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Introduction: Dermatophyte infections have become a common entity with a prevalence ranging from 36.6-78.4%. Majority of the patients are from low socioeconomic background who favour topical treatment. High treatment costs of antifungal medication and consequent poor compliance have given rise to the need of an effective and economical topical preparation. Objectives: To compare efficacy of topical 1% clotrimazole versus virgin coconut oil application as an adjuvant to systemic antifungals in dermatophytosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients presenting to the dermatology outpatient department and diagnosed with tinea infection clinically and by potassium hydroxide mount were taken up for the study. The patients were randomized into two groups with 50 patients in each group. One group received virgin coconut oil while the other group received 1% clotrimazole cream twice daily application as the topical preparation. Mycological cure was assessed by potassium hydroxide mount and clinical improvement was assessed objectively by severity score for itch, changes in clinical signs and symptoms and subjectively by Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire. Statistical analysis was analyzed using SPSS software version 17. Results: Virgin coconut oil and 1% Clotrimazole had equivocal response after 12 weeks of treatment with respect to potassium hydroxide mount positivity, itch severity, clinical improvement and changes in Dermatology Life Quality Index scores when used along with systemic antifungal. Conclusion: Virgin coconut oil can be easily used as a topical emollient and antifungal preparation along with systemic antifungals in the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Introduction Superficial tinea infections are some of the most common dermatological conditions in the elderly. Recently, few studies done showed an abrupt increase in dermatophytic infection in adults; however, similar recent studies describing dermatophytosis in the elderly are lacking. The aims and objectives of this study were to identify the epidemiological profile of dermatophytoses among the elderly population. Materials and Methods This was a single centre, observational cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care Medical College Hospital in North India over 12 months including patients of dermatophytosis (KOH confirmed) aged 60 years or more. Results A total of 192 patients were enrolled, among which 68.7% were males. The extensive disease was present in 56.2%. History of topical steroid usage was present in 79.2%. The mean duration of disease was 23.8 weeks among which chronic disease was seen in 25%. Various other demographic characteristics were identified. Various risk factors for extensive disease, like gender, topical steroids use, urban residence, higher socioeconomic status, longer duration of disease, positive family history, diabetics, regular alcohol and tobacco consumption, were also noted in the present study. Conclusion The present concludes increased prevalence in women, delay in seeking treatment among them, a rising proportion of chronic and extensive dermatophytosis, rising atypical clinical presentation and higher predilection for tinea cruris and onychomycosis.

Introduction: The term “chronic dermatophytosis” can be described as patients who have suffered tinea infections for more than 6 months, with or without recurrence. Since last few years we are facing an onslaught of chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis. These infections are increasingly becoming debilitating with severe symptoms like itching and increasingly showing lack of response to traditional treatment, hence it has become utmost important to assess impact of dermatophytosis today on quality of life of patients. Objectives: To determine quality of life in patients with chronic dermatophytosis using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Materials and Methods: Adult literate patients having chronic dermatophytosis which was confirmed by KOH mount were included in the study. History, clinical features and other relevant details were included in a proforma. All patients were asked to fill DLQI questionnaire in Hindi. Controls having disease for less than six months were also included. Data thus obtained was collected and tabulated. The data was analysed using SPSS software and relevant statistical tests were used. Results: Total number of cases collected were 263, 137 controls were also included. In gender distribution, cases had 71.86% males and 28.14% female while controls had 63.5% males and 36.5% females. Mean DLQI of cases was 14.28+/-5.16 and controls was 11.56+/-3.60. DLQI distribution of cases -162(61.6%) had very large effect, 64(24.33%) had moderate effect, and 32(12.17%) had extremely large effect on DLQI. Domains of Symptoms and feelings (72.67%), work and school related activities (69%) and treatment related problems (67.67%) posed maximum impairment. Quality of life derangement increased significantly with presence of lesions on both exposed and non exposed sites and increase in body surface area. Conclusion: While superficial dermatophytosis affects quality of life (QoL) in all patients, chronic dermatophytosis has a significantly more derogatory effect on the QoL of a person with some of the patient also showing extremely large effect on QoL.

Introduction: Non-dermatophytic molds (NDM) are filamentous fungi or yeast, commonly found in nature as saprophytes and plant pathogens. The incidence of onychomycosis due to NDM is 1.45 – 16.6%. NDMs are usually resistant to conventional antifungal treatment. Objective: To know the anti-fungal susceptibility pattern of non-dermatophyte fungi causing onychomycosis. Materials and Methods: A prospective hospital based cross-sectional study was done on non - dermatophytic isolates from patients with clinical suspicion of onychomycosis. All non – dermatophytic isolates were subjected to anti-fungal susceptibility against terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole and griseofulvin by micro broth dilution method. Results: NDM were isolated in 20.2% cases of clinically suspected onychomycosis, among which Fusarium species was the most common followed by Aspergillus species and Candida species. MIC50 (Mean Inhibitory Concentration) for overall non - dermatophytic isolates for terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole and griseofulvin was 0.25μg/mL, 0.5μg/mL, 32μg/mL and 2μg/mL respectively and the order of sensitivity was Itraconazole (74.7%) > terbinafine (68%) > Fluconazole (60%) > Griseofulvin (51.6%) of the study samples. For Fusarium species, the sensitivity for terbinafine was (73.5%) > itraconazole (67.6%) > fluconazole (64.7%) and griseofulvin (64.7%). For Aspergillus species, the sensitivity for itraconazole was 79.1% > fluconazole (58.3%) > terbinafine (54.1%) > griseofulvin (50%). For Candida species, the sensitivity was fluconazole (83.3%) > itraconazole (75%) > terbinafine (41.6%), while no candida species was found sensitive to griseofulvin. Conclusion: Non-dermatophytes play a significant role in onychomycosis. On in vitro estimation, Itraconazole was the most sensitive drug, followed by terbinafine, fluconazole and griseofulvin.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3126/njdvl.v17i1.22048 A 24-year-old man presented with itchy verrucous, scaly red-brown papules, & linear plaques distributed in a blaschkoid pattern all over the body since last 20 years associated with itching. A skin biopsy was consistent with ILVEN (inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus). Histopathologically, it can be difficult to distinguish it from linear psoriasis. It may respond to conventional anti-psoriatic therapies like potent topical corticosteroids applied under occlusion, or systemic treatments like acitretin. Keywords: Interleukin-1, Isotretinoin, Musaicism, Nevus, Psoriasis

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Oxidative stress caused by Reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesisis of leprosy.Objective: To measure the enzymatic oxidative stress indicators and oxidative stress index in patients of leprosy and compare them with healthy age & sex matched controls.Materials and Methods: In this prospective study 30 untreated leprosy patients were included in the study and matched with 60 healthy controls. Biochemistry estimation was done with blood samples and MDA (lipid peroxidation), Nitric oxide (NO), (SOD) Superoxide dismutase (antioxidant enzyme), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status(TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were estimated.Results: Highly significant rise (p

Introduction: Isotopic phenomenon refers to the occurrence of a new dermatosis at the site of previously healed dermatosis. A number of factors including viral, neural, vascular, and immunologic factors have been implicated in the causation of this peculiar phenomenon but none has been proven conclusively. We report a case where leprosy developed at the site of psoriatic lesion previously treated with medical therapy. Case Report: A 50 years old male presented with chief complaints of erythematous, mildly itchy scaly lesions all over the body with a history of relapses and remissions for last 20 years. After confirming the diagnosis of psoriasis with leprosy, patient was managed as an inpatient with oral hypoglycemic drugs along with multibacillary multi drug therapy. For psoriasis, patient was prescribed topical corticosteroids along with emollients over thick scaly lesions. Conclusion: This case has been reported due to the rarity of Wolf’s isotopic phenomenon and the coexistence of psoriasis with leprosy. The existing sporadic cases in literature which question the mutually exclusive relationship of leprosy and psoriasis needs further evaluation.

