical, dermoscopic patterns and quality of life using the Melasma Quality of Life (MELASQOL) scale in POH and to compare it with controls.Methods: Detailed histories were obtained from 100 patients with POH. The clinical and dermoscopic examination was done, and the obtained results were compared against 100 controls. The MELASQOL scale was used to assess QoL.Results: Family history (P = 0.013), lack of sleep (P = 0.003), stress (P = 0.001), and eye rubbing (P = 0.01) were the probable risk factors. Blotchy pattern (P < 0.0001), speckled pattern (P < 0.0001), and telangiectasia (P = 0.007) were the significant dermoscopic findings. Controls showed pseudoreticular (P < 0.001) and superficial dilated veins (P < 0.0001). Quality of life was affected in 30.6% of patients; it was more affected in grade 4 POH.Conclusion: Dermoscopy will aid in the classification of POH. Blotchy pattern, speckled pattern, and telangiectasia are the typical dermoscopic patterns, more so in higher grades. QoL may be affected in POH. However, MELASQOL is not adequate to assess QoL in POH.
Shivam Goyal; Sathish Ballambat Pai; Kanthilatha Pai
Abstract
Actinomycotic mycetoma or actinomycetoma is a type of mycetoma caused by Nocardia and Actinomyces. It usually affects the trauma-prone areas or extremities of the body. It is associated with characteristic discharging granules and sinuses. Gram staining of discharged granules shows thin Gram-positive ...
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Actinomycotic mycetoma or actinomycetoma is a type of mycetoma caused by Nocardia and Actinomyces. It usually affects the trauma-prone areas or extremities of the body. It is associated with characteristic discharging granules and sinuses. Gram staining of discharged granules shows thin Gram-positive filaments. Histopathology of granules shows suppurative granulomas composed of neutrophils surrounding characteristic grains. Several antibiotics are effective, including co-trimoxazole, dapsone, streptomycin, trimethoprim (TMP), rifampicin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. However, co-trimoxazole remains the gold-standard therapy. Actinomycetoma of the scalp has been rarely reported. Here, we report the case of an Asian male in his 50s presenting with swelling over the scalp. It had developed seven years ago after a road traffic accident and remained elusive to treatment. There were no discharging sinuses or granules characteristic of actinomycetoma. The Gram stain and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain from superficial swabs were negative for pathogens. Bacterial and fungal cultures of the biopsy sample were inconclusive. However, histopathology showed epidermis having focal acanthosis overlying granulation tissue with proliferating capillaries, edema, and infiltration by lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils along with scattered foreign body giant cells. Filamentous bacterial colonies with surrounding neutrophils were present. These features were suggestive of actinomycetoma. The patient was treated with oral doxycycline and co-trimoxazole and had a complete regression of swelling after three months of follow-up. This case highlights an unusual morphology and location of actinomycetoma, which should be considered when encountering subcutaneous swelling.
Mouna Rkhami; Ghassen Gader; Ahmed Maatoug; Bilel Loukil; Mohamed Badri; Ihsèn Zammel
Abstract
Proliferating trichilemmal tumor (PTT) is a rare cutaneous tumor that mainly occurs in the scalp, eyelids, neck, and face of elderly women. In most cases, it is a unique, large, multi-lobulated, cystic lesion originating from a hair follicle. These tumors are mostly benign and are ...
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Proliferating trichilemmal tumor (PTT) is a rare cutaneous tumor that mainly occurs in the scalp, eyelids, neck, and face of elderly women. In most cases, it is a unique, large, multi-lobulated, cystic lesion originating from a hair follicle. These tumors are mostly benign and are characterized by trichilemmal keratinization. However, in rare cases, they may be aggressive with a propensityfor distant metastasis.We report the case of a 69-year-old male patient, who presentedwith as welling on his forehead that had rapidly increased in size over the past year. CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a tumor located on the cranial vault, associatedwith an intracranial extension. Chest X-ray and CT scan found a tumor in the right lung. The patient underwent surgery for the removal of the tumor. The histological examination confirmedthe diagnosis of malignant PTT (MPTT). To the best of our knowledge, only a few cases of MPTT have been published. Furthermore, only one case of MPTT of the scalp with endocranial extension and lung metastasis has been eported to date.Through this case, we discuss the prognostic factors and the management of this aggressive lesion.
