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Vitamin D plays a vital role in skin diseases, and vitamin D supplementation seems to warrant protection against occurrence and exacerbation of several dermatological conditions. This review covers the immunopathological and therapeutic role of vitamin D, with a comprehensive illustration in some diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The therapeutic use of cyclosporine is gradually extending to various dermatoses including both in adults and children. There are meager studies from India supporting its safe use in pediatric dermatoses. Aims and Objectives: The aim is to study the safety and efficacy profile of children treated with cyclosporine for recalcitrant dermatoses. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the case files of children below 18 years of age where cyclosporine A (CsA) was used within the past 5 years was done. Results: A total of thirty cases were studied. The CsA dose used in our patients ranged from 3 to 4 mg/kg/day for a time period varying from 4 to 24 weeks. A good to excellent response was seen in 23 (76.66%) cases. Few children developed side effects mostly reversible with dose modification. Conclusion: Cyclosporine within the therapeutic range can be used safely in recalcitrant pediatric dermatoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the skin and the psyche is undeniable. Hence, it becomes mandatory for the dermatologists to be alert for psychological conditions affecting the skin. Since cutaneous diseases are well known to cause a significant impact on a patient's quality of life, the relationship works the other way as well. Stress has been found to contribute to the severity of various dermatoses such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne. Awareness of psychodermatological disorders among dermatologists will lead to a more holistic treatment approach and better prognosis in this unique group of patients. This article summarizes various aspects of psychodermatology and focuses on psychodermatological disorders as well as highlights the interaction between psyche and skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tofacitinib, an oral Janus kinase inhibitor (Jakinib), is an emerging treatment modality whose well-established efficacy in systemic inflammatory diseases is now being actively explored for cutaneous disorders (arising due to the patient's dysimmune responses) that are not responding to and/or sustaining intolerable adverse effects with the classical immunosuppressives and other targeted therapies such as the biologics. The most common dermatoses for which oral as well as topical Jakinibs such as tofacitinib have been evaluated and are being used albeit as an off-label indication include psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, alopecia areata, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis. This article provides a succinct review on the current status of oral tofacitinib in dermatology through literature search of PubMed database and stresses on the need for further evidence generation to define the drug's place in the therapeutic arsenal of dysimmune cutaneous disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With increasing knowledge about limitations of systemic steroids, the use of steroid sparing agents is now being accepted by practicing dermatologists. Methotrexate (MTX) is a well accepted steroid sparing drug in adults with dermatological conditions. However, its use in pediatric dermatoses has not been the subject of m any investigations. Materials and Methods: We decided to do a computerized search for the use of MTX in pediatric dermatoses using terms like "pediatric,'' "MTX," "psoriasis,'' "pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)," "atopic dermatitis," "pityriasis lichenoides," "lichen planus," "juvenile dermatomyositis (JDMS)," "localized morphea," "systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)," "vesiculo-bullous diseases," "alopecia areata," "vasculitis," "eosinophilic fasciitis," "urticaria," "sarcoidosis," "pompholyx" and "vitiligo vulgaris." All the articles were retrieved and classified into review articles, studies, double-blinded trials and case reports. The final data were then analyzed. Results: It has been found that MTX has been increasingly used in psoriasis, PRP, pityriasis lichenoides, JDMS, SLE and sarcoidosis. However, its use in several other dermatoses is restricted to isolated case reports. Conclusion: Children tolerate MTX better than adults. However, proper clinical and laboratory surveillance has to be maintained in patients on long term MTX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokines are produced transiently by cutaneous cells in response to immune stimuli. They are non-immunoglobulin proteins and glycoproteins. Cytokines, which are signaling molecules, act by sending downstream signals to various cells through a number of signal transduction pathways and by binding to cytokine receptors on the surface of cells. Cytokines regulate immunity and inflammation and thus play an important role in the pathogenesis of various cutaneous disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The knowledge of the prevalence of common dermatoses will be useful for optimum use of valuable resources of the country. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the pattern and prevalence of psoriasis, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis (AD) in India. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based study conducted on a single day in one medical college each in four zones of India. Results: The point prevalence of dermato logical cases was 9.25%. The point prevalence of psoriasis, vitiligo and AD were 8%, 9.98% and 6.75% respectively. Chronic plaque type psoriasis was the most common (50%) clinical pattern. The most common site of involvement of psoriasis was the palms. Stable type of vitiligo was common which accounted for 65.21%. Lower lip was involved in 75% of mucosal vitiligo. Lower limbs were the most common site of onset of vitiligo. AD was most prevalent in the first decade (40.7%). Personal history of atopy was present in (59.5%) patients. Dry skin was present in 92.5% of patients. Conclusions: Our data correlates with previous hospital-based prevalence studies of psoriasis, vitiligo and AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent a family of Type I transmembrane proteins characterized by an extracellular leucine-rich repeat domain and a cytoplasmic domain. TLRs represent a conserved group of receptors which help the immune system to function properly. Different TLRs are associated with an array of skin diseases. TLR agonists and antagonists have great potential for the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]