Background There is a constant search for an ideal treatment for vitiligo. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a novel modality for treating stable vitiligo. Presently, literature regarding the efficacy of combining either PRP or platelet-poor plasma (PPP) with psoralen+sunlight (PUVASOL) in vitiligo does not exist. Objective This study compares the safety and efficacy of combining PUVASOL with either PRP or PPP against PUVASOL alone in patients with stable nonsegmental vitiligo. Patients and methods This prospective, open-labeled, comparative study was done in 20 patients with stable nonsegmental vitiligo, each having at least three vitiligo patches of similar shape and size. All the patients received PUVASOL as standard treatment modality. PRP or PPP was injected into two separate study patches as an adjuvant treatment with PUVASOL; however, the third patch acted as a control and was treated by PUVASOL alone. These patients were followed up for 4 weeks after the end of four treatment sessions. Results Compared with control areas (exposed to PUVASOL only), statistically significant more repigmentation was seen in areas treated with a platelet preparation (either PRP or PPP) along with PUVASOL. However, there was no significant difference between PRP and PPP arm (P=0.824) as per qualitative and quantitative assessment. Conclusion Addition of a platelet preparation (either PRP or PPP) had an additive beneficial effect on the response of PUVASOL therapy in patients with stable vitiligo at the study end point of 16 weeks. However, PRP and PPP showed comparable efficacy at the study end point in terms of repigmentation when used in conjunction with PUVASOL.

Background: The increasing average lifespan has led to an increase in an elderly patient encountered in day-to-day practice. Despite this, there is a lack of statistical data about dermatosis in the elderly. Objectives: This study has been performed with the objectives of studying the spectrum of skin diseases in the elderly and study associations of these with various demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and residence with clinical diagnosis. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study based in a tertiary care teaching hospital, which included patients aged 60 years and above, presenting to the outpatient department of dermatology. Results: A total of 440 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 65.92 years, with maximum belonging to the 60–69 years' age group (73%) and a male preponderance (1.97:1). The most common systemic ailment was diabetes mellitus (18.2%). The most common physiological change was wrinkling (92.3%). Among pathological conditions, infections were the most common group (51.3%). Fungal infections were seen in 24.1% and leprosy in 6.8% of patients. Wrinkling, neoplasia, and nail changes were significantly higher in males. Metabolic dermatosis was significantly higher in diabetics. Generalized pruritus, neoplasia, and pigmentary disorders were significantly more common in urban residents, whereas infections were significantly higher in rural residents. Conclusion: The most common physiologic finding among the elderly was wrinkles while the most common dermatosis were infections. Dermatosis in the elderly has atypical presentations due to an interplay of physiological and pathological factors. With increasing average lifespan, dermatological demands of the aged are growing. Thus, it is important to study the problems of the aged individuals, so proper dermatological care can be provided to them.

Summary Background Isotretinoin has been used in combination with oral psoralen + UVA (PUVA) and narrowband UVB (NBUVB) for treating psoriasis, especially in women of child-bearing age. The efficacy of oral psoralen + sun exposure (PUVAsol) is comparable to that of PUVA. This study was planned to compare the efficacy of oral PUVAsol with that of the combination of oral isotretinoin and PUVAsol in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods Forty patients with psoriasis vulgaris were randomized to two groups. Group A (control group) received PUVAsol only. Group B (intervention group) received PUVAsol + isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg/day). Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score was recorded at baseline and weeks 4, 8 and 12. Dermatology Life Quality Index was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. The end point of the study was PASI 75 or 12 weeks, whichever came earlier. Results Thirty-five patients completed the study. There were statistically significant differences between the two study groups for the number of patients achieving the endpoint of PASI 75, PASI scores at the end of 12 weeks, mean duration to achieve PASI 75, number of PUVAsol sessions needed to achieve PASI75 and mean cumulative dosage of 8-methoxypsoralen needed to achieve PASI 75. Conclusion The combination of isotretinoin with PUVAsol is more effective compared with PUVAsol alone for treating chronic plaque psoriasis.

Lunula is the white, half-moon shaped area seen in proximal ends of some nails. Though a few studies have described the nail changes that can occur in association with HIV infection, none of these paid much attention to lunula. Aims and Objectives. To study the lunula in fingernails among HIV infected patients. Materials and Methods. An observational, cross-sectional study to record presence of lunula in 168 HIV-positive patients and compare it with age and sex matched 168 healthy HIV-negative control. Anolunula (absence of lunula) in HIV-positive patients was correlated with CD4 counts, stages of HIV infection, time since patient was diagnosed as HIV-positive, and status of antiretroviral therapy. Results. Anolunula was present in significantly more fingernails in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative controls. There was a highly significant difference for total anolunula (anolunula in all fingernails) in study and control group. Incidence of total anolunula was directly proportional to the stage of HIV infection, increasing progressively as the HIV infection advances from stage 1 to stage 4. Conclusion. Absence of lunula is related to not only HIV infection per se but also the stages of HIV infection.

Bowens' disease (BD) is a precancerous condition of skin and/or mucosa with a predilection towards sun-exposed areas. Extensive literature research failed to reveal any case of multiple pigmented BD in type V Fitzpatrick skin. Multiple BD is a therapeutic challenge with a tendency to recur. Here we present an otherwise healthy Indian male having multiple pigmented lesions of BD on sun-protected sites of the body mimicking malignant melanoma. These lesions were refractory to treatment with different modalities. This paper is an attempt to review the available literature regarding the pigmented variant of multiple BD. Rationale for a therapeutic trial of UVB therapy for multiple arsenic induced BD is also discussed.

Extramammary Paget's disease is a rare cutaneous, intraepithelial adenocarcinoma involving primarily the epidermis but occasionally extending into the underlying dermis. The condition typically presents as a red, velvety, pruritic skin rash of the vulva region which closely mimics a multitude of other, more common conditions. As a result, vulvar Paget's disease is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to an often lengthy lag time (an average of about 2–3 years) between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis.

Introduction: Vitiligo in an adult patient has a profound effect on the quality of life (QoL) of that particular patient. Although it is known that vitiligo in adult patient affects QoL in their family, very little information is available regarding QoL in a family having children suffering from vitiligo. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, hospital-based study to ascertain the effect children suffering from vitiligo have on the QoL of their respective families. Study participants were fifty healthy parent/immediate caregivers of fifty corresponding children suffering from vitiligo. The QoL in the family of these vitiliginous children was assessed with the help of Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI). Results: There was significantly more impairment of FDLQI among respondents if vitiliginous child was female compared to male. The total FDLQI showed a significant negative correlation with duration of vitiligo in children. Analysis of individual items in FDLQI revealed emotional distress as the most impaired facet of FDLQI and housework as the least affected item. Conclusion: Presence of vitiligo in children affects the QoL of that particular child and his/her family. This impairment of FDLQI is more if the child suffering from vitiligo is female. Treatment of vitiligo in pediatric age group should include psychological counseling and support for the child as well as their parents/caregivers.

Background: Superficial tinea infections are some of the most common dermatological conditions in children. Recently, few studies done showed abrupt increase in dermatophytic infection in adults; however, similar recent studies describing clinicoepidemiological pattern in pediatric population are lacking. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of this study are to identify the epidemiological profile of the dermatophytoses among pediatric population. Materials and Methods: Pediatric patients with suspected tinea infections presenting in the Department of Dermatology at a tertiary care medical college hospital in Northern India from April 2016 to 2017 were evaluated for inclusion in this study. Samples were collected in two parts; if first part was found to be potassium hydroxide (KOH) positive for septate hyphae, the second part was sent for fungal culture subsequently. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 235 patients, 152 were male and 83 were female. Only 200/235 (85.1%) KOH positive enrolled patients yielded positive fungal culture. Most common species identified on culture was Trichophyton mentagrophytes, followed by Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton violaceum. Trunk was the most common site affected in 29.4% patients, palms and soles were least affected. Conclusion: More number of patients applied topical steroid for a longer period of time in patients with extensive disease as compared to limited disease. The present study provides evidence that dermatophytosis in pediatric patients is following the pattern of adult dermatophytosis clinically and microbiologically now.