Anil Prakash Gosavi; Ravindranath Brahmadeo Chavan; Rahul Narendra Jaiswal; Vijay Deepak Joshi
Abstract
Methotrexate, an anti-psoriatic drug possessing immunoregulatory, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties,acts by blocking deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid synthesis. It acts especially on rapidly dividing bone marrow cells and proliferating epithelia and mucosae. The toxicity of ...
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Methotrexate, an anti-psoriatic drug possessing immunoregulatory, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties,acts by blocking deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid synthesis. It acts especially on rapidly dividing bone marrow cells and proliferating epithelia and mucosae. The toxicity of this double-edged sword occurs due to accidental excessive intake or daily dosing instead of weekly dosing. We report the case of a 31-year-old male with acute methotrexate toxicity presenting with ulcerations over pre-existing psoriatic plaques with foci of bleeding. Oral mucosal involvement in the form of buccal and palatal ulceration was present in the setting of sepsis, pancytopenia, and acute kidney injury. It is worth emphasizing the role of adequate prescription guidelines, patient education, stringent monitoring, early recognition of tell-tale signs of toxicity, timely leucovorin rescue, and the need for strict enforcement of regulations regarding the over-the-counter availability of such drugs, especially in developing countries.
Ria Rai; Varsha Jamale
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous verrucae (warts) are benign epithelial proliferations caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV acts by upregulating epithelial cell replication and downregulating host immune responses. Hence, treatment could be aimed at the virus (via antiviral drugs like valacyclovir) or the ...
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Background: Cutaneous verrucae (warts) are benign epithelial proliferations caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV acts by upregulating epithelial cell replication and downregulating host immune responses. Hence, treatment could be aimed at the virus (via antiviral drugs like valacyclovir) or the immune system (via immunomodulators like zinc sulfate). It is important to identify which pathogenesis should be preferably targeted for safe and effective therapy. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of oral valacyclovir versus oral zinc sulfate in the treatment of cutaneous verruca.Methods: Fifty patients clinically diagnosed with warts were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (n = 25), treated with oral valacyclovir (1000 mg/day), and Group B (n = 25), treated with oral zinc sulfate (400 mg/day). All patients were evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) and were followed up for 12 weeks. The results were analyzed using R software version 3.6.0.Results: A significant decrease in the number of warts from baseline to the fifth follow-up visit was noted in Group A (P < 0.05) but not in Group B (P > 0.05). Both the groups showed a significant improvement visit-wise (P < 0.05) with respect to both VAS and PGA scores, but Group A (25.00 ± 28.58 and 1.60 ± 1.61; P < 0.05) showed marked improvement compared to Group B (60.40 ± 8.89 and 2.96 ± 0.35; P < 0.05).Conclusion: Oral valacyclovir is more efficacious than oral zinc sulfate in the treatment of cutaneous verrucae. Both are equally safe.
Fatemeh Sari Aslani; Mozhdeh Sepaskhah; Mojgan Akbarzadeh Jahromi
Abstract
The rate of cosmetic tattooing in Iran is increasing as in many other countries, with concomitant rises in tattoo-associated complications, including inflammatory (infectious and noninfectious) and neoplastic reactions. We reviewed clinical and pathology features of a series of 13 cases of adverse reactions ...
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The rate of cosmetic tattooing in Iran is increasing as in many other countries, with concomitant rises in tattoo-associated complications, including inflammatory (infectious and noninfectious) and neoplastic reactions. We reviewed clinical and pathology features of a series of 13 cases of adverse reactions to tattoo pigments. The participants included 11 women and 2 men aged between 22 and 58. The histopathologic reaction patterns were seven granulomatous (four sarcoid, with heavy tattoo pigments in the superficial dermis, and three tuberculoid, with scanty tattoo pigments in the superficial dermis), three cases of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, one cutaneous lupuserythematosus-like reaction, one pseudolymphomatous reaction, and one case of mild superficial perivascular inflammation. More than two-thirds of the reactions were to brown tattoos on the eyebrows. The lag in lesion development after tattooing varied from five days to two years.
Maryam Nasimi; vahide Lajevardi; Hamidreza Mahmoudi; Fatemeh Arbab; Safoura Shakoei
Abstract
Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. There is conflicting data on the link between LP and metabolic syndrome. This study evaluated the association of chronic subtypes of LP, namely oral lichen planus and lichen planopilaris (LPP), with metabolic syndrome.Methods: ...
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Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. There is conflicting data on the link between LP and metabolic syndrome. This study evaluated the association of chronic subtypes of LP, namely oral lichen planus and lichen planopilaris (LPP), with metabolic syndrome.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 66 patients with oral and follicular LP were evaluated for metabolic syndrome based on the US National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria and were compared against 66 healthy controls. Waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and lipid profile were measured for each individual.Results: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (13 [19.7%] vs. 8 [12.1%]; P = 0.23) and dyslipidemia (51 [77.3%] vs. 49 [74.2%]; P = 0.68) between the study groups. These findings remained statistically insignificant in both genders. The waist circumference (P = 0.008) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0.02) were significantly higher in the LP group than the healthy individuals. Our data showed that each unit increment in waist circumference and DBP leads to a 4.1% (P = 0.02) and 4.7% (P = 0.03) increase in the chance of LP,respectively.Conclusion: Patients with oral LP and LPP do not have a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome or dyslipidemia than healthy individuals. However, they are more vulnerable to central obesity and high diastolic pressure, for which they should be routinely screened.
Muhammed Mukhtar
Neelam Bhatt; Ravindranath B. Chavan; Vasudha A. Belgaumkar; Nitika S. Deshmukh
Abstract
Background: Linear skin eruptions are commonly encountered in dermatology practice. They may be the manifestations of various skin diseases resembling each other, leading to difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to document linear dermatoses and analyze them demographically, clinically, ...
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Background: Linear skin eruptions are commonly encountered in dermatology practice. They may be the manifestations of various skin diseases resembling each other, leading to difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to document linear dermatoses and analyze them demographically, clinically, and etiologically in order to facilitate diagnosis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients presenting with linear skin eruptions to a tertiary care center’s dermatology outpatient/inpatient department over two years (2016 to 2018). These patients were evaluated and classified after clinico-etiological correlation into several subgroups of acquired and congenital linear skin eruptions.Results: The major etiological group encountered was acquired dermatoses (79%), followed by nevoid/congenital dermatoses (21%). Among acquired dermatoses, the majority belonged to the papulosquamous group (33%), mostly lichen striatus cases (21%). The significant group were ≤ 40 years and ≤ 20 years in the acquired and papulosquamous groups, respectively (P = 0.001). In nevoid/congenital dermatoses, linear verrucous epidermal nevus was the predominant group (10%). We also attempted to find correlations with variables like gender, duration of symptoms, and distribution; however, there was no statistically significant correlation. Among other causes, 56% had the Blaschkoid distribution (P = 0.007).Conclusion: This novel study attempted a comprehensive clinicoetiological compilation of linear skin eruptions by analyzing many variables and risk factors. It documents some uncommon dermatoses that occasionally present with linear configuration and need to be considered in the differential diagnoses.
Juan Raul Castro-Ayarza; Luisa Fernanda Montenegro
Abstract
Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents nearly 80% ofcutaneous malignancies. Dermoscopy is a useful tool to increasethe precision of diagnosis, but its findings for BCC are mainlydescribed in patients from Europe, the US, and Australia. BCCdermoscopy patterns are not fully known in patients ...
