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The article offers information about several skin diseases. Topics discussed include papulosquamous disorder, the Pityriasis rosea begins with erythematous macule, commonly in children and young adults; talks about autosomal dominant disorder of keratinization called Ichthyosis bullosa of Siemens due to mutation in the keratin 2e gene; and sexually transmitted disease, Syphilis which is caused by spirochete Treponema pallidum.

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss in adults, which is generally progressive in the absence of treatment. As a head full of healthy hair adds to the cosmetic appeal of the individual, the consequences of AGA are predominantly psychological. Currently, topical minoxidil is the first-line treatment for AGA. Many adjuvant treatment modalities have been used synergistically with minoxidil. Microneedling is one among such adjuvant treatments, which works by various mechanisms to stimulate the dermal papillary cells that play a key role in hair growth. Aim: To compare the efficacy of microneedling along with topical minoxidil and topical minoxidil alone in the treatment of AGA in men. Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight men with Norwood-Hamilton grade III and IV AGA were recruited for the study. After randomization, one group was treated with weekly microneedling and twice daily application of 5% minoxidil solution and the other group was treated with twice daily application of 5% minoxidil solution alone. Global photographs were taken at baseline (pretreatment) and at end of the study duration. Trichoscopic images were taken from a targeted fixed area before treatment (baseline) and at end of the therapy from where hair count was also carried out. The two primary efficacy parameters were assessed: increase in the hair count from that of the baseline and patient self-assessment of hair growth at the end of the study. Results: The mean increase in hair count in the targeted area of one square inch at the end of the treatment was significantly greater for the combination treatment group (12.52/inch2) compared to that for the minoxidil alone group (1.89/inch2). Four patients in the "microneedling plus topical minoxidil" group reported a 50% improvement versus none in the "minoxidil alone" group. Conclusion: Our study showed that the combination of microneedling and topical minoxidil treatment was superior compared to topical minoxidil alone with regard to increase in the hair count and patient satisfaction, although the response achieved was not cosmetically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on strawberry tongue which is a distinctive enanthem of the dorsum of the tongue characterized by the prominence of inflamed and hypertrophic fungiform papillae together with hyperemia. It mentions information on desquamation of the keratinized epithelium of the filiform papillae. It presents information on scarlet fever which is an acute febrile exanthematous illness associated with group A streptococcal pharyngitis mediated by an erythrogenic toxin.

A 41-year-old agricultural worker presented with asymptomatic nodulo-ulcerative lesions on the nose and adjacent areas, hoarseness of voice and difficulty in swallowing for the past 2 months. He had been [...]

ABSTRACT A 14-year-old girl with diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma with hyperhidrosis and progressive extension of keratoderma to the dorsum of the hands and feet is reported. The inheritance pattern was autosomal [...]

Cutaneous pitting, dimpling, or depressions are frequently dealt with in clinical practice. Such lesions may be primary manifestations of a disorder or develop as secondary changes during the course of the disease. Cutaneous pitting may be a manifestation of certain genodermatoses and internal disorders when it serves as a marker of such conditions. This article describes various types of pitted lesions affecting the ectodermal structures (skin, nails, and teeth) and their clinical significance along with brief description of the associated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticoagulants are the cornerstone of treatment of venous thromboembolism associated with various medical conditions and surgical procedures. They act on different steps of the coagulation pathway and are broadly categorized into heparins, vitamin K antagonists, and inhibitors of thrombin and factor Xa. The classification is evolving as newer and better oral and parenteral anticoagulants are being added. Anticoagulants in dermatology are important not only for their therapeutic application in cutaneous thrombotic dermatoses such as livedoid vasculitis, purpura fulminans, superficial and deep venous thrombosis and others but also for their use in non-thrombotic dermatoses such as lichen planus, recurrent oral aphthosis, chronic urticaria and several others. Further, the use of anticoagulants for any indication is associated with various adverse effects with dermatologic manifestations including specific reactions such as warfarin-induced skin necrosis, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and anticoagulant-associated cholesterol embolization syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrolytic acral erythema (NAE) is a newly described entity, seen in patients infected with hepatitis C virus. It is characterized by its distinguishing acral distribution, psoriasiform skin eruption and histological features. Its etiopathogenesis is not fully understood though hypo amino academia, hyperglucagonemia and zinc deficiency are considered as probable causes. In 1996, El Darouti and Abu el Ela first described this entity in seven Egyptian patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Since then, several small studies and cases have been reported around the world. Nevertheless, it may occur independently without HCV association as a few cases have been reported recently. We report two seronegative cases of NAE, which responded dramatically with oral zinc therapy. This suggests that NAE could be an isolated clinical subset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 16-year-old female presented with more or less erythematous scaly papules involving both the axillae. The similarity of the lessions involving both the cubital fossae and groins is mentioned. The article discusses granular parakeratosis which is a rare acquired pruritic disorder of the flexures and affects both sexes and all ages.