Introduction Awareness about skin beauty or cosmetic elegance has received worldwide attention in the present day youth oriented society. Along with careful detailed history and thorough examination patch test is considered cornerstone in diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. Materials and methods Fifty patients suspected clinical diagnosis of contact facial dermatitis due to attended the Department of Dermatology, were included in a hospital based study. The patch test was applied on the upper back of using 32 allergens present in Indian cosmetic series and 20 known allergens in Indian standard battery series procured from Systopic Pharmaceutical Ltd, after applying the patch test, the patient was asked to come after 48h and 72h for reading the results of the patch test. Results Out of 50 patients there were 32 (64%) females (housewives 36%) patients and 18 (36%) male (farmers 12%). Itching was the most common presenting symptom in 39 patients (78%) least was hypopigmentation and pain in 2%. Forehead was the most common site of involvement in 25 patients (50%) least were cheeks in 15 patients (30%). Erythema was the commonest morphological presentation seen in 36 patients (72%). Hair dye was suspected in maximum number of patients that is 13 (26%). Most common antigen showing patch test positivity was paraphenylenediamine in nine patients (18%). There are significantly more chances of developing positive test reaction with Indian standard series compared to cosmetic series. (p=.0053 using Fischer Exact test). Conclusion In India there is no legislation regarding labeling ingredients on cosmetics as in the western countries, so labelling of the contents of cosmetic products should be the main challenge in cosmetic dermatitis is to identify.

Introduction: Vitiligo is an acquired, idiopathic skin disease characterized by progressive loss of the inherited skin color. Vitiligo has a special significance to patients in our country because depigmentation is obvious on dark skin and due to the enormous stigma that the disease carries. Materials and Methods: One hundred vitiligo patients aged more than 18 years were included in our hospital based study depending on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the patients were asked to fill a validated Hindi version of DLQI questionnaire. DLQI scores and its interpretation were recorded separately. correlation of DLQI Scores with different variables like age, body surface area, duration of disease and socioeconomic status were studied using Pearson’s correlations. Mean DLQI scores were also compared between different groups. Results: Male and female patient were statistically similar in all variables, like their age, BSA of the involvement and DLQI score. DLQI interpretation showed that out of 100 patients of vitiligo, 16 felt no effect of vitiligo on their quality of life while 84 patients reported small to very large effect on their quality of life. Out of this 84, 37 felt small effects, 21 felt moderate effect and rest 26 felt very large effect on their quality of life. There was no significant difference among the different groups mentioned except very large effect on quality of life seen significantly more in unmarried patients compared to married one. Conclusion: Vitiligo although a cosmetic disease without any symptoms, it carry a significant social stigma especially in Indian society. Data interpretation in this study indicates that vitiligo affects QOL in majority of vitiligo patients and such patients require more aggressive and empathic attitude from a dermatologist to cure/improve this so called chronic cosmetic disease.

Isotretinoin has been used in combination with oral psoralen + UVA (PUVA) and narrowband UVB (NBUVB) for treating psoriasis, especially in women of child-bearing age. The efficacy of oral psoralen + sun exposure (PUVAsol) is comparable to that of PUVA. This study was planned to compare the efficacy of oral PUVAsol with that of the combination of oral isotretinoin and PUVAsol in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.Forty patients with psoriasis vulgaris were randomized to two groups. Group A (control group) received PUVAsol only. Group B (intervention group) received PUVAsol + isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg/day). Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score was recorded at baseline and weeks 4, 8 and 12. Dermatology Life Quality Index was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. The end point of the study was PASI 75 or 12 weeks, whichever came earlier.Thirty-five patients completed the study. There were statistically significant differences between the two study groups for the number of patients achieving the endpoint of PASI 75, PASI scores at the end of 12 weeks, mean duration to achieve PASI 75, number of PUVAsol sessions needed to achieve PASI75 and mean cumulative dosage of 8-methoxypsoralen needed to achieve PASI 75.The combination of isotretinoin with PUVAsol is more effective compared with PUVAsol alone for treating chronic plaque psoriasis.

Background. Psoriasis is associated with a high impact on health-related QoL (quality of life). PUVAsol has been successfully used for treating psoriasis instead of standard PUVA therapy in developing countries. However, data for PUVAsol therapy and its effect on QoL in psoriatic patients is meagre.Objective. To investigate the effect of PUVAsol on the quality of life in patients having chronic plaque psoriasis.Materials and Methods. An observational prospective study done in patients having chronic plaque psoriasis. PASI and DLQI were calculated before initiating treatment with oral PUVAsol. These were compared with the respective scores after 12 weeks of regular treatment with PUVAsol. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0.Results. Both PASI and DLQI showed statistically significant reduction after 12 weeks of regular treatment. 90% of patients responded favourably to PUVAsol therapy in the study and all the domains of DLQI showed significant reduction except domain of “work and school.”Conclusion. Our results show that regular PUVAsol treatment improves the physical appearance of disease as evident by decrease in PASI scores. It also improves the QoL of the patients. This study will add upon the growing evidence of efficacy of PUVAsol.

Context: Removal of impacted third molar is a procedure that is often associated with post-operative complications. The rate of complications is somewhat high because of its proximity to the vital structures. Inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia is one of the common complications of impacted their molar surgery. This is due to intimate relationship between roots of mandibular third molar and inferior alveolar canal. To access the proximity of inferior alveolar canal to third molar many diagnostic methods are suggested but in conventional radiography orthopantamogram is considered as the best. There are many findings onorthopantamogram that are suggestive of close proximity of nerve to the canal. In this study authors reviewed seven radiographic findings related to proximity of roots to the inferior alveolar nerve as seen on orthopantamogram and try to find a relationship between these radiographic variables and presence of post-operative paresthesia. Study Design: The study containd 100 impacted third molars need to be removed. Presence of radiographic findings on orthopantamogram were noted and analyzed, to find a relationship with occurrence of post-operative inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia. Materials and Methods: This study comprises of 100 impacted third molar teeth indicated for extraction. Cases were randomly selected from the patients, needs to undergo extraction of impacted mandibular third molar. After extraction cases were evaluated for occurrence of inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia. Stastical Analyisis: Data was transferred to SPss 21 software for frequency calculation, and two tailed p-values were obtained betweens these variables and post-operative paresthesia, by applying Fischer’s exact test (GRAPH PAD SOFTWARE). Results: Out of seven, four radiological findings that are grooving of roots, hooked roots, bifid roots and obliteration of white line are significantly related to post-operative paresthesia while bending of canal, narrow canal and darkening of tooth roots over the canal are not significantly associated with post-operative morbidity of facial nerve.

Introduction. Topical application of local anesthetics is currently considered to be the easiest, most effective, and convenient way for treatment of patients who may be undergoing superficial dermatosurgical procedures. Materials and Methods. This study compares the anesthetic potential of 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine topical cream with 7% lignocaine and 7% tetracaine combination cream for radio ablative dermatosurgery when applied, under occlusion, for 30 minutes. 40 subjects of achrocordons were enrolled in this split-side randomized trial. Result. The pain severity experienced by subjects in terms of visual analogue scale score was significantly lesser for lignocaine/tetracaine combination cream as compared to lidocaine/prilocaine combination. Conclusion. This small study proves the efficacy of lidocaine/tetracaine combination as a topical anesthetic cream when applied for a short time interval of 30 minutes. This will help a dermatosurgeon to perform various dermatological procedures in a better and efficient manner with a shorter waiting period for analgesia to set in.