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Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents nearly 80% ofcutaneous malignancies. Dermoscopy is a useful tool to increasethe precision of diagnosis, but its findings for BCC are mainlydescribed in patients from Europe, the US, and Australia. BCCdermoscopy patterns are not fully known in patients with skinphoto-types III and IV in Latin America, especially in Colombia.We aimed to describe dermoscopy findings in patients with BCCand III-IV Fitzpatrick skin types in a Colombian population.Methods: A descriptive, retrospective and prospectiveobservational study was carried out on patients with BCC.Clinical and dermoscopy photos were taken, with the diagnosisconfirmed via histopathology.Results: Thirty-six tumors were evaluated. Women were moreaffected. The main BCC feature was a nodular clinical andhistological subtype. The more frequent dermoscopy findingswere arboriform microvessels, thin telangiectasias, and multiplegray-blue globules. Tumors greater than 6 mm predominantlyshowed ulceration and polymorphic vessels. The presence ofovoid nests, structures in maple leaves, and polymorphic vesselswere related to the superficial clinical subtype.Conclusions: Different features related to size, clinical pattern, andthe presence of vascular and pigmentary changes in dermoscopywere present in this population. A new dermoscopy finding ofa yellowish type “amber background” in BCC was described.
Saman Mohammadi; Maryam Khalili; Mahin Aflatoonian; Rezvan Amiri; Zahra Sharif; Saeedeh Farajzadeh; Azadeh Mohebbi
Abstract
Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatoryskin disease that has possible associations with other diseases suchas allergic conditions, autoimmune skin diseases, and systemicdiseases. We evaluated the prevalence of alopecia areata andthyroid autoimmunity in children with atopic dermatitis.Methods: ...
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Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatoryskin disease that has possible associations with other diseases suchas allergic conditions, autoimmune skin diseases, and systemicdiseases. We evaluated the prevalence of alopecia areata andthyroid autoimmunity in children with atopic dermatitis.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 124 children(62 children with atopic dermatitis and 62 healthy children).Demographic features of the participants and duration of diseasein children with atopic dermatitis were recorded. Antithyroidperoxidase and thyroid stimulating hormone were evaluated inboth groups. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)were calculated to estimate relative risk. The chi-squared testand analysis of variance test (ANOVA) were used to evaluatethe association of thyroid autoimmunity with the demographicand clinical features of patients.Results: Thyroid autoimmunity was only detected in atopicdermatitis children and not in the control group, and the differencewas statistically significant [OR = 4.32, 95% CI = 2.15–10.81,P = 0.04). Furthermore, overt thyroid disease was significantlymore common in the atopic dermatitis group compared withthe control group (OR = 4.46, 95% CI = 1.15–17.24, P = 0.03). Apersonal history of alopecia areata was also significantly morecommon in the atopic dermatitis group (OR = 4.46, CI = 1.17–15.29,P = 0.030). In addition, there was no significant difference betweenthyroid autoimmunity and overt thyroid disease in the patients’severity of atopic dermatitis and demographic features (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Patients with atopic dermatitis had a significantlyhigher percentage of thyroid autoimmunity, overt thyroid disease,and alopecia areata than the control group.
Sinta Murlistyarini; Sekar Puspita Lilasari; Santosa Basuki
Abstract
Background: Melasma is a hypermelanosis disorder of the skin induced by UV radiation, which triggers various inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin-17 (IL-17). This study aimed to evaluate the difference in serum PGE2 and IL-17 levels between melasma and non-melasma ...
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Background: Melasma is a hypermelanosis disorder of the skin induced by UV radiation, which triggers various inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin-17 (IL-17). This study aimed to evaluate the difference in serum PGE2 and IL-17 levels between melasma and non-melasma patients.Methods: We consecutively sampled the melasma and nonmelasma patients in the Dermatovenereology Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang, Indonesia, from November to December 2017. As many as 46 people, ranging from 21–55 years old, were divided into two groups based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The examination of PGE2 and IL-17 serum levels was done using ELISA.Results: The average serum PGE2 level was 886.04 ± 785.32 ng/L in the melasma group and 541.70 ± 408.54 ng/L in the non-melasma group. The average serum IL-17 level was 82.23 ± 61.08 ng/L in melasma subjects and 52.66 ± 28.62 ng/L in non-melasma.Conclusion: The increased PGE2 serum level in melasma plays a role in the process of melanogenesis in keratinocytes and melanocytes and affects the mechanism of vasodilation. IL-17 augments COX-2 levels, thereby causing chronic melasma.
Bita Kiafar; Vahideh Sabeti; Farhad Faridhoseini; Lida Jarahi; Samaneh Salamian
Abstract
Background: Alopecia areata is one of the most common causesof hair loss. In this study, the personality traits and stress levelsof patients with alopecia areata were assessed and comparedwith a control group based on the NEO Five-Factor Inventory(FFI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaires.Methods: ...
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Background: Alopecia areata is one of the most common causesof hair loss. In this study, the personality traits and stress levelsof patients with alopecia areata were assessed and comparedwith a control group based on the NEO Five-Factor Inventory(FFI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaires.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 120patients with alopecia areata and 120 healthy individuals as acontrol group from 2015 to 2017 in Mashhad, Iran. The controlgroup was selected from the families of patients who did not havecurrent involvement and no history of alopecia areata, matchedby gender, mean age, and level of education. A dermatologistevaluated the severity score of alopecia in participants. TheNEO FFI and PSS questionnaires were used to assess patients’personality aspects. SPSS v. 20 was used to analyze the data.Results: The results of the NEO FFI questionnaire showed thatstatistically, the mean score of neuroticism in alopecia areatapatients was significantly higher than in the control group(P = 0.023), but the extraversion and flexibility scores weresignificantly higher in the control group than in alopecia areatapatients (P = 0.026 & 0.049, respectively). The PSS questionnaireresults showed that the mean stress score of alopecia areatapatients was similar to the control group (P = 0.12).Conclusion: Our results suggest that compared with healthyindividuals, patients with alopecia areata have higher neuroticismscores and lower extraversion and flexibility scores on the NEOFFI.
Fariba Ghalamkarpour; Mahsa Jalalinejad; Sahar Dadkhahfar
Abstract
Background: Antropometheric measures can widely vary among different populations. Given the rising popularity of nonsurgical and surgical aesthetic procedures, standard facial anthropometric measurements are necessary for evaluating the outcomes of cosmetic and rejuvenating procedures. This study aimed ...
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Background: Antropometheric measures can widely vary among different populations. Given the rising popularity of nonsurgical and surgical aesthetic procedures, standard facial anthropometric measurements are necessary for evaluating the outcomes of cosmetic and rejuvenating procedures. This study aimed to determine the anthropometry profile of Persian women, focusing on key facial parameters. Our secondary goal was to explore any change in these dimensions secondary to rhinoplasty.Methods: Facial anthropometric measurements were successfully evaluated in 207 healthy Iranian adult women. Using nine landmarks (trichion, glabella, nasion, subnasale, labiale superius, labiale inferius, gnathion, endocanthion, and exocanthion), ten standard anthropometric measurements and two angles were obtained. The measurements were analyzed separately for those with a history of rhinoplasty and those with a natural nose.Results: The height of the upper third, middle third, and lower third of the face was 7.04 (36.43%), 5.61 (29.04%), 6.67 (34.53%) cm, respectively. Other key measurements included: total face height 19.33 cm, nasal height 5.62 cm, philtrum length 1.61 cm, lower lip to gnathion 3.50 cm, right palpebral fissure length 3.79 cm, left palpebral fissure length: 3.82 cm, interocular diameter 3.71 cm, nasolabial angle 80.06°, and frontonasal angle 135.47°. There was no significant difference between the measurements for those with or without rhinoplasty. Also, the different age groups (18-25, 25-40, and 40-65 years) were statistically similar in these measurements.Conclusion: The difference in anthropometric measurements of this study with previous reports reveals the necessity of using specific anthropometric standards for Persian/Iranian women.
Mohamad Afshar; Mahmoudreza Jafari; Mohamadmehdi Hasanzadeh Taheri; Mohsen Khorashadizadeh; Hamide Taheri Olyayie
Abstract
Background: Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is one of the mostactive components of turmeric. This herbal compound has antiinflammatoryand positive wound-healing impacts. The principalobjective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of curcuminnanoliposomes on cell viability and motility of mouse fibroblastNIH ...
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Background: Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is one of the mostactive components of turmeric. This herbal compound has antiinflammatoryand positive wound-healing impacts. The principalobjective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of curcuminnanoliposomes on cell viability and motility of mouse fibroblastNIH 3T3 cells and its wound healing effects on second-degreeskin burns in BALB/c mice.Methods: Mature male BALB/c mice (n = 48) were dividedinto 4 groups (n = 12 per group). Group one received curcuminnanoliposome ointment; the positive and negative control groups(groups 2&3) were treated with silver sulfadiazine and placebo,respectively, and group four (sham) received no treatment. Theburn wound was created by a metal device with a diameter of 1cm. Animals received treatment twice daily. On days 4, 7, 10, and14, deep anesthesia and a biopsy of the wound were performed,and a microscopic study and MTT assay were carried out.Results: Cellular studies on mouse fibroblast NIH-3T3 cellsshowed that low-dose curcumin nanoliposomes increased cellproliferation and motility at 8, 12, and 24 hours in comparisonwith the control group. In tissue samples of mice treated withcurcumin nanoliposome (day 14), less inflammation was observed,while granulation tissue formation, fibroblast proliferation,epithelialization, and collagen fiber synthesis increased significantlycompared with the control groups.Conclusion: Our study indicates the positive effects of curcuminnanoliposomes on the motility process of mouse fibroblast NIH-3T3 cells (in vitro) and on the inflammatory and proliferativephases (in vivo) of burn wound healing in mice.
Arun Achar; Lokhnath Ghoshal; Smriti Chowdhury; Samiran Bisai
Abstract
Background: Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) and hyperkeratotic eczema (HPKE) are common and troublesome entities affecting the palms and soles. The diagnosis is made clinically, but differentiation is difficult; histopathology helps but is often impossible in daily practice. Dermoscopy is increasingly utilized ...
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Background: Palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) and hyperkeratotic eczema (HPKE) are common and troublesome entities affecting the palms and soles. The diagnosis is made clinically, but differentiation is difficult; histopathology helps but is often impossible in daily practice. Dermoscopy is increasingly utilized to diagnose inflammatory disorders and has been used to differentiate PPP from HPKE. The present study was carried out to evaluate the role of dermoscopy in the differentiation of PPP and HPKE in a tertiary care center of eastern India.Methods: This hospital-based observational study included 20 patients with each of clinically diagnosed PPP and HPKE. Dermoscopy examinations were done, and the results were tabulated and summarized. Fisher’s exact test was employed to assess statistical significances in differences.Results: Diffuse white and yellow scales were found in both PPP and HPKE without any significant difference. Brown orange globules, clustered dotted vessels, yellow, orange crusts, and perilesional scaling were found more in HPKE (P < 0.05). On the other hand, uniformly dotted vessels and background erythema were more characteristic of PPP (P < 0.05). The results of the current study had deviations from the results of studies done abroad, which can be ascribed to differences in skin color.Conclusion: Dermoscopy is a valuable tool to sort out diagnostic dilemmas in cases of PPP and HPKE. It should be used more commonly to gain more experience and information in the diagnosis of inflammatory dermatoses.
Abdul Malik Hooshmand; Nasar Ahmad Shayan
Abstract
Background: Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary disorder of the skin. Although predominantly asymptomatic and not life-threatening, vitiligo may considerably affect patients’ quality of life (QoL). It has been suggested that vitiligo patients suffer from low selfesteem and poor body image, which may ...
