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Byline: Biju. Vasudevan, Asmita. Sinha Sir, Ectodermal dysplasias (ED) are a large and complex nosological group of inherited disorders that show developmental abnormalities of two or more of the following [...]

The article discusses the successful treatment of iatrogenic ulcers using leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) therapy through two case studies. The therapy involves using the patient's own blood to create a fibrin matrix that promotes wound healing by releasing growth factors and supporting tissue regeneration. The study demonstrates the efficacy of L-PRF as an adjunct therapy for challenging wound closures and postoperative wounds, showcasing its potential in improving healing outcomes for difficult-to-close wounds. [Extracted from the article]

Byline: Biju. Vasudevan, Senkadhir. Vendhan, B. Sunita, Shekhar. Neema Sir, Phaeohyphomycosