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Byline: Aakanksha. Arora, Rajesh. Mehta, Bhikam. Ghiya, Prasoon. Soni, Alpana. Mohta, Rajesh. Khokhar, Vishnu. Jangir, Manoj. Yadav, Sumiti. Pareek Background: Erbium-YAG laser has been the working horse in dermatology for [...]

Objectives: Severe post-acne scarring has been implicated as a cause of considerable psychological distress, mainly among adolescents. Subcision and microneedling are treatment options available. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) against subcision with PRP in treating atrophic post-acne scars in a split-face study design. Material and Methods: Fifty patients with atrophic post-acne facial scars were included in this prospective interventional study. Group A (left side of the face) was managed by microneedling with PRP and group B (right side of the face) was subjected to subcision with PRP. Results were assessed based on Goodman and Baron qualitative and quantitative grading. Results: In our study, at the end of the treatment, on the left side, 5 (10%) had 1 grade of improvement showing good response, 35 (70%) had 2 grades of improvement showing very good response, and 10 (20%) had 3 grades of improvement showing excellent response. On the right side, 1 (2%) patient had no improvement in acne grade showing poor response, 9 (18%) had 1 grade of improvement showing good response, 25 (50%) had 2 grades of improvement showing very good response, whereas 15 (30%) had 3 grades of improvement showing excellent response. Conclusion: Both modalities showed statistically significant results individually, there was no significant difference in qualitative improvement of acne scars between the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the findings of a study conducted among Indian dermatology residents to assess the prevalence and patterns of dermoscope use and the ability to identify common pigmentary dermatoses of the face. The study found that the prevalence of self-purchased dermoscopes increased with higher monthly stipends, but limited access and inadequate training were identified as potential reasons for variations in dermoscope use. The study also revealed that dermatology residents had higher accuracy in identifying dermatoses through clinical images compared to dermoscopic images. The study suggests the need for formal dermoscopy training in residency overseen by a program director. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including selection bias and the exclusion of certain graduates. [Extracted from the article]

Byline: Alpana. Mohta, Suresh. Jain, Rajesh. Mehta, Aakanksha. Arora Introduction: Of late, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality for the treatment of recalcitrant and difficult to treat warts. [...]

Introduction: Seborrheic keratosis (SK) are benign lesions with cosmetic concerns. Role of TCA and erbium YAG laser has already been described individually in the literature. However, there is a scarcity of data on the comparative evaluation of these two modalities in SK. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety profile of Erbium YAG laser ablation with 70% TCA for the treatment of facial SK. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 cases of facial SK were included in the study. Group A included SK lesions on the right side of face treated with Erbium YAG laser ablation while Group B included SK lesions on the left side of face treated with topical 70% trichloroacetic acid. Repeated sessions of laser and TCA application were given at 2-week intervals till cure was achieved or up to a maximum of three sessions. Grading of response to treatment was assessed as complete response (100% clearance), partial response (>50 to 99% improvement), and inadequate or no response (<50% improvement). Results: Complete clearance was observed in 40 (80%) and 29 (58%) cases in Groups A and B, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in clearance rates between the two groups (P = 0.019). Number of sessions was significantly lesser in laser group (mean ± SD = 1.24 ± 0.43) than in the 70% TCA group (mean ± SD = 1.88 ± 0.79) (P = 0.001). Statistically significant lesser downtime was observed in group A (P = 0.001). Patient satisfaction rate was much higher in group A. Hyperpigmentation was more common in group B (TCA). Conclusion: Although both the treatment modalities achieved good results, erbium YAG laser ablation showed superior results than 70% TCA with better patient satisfaction rates but more downtime. Also, no major adverse effects were observed in the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is a benign cosmetic condition. Although the role of CO2 laser is well described, there are only a few studies on Erbium: YAG in XP. Similarly, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is commonly used in XP. However, there are only a few studies comparing these modalities in the treatment of XP. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Erbium: YAG laser and 50% TCA in the treatment of XP with the role of dermoscope in the evaluation of lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: group A (TCA) and group B (laser). All patients were subcategorized into three grades viz. I (mild), II (moderate), and III (severe) using a self-devised scoring system. Results: About 25% and 70% of patients achieved complete clearance in groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.017). The rate of recurrence was 40% and 15% in groups A and B. Dyspigmentation and erythema were the most common side effects. Pretreatment dermoscopic evaluation of the lesion showed a network of brown streaks on a background of a yellowish structureless area and was used to assess the area and margins of the lesion where the adipose tissue was found during the procedure and serial assessment of the lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Alpana. Mohta, Achala. Mohta, Radhe. Nai, Aakanksha. Arora, Aditi. Aggrawal, Suresh. Jain, Rajesh. Mehta, Arti. Singh Background: The deadly COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) or SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome [...]

Background: Up to 30-50% of cases of psoriasis experience nail involvement, while 5-10% may have only isolated nail disease. Recently, the use of onychoscopy, a non-invasive technology, has emerged as a promising tool that may eliminate the necessity of a nail biopsy in most cases. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the onychoscopic characteristics of the nail unit in individuals with nail psoriasis. Materials and Methods: The study recruited fifty patients with a clinical diagnosis of nail psoriasis. Each nail underwent onychoscopic assessment. The clinical degree of cutaneous and nail involvement was evaluated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI), respectively. Results: The following findings were observed significantly more often on onychoscopy than with the naked eye: pitting (p = 0.03), leukonychia (p = 0.04), onycholysis (p = 0.04), and splinted hemorrhage (p = 0.05). The other novel findings included fuzzy lunula, which was only onychoscopically (8%), We also encountered 4% of cases of triangular onychomadesis and 6% of non-traumatic Median canaliform dystrophy of Heller. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that, even before clinical symptoms become obvious, onychoscopy may help with nail lesion diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucormycosis is a rare, aggressive angioinvasive deep fungal infection caused by mucorales. The epidemiology of mucormycosis has changed in recent times with the increase in incidence, identification of new causative agents, and predisposing factors. The clinical spectrum of mucormycosis includes rhinocerebral, sinopulmonary, cutaneous, and disseminated forms. Cutaneous mucormycosis is an emerging infectious disease especially in post COVID‑19 era. Cutaneous mucormycosis can be of two varieties: primary cutaneous and secondary cutaneous. Primary cutaneous mucormycosis is caused by direct inoculation of spores at the site of local trauma resulting in necrotic ulcers, especially, in immunosuppressed patient. Secondary cutaneous mucormycosis results from either dissemination or local invasion to the skin from a rhinocerebral form. The existing data on mucocutaneous mucormycosis is sparse especially in India. Herein, we present a case series describing the demographic factors, predisposing factors, clinical presentation, management of unique cases of mucocutaneous mucormycosis and its association with COVID‑19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of mask related acne (maskne) has been rocketing in past 2 years of COVID-19 pandemic.[1] Still, there is a dearth of available data over maskne. There was a statistically significant association between number of lesions and duration of mask wearing with number of lesions increasing significantly with hours of mask wearing ( I p i < 0.00001; Figure 1B). [Extracted from the article]

Theory points toward geographical clustering of economic activity as an important determinant of innovation. A stylized fact about the Indian economy is the geographic concentration of both economic activity and innovation. The paper first analyses the spatial pattern of patent applications across Indian districts. Considering innovation to be a complex and collaborative process, this paper investigates the relevance of economic geography for innovation for all Indian districts. We estimate agglomeration economies by creating Herfindahl index, localization index and Access index for all districts. Using the count data model, we estimate the effect of agglomeration economies, knowledge spillovers along with other variables including R&D expenditure, human capital, institution and infrastructure in creating innovation. The results show a strong and statistically significant effect of the agglomeration variables on innovative activity in a district. R&D expenditures in own district and neighbouring districts also have a positive relationship with the number of patent applications. Moreover, institutions, infrastructure and local socio-economic conditions do matter for innovative activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of 24‑year‑old man is presented with complaint of generalized body rash, facial edema, abdominal pain and high‑grade fever for 3 days. Topics include considered on mucocutaneous examination, there was presence of multiple well‑to‑ill‑defined erythematous non‑follicular papules and pustules all over the body involving several percentage of the body surface area, with the presence of purpuric targetoid lesions over bilateral legs.

Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.