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Background: Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary disorder of the skin. Although predominantly asymptomatic and not life-threatening, vitiligo may considerably affect patients’ quality of life (QoL). It has been suggested that vitiligo patients suffer from low selfesteem and poor body image, which may cause a lower level of QoL. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitiligo on patients’ QoL in Herat, Afghanistan.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted at Hooshmand Skin and Cosmetic Hospital and the associated phototherapy center from November 2015 to April 2017. A total of 170 patients above 16 years of age were recruited. A valid translated Persian version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was completed by subjects, and data were collected using structured datasheets.Result: On average, patients were 27.84 ± 10.74 years old, and 40.6% were males. The overall mean DLQI score was 9.72 ± 5.82, including 9.93 ± 4.64 in women and 9.42 ± 6.11 in men. The DLQI score was significantly related to the age, type of disease, treatment history, and employment status. Compared to males’, females’ QoL was more impaired in feeling (Q2) and type of clothing (Q4) (P = 0.020 and P = 0.021, respectively).Conclusion: Vitiligo patients showed a moderate limitation in their QoL. Hence, the managing team should focus on the QoL and psychosocial well-being of vitiligo patients in addition to their clinical condition.
Saman Ahmad Nasrollahi; Aniseh Samadi; Fatemeh Samii; Chao Yuan; Alireza Firooz
Abstract
Background: Brimonidine tartrate is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist approved for treating rosacea. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a brimonidine gel in rosacea patients with skin types III and IV.
Methods: This study was a phase II before-after clinical study in 20 patients ...
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Background: Brimonidine tartrate is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist approved for treating rosacea. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a brimonidine gel in rosacea patients with skin types III and IV.
Methods: This study was a phase II before-after clinical study in 20 patients with moderate to severe rosacea treated with brimonidine 0.33% gel. Clinician’s Erythema Assessment (CEA), Patients’ Self-Assessment (PSA), skin erythema (ΔE), lightness (ΔL), and biophysical parameters were measured before treatment and 4 and 8 weeks later. Ultrasound parameters were also measured at the same time points.
Results: Eighteen patients completed the study. CEA and PSA decreased significantly from 3.05 to 2.10 and 2.15 after 4 weeks and 2.20 and 2.15 after 8 weeks, respectively (P<0.01 for both). Furthermore, ΔE and ΔL, as well as the skin erythema index, improved after 4 weeks of treatment. The skin echo density of both the epidermis and dermis also increased after 8 weeks (P<0.05). During the study, no serious adverse events occurred other than some reports of temporary moderate redness.
Conclusion: Daily application of brimonidine 0.33% gel is safe and effective for the treatment of rosacea in darker skin types.
Mohammad Shahidi-Dadras; Farnaz Araghi; Fahimeh Abdollahimajd; Mehdi Gheisari; Ali Forghanian; Sahar Dadkhahfar
Abstract
During the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, patients with malignancies like primary cutaneouslymphomas (PCLs) are considered at high risk for severe disease progression given their underlying condition. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a type of PCL that often needs lifelong treatments, ...
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During the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, patients with malignancies like primary cutaneouslymphomas (PCLs) are considered at high risk for severe disease progression given their underlying condition. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a type of PCL that often needs lifelong treatments, including immunosuppressive drugs that predispose patients to catastrophic COVID-19 outcomes. Accordingly, several issues are to be addressed in the management of patients with MF. First of all, patients with this chronic condition may lose access to healthcare services such as phototherapy and inpatient treatments like electron beam therapy. Secondly, the patients’ anxiety of becoming infected while referring for the follow-up visits might impair their adherence to treatments. Finally, the current situation may affect the management strategies of dermatologists adopted for MF patients.We decided to perform this teledermatology study to assess the clinical condition of patients with MF in our referral center. We also evaluated patients’ perceived anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS). Our results demonstrated that lockdown could influence adherence to treatment modalities (especially phototherapy) in these patients.