The article presents a case study of a 10-year-old boy who developed congenital asymptomatic papule on the lower eyelid. He was examined using dermoscopy and showed a circumscribed lesion with perilesional erythema, surface scaling and a hyperpigmented core embedded in the center of the lesion revealed papillary structures invaginating into the dermid.

The use of light and laser in the treatment of acne is increasing as these modalities are safe, effective, and associated with no or minimal complications when used appropriately. These light and laser sources are also being used in combination with pharmacological and/or physical measures to synergize their effects and optimize the therapeutic outcome. This review focuses on optical devices used in treating acne and serves to delineate the current application of various methods, including their utility and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cutaneous alterations are common in neonates. The majority of lesions are physiological, transient, or self-limited and require no therapy. Although much has been reported on the various disorders peculiar to the skin of infant, very little is known about variations and activity of the skin in neonates. Objective. To study the various pattern of skin lesions in newborn and to estimate the prevalence of physiological and pathological skin lesions in newborn. Methods. A total of 1000 newborns were examined in a hospital-based, cross-sectional prospective study in the period of November 2007 to May 2009. Results. The physiological skin changes observed in order of frequency were sebaceous gland hyperplasia (89.4%), Epstein pearls (89.1%), Mongolian spot (84.7%), knuckle pigmentation (57.9%), linea nigra (44.5%), hypertrichosis (35.3%), miniature puberty (13.3%), acrocyanosis (30.9%), physiological scaling (10.8%), and vernix caseosa (7.7%). Of the transient noninfective conditions, erythema toxicum neonatorumwas seen in 23.2% newborns and miliaria crystallina in 3% newborns. The birthmarks in descending order of frequency were salmon patch (20.7%), congenital melanocytic nevi (1.9%), and café-au-laitmacule (1.3%). Cutaneous signs of spinal dysraphism were sacral dimple (12.8%), meningomyelocele (0.5%), acrochordons (0.1%), and dermoid cyst (0.1%). Conclusion. The physiological and transient skin lesions are common in newborns particularly sebaceous gland hyperplasia, Epstein pearls, Mongolian spots, and erythema toxicum neonatorum. It is important to differentiate them from other more serious skin conditions to avoid unnecessary therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many paradoxical phenomena related to clinical, immunological, and therapeutic dermatology have been described. While some of them can be explained logically, the cause for others can only be speculated. Whenever encountered in clinical practice, background knowledge of such paradoxes may be useful to the clinician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive skin is less tolerant to frequent and prolonged use of cosmetics and toiletries. It is self-diagnosed and typically unaccompanied by any obvious physical signs of irritation. With the change in lifestyle and also with increased opportunity to use many new brands of cosmetics and toiletries, there has been an increase in females complaining of unique sensation in their facial skin. Sensitive skin presents as smarting, burning, stinging, itching, and/or tight sensation in their facial skin. The condition is found in more than 50% of women and 40% of men, creating a sizable demand for products designed to minimize skin sensitivity. Good numbers of invasive and non-invasive tests are designed to evaluate and predict the sensitive skin. Management includes guidelines for selecting suitable cosmetics and toiletries in sensitive skin individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of the various collagen vascular diseases seen in pediatric age group, discoid lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus erythematosus, neonatal lupus erythematosus, juvenile dermatomyositis and childhood scleroderma are common and of practical importance to clinicians. Various treatment modalities of these conditions have been discussed at length. Of these, some are conventional and routine, while others are used in challenging situations of these diseases. Autologous stem cell transplant, biological therapies, intravenous immunoglobulin and narrow band ultraviolet B are among the latest therapeutic options for these difficult-to-treat conditions in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nails are cutaneous appendages mostly involved in mechanical functions. However, nails may reflect presence of various systemic disorders evidenced by alteration of their shape, size, color or texture. Genodermatoses are multisystem disorders with cutaneous involvement. Many of the genodermatoses present with nail changes and some of these may be the clinical pointers to the diagnosis. Diagnostic clues to various genodermatoses derived from nail findings have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune multisystem disorder with varied clinical manifestations. There are many similarities and differences between pediatric and adult disease in regard to epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects. In general, the disease in children has a more aggressive course and need for prolonged treatment is frequent, which implies a greater incidence of therapy-related adverse effects. This review addresses various aspects of pediatric LE and how they differ from or are similar to adult disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood vitiligo is often encountered in dermatological practice. When present in infancy or early childhood, various nevoid and hereditary disorders are to be differentiated. In many cases, familial aggregation of the disease is seen and other autoimmune disorders may be associated. Segmental presentation is more common, and limited body surface area involvement is usual in this age group. Children with vitiligo often suffer from anxiety and depression because of their unusual appearance. Management of vitiligo in children is difficult as therapeutic options are restricted when compared to that in adult patients. Selection of treatment should be careful in these patients with the aim to achieve best results with minimal side effects as well as relieving patients' and parents' anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of immunohistochemical technique is increasing in diagnosing various diseases. In many situations it may not be possible to differentiate entities with overlapping clinical and histopathological features. Immunostaining of cellular antigens is immensely helpful in such cases. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has also been in use for targeted cancer therapy. In this article, the discussion will be restricted to use of IHC in dermatological disorders and use of classical antigens with brief updating of some important newly discovered antigens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The metabolic complications and pathologic changes that occur in diabetes mellitus (DM) influence the occurrence of various dermatoses. Aim: To study the impact of control of diabetes on the pattern of cutaneous disorders. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of patients attending diabetic clinic in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 500 consecutive patients were studied. Detailed history, clinical examination and relevant investigations were done to diagnose diabetic complications and cutaneous disorders. Dermatoses with or without known pathogenesis were correlated with age, gender, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), duration of diabetes, and complications of DM. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student "t" test and Chi-square test with 5% confidence interval (P value 0.05). Results: Majority of patients had well-controlled (FPG<130 mg/ml, 60%) type 2 DM (98.8%). No statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the patients with or without DM specific cutaneous disorders was noticed with reference to age and gender distribution, duration of DM and FPG. Signs of insulin resistance, acrochordon (26.2%), and acanthosis nigricans (5%) were common, followed by fungal (13.8%) and bacterial (6.8%) infections. Eruptive xanthoma (0.6%), diabetic foot (0.2%), diabetic bulla (0.4%), diabetic dermopathy (0.2%), generalized granuloma annulare (0.2%), and insulin reactions (6.2%) and lipodystrophy (14%) were also seen. Conclusion: Well-controlled diabetes decreases the prevalence of DM-specific cutaneous disorders associated with chronic hyperglycemia. It is necessary to have a dermatologist in the diabetic clinic for early detection of potentially grave or predisposing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light microscopy of the hair forms an important bedside clinical tool for the diagnosis of various disorders affecting the hair. Hair abnormalities can be seen in the primary diseases affecting the hair or as a secondary involvement of hair in diseases affecting the scalp. Hair abnormalities also form a part of various genodermatoses and syndromes. In this review, we have briefly highlighted the light microscopic appearance of various infectious and noninfectious conditions affecting the hair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial skin infections in children vary widely clinically, starting from mild superficial folliculitis to deep necrotizing fasciitis. The causative organisms are mostly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus, with occasional involvement of Gram-negative organisms. Treatment of even the milder forms of bacterial skin infections is of importance because of the long-term morbidity associated with them. However, because of global emergence of resistant strains of bacteria, treatment of these conditions is becoming increasingly difficult. The current antibacterial resistance patterns in organisms causing skin and soft tissue infections and the problems encountered in their management in children have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neonates are unique in several ways in comparison with older children and adults which render them highly susceptible to severe, sometimes life threatening dermatological disorders. The neonatal dermatological emergencies are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. A wide range of dermatoses such as infections, genodermatoses, metabolic disorders and vascular tumors may require emergency care. The clinical presentation also varies from generalized involvement of skin to localized disease with or without systemic symptoms. Irrespective of the etiology and clinical presentation, these disorders are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. With the availability of effective drugs and monitoring facilities, and awareness of need for immediate care, there has been a significant decline in the fatality rate associated with neonatal dermatological emergencies. Knowledge of clinical presentations, rapid diagnostic methods, emergency care and monitoring of progress of the disease helps in comprehensive multidisciplinary care of neonates with these disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Itchy folliculitis are pruritic, folliculo-papular lesions seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Previous studies have shown that it was impossible to clinically differentiate between eosinophilic folliculitis (EF) and infective folliculitis (IF). Also, attempts to suppress the intense itch of EF were ineffective. Aims: The present study is aimed at correlating clinical, histopathological and immunological features of itchy folliculitis in HIV patients along with their treatment. Methods: The present prospective study lasted for 36 months (September, 2005 to August, 2008) after informed consent, data on skin disorders, HIV status and CD4 count were obtained by physical examination, histopathological examination and laboratory methods. Results: Of 51 HIV-positive patients with itchy folliculitis, the predominant lesion was EF in 23 (45.1%) followed by bacterial folliculitis in 21 (41.2%), Pityrosporum folliculitis in five (9.8%) and Demodex folliculitis in two (3.9%) patients. The diagnosis was based on characteristic histopathological features and was also associated with microbiology confirmation wherever required. EF was associated with a lower mean CD4 count (180.58 ± 48.07 cells/mm3, P-value < 0.05), higher mean CD8 count (1675.42 ± 407.62 cells/mm3) and CD8/CD4 ratio of 9.27:1. There was significant reduction in lesions following specific treatment for the specific lesion identified. Conclusion: Clinically, it is impossible to differentiate itchy folliculitis and therefore it requires histopathological confirmation. Appropriate antimicrobial treatment for IF can be rapidly beneficial. The highly active antiretroviral therapy along with Isotretinoin therapy has shown marked reduction in the lesions of EF. Familiarity with these lesions may help in improving the quality of lives of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quiz related to the nodule in the palm is presented.

Cutaneous vasculitides in childhood are rare and often present with clinical features distinct from adults. Diagnosis of cutaneous vasculitides in children was difficult because of lack of a satisfactory classification systems for this age group. A new international classification system for childhood vasculitis has been discussed in the following section along with important clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and recent therapeutic developments of important vasculitides in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adult female patient on hemodialysis for chronic renal failure presented with large, brownish, and indurated plaques with bound-down skin on both lower limbs and abdomen along with difficulty in movement of the legs. Histopathological features revealed thick collagen bundles admixed with mucin and intercalating spindle-like cells characteristic of nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD). Immunohistochemical study showed prominent CD68 positivity and weak CD34 positivity suggesting that the plaques were more than 20-weeks old. NFD in patients with chronic renal failure of unknown cause is a poor prognostic indicator. Early detection before the development of contracture and prompt treatment of NFD and underlying renal failure may reverse this disabling condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides insights into the clinical significance of scars in dermatology. According to the authors, scars may serve as a clue for diagnosis by their typical morphology or may give rise to various dermatoses. They also discuss the classification of scars, dermatological conditions occurring in scars and characteristics morphology of scars and the diseases causing scars.

The article evaluates the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to vasculitis with cutaneous involvement of dermatologists. Vasculitis is a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of vessel walls wherein the process of detecting it may lead to vasculitic etiology. Furthermore , the different type of vasculitis were listed with their corresponding characteristics, conditions, its descriptions and approaches to treatment are discussed.

Cutaneous mastocytosis is a rare infiltrative disorder of the skin. Though often asymptomatic, systemic features may be associated with any clinical pattern of the disorder at any age group. We present our experience with six cases of cutaneous mastocytosis, including three with diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis, a rare entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute skin failure is a state of total dysfunction of the skin resulting from different dermatological conditions. It constitutes a dermatological emergency and requires a multi-disciplinary, intensive care approach. Its effective management is possible only when the underlying pathomechanism of each event is clear to the treating clinician. The concept of skin failure is new to non-dermatologist clinicians and sketchy among many dermatologists. Here the pathomechanism of skin failure has been analyzed and a guideline for monitoring has been provided. There is a need for intensive care units for patients with acute skin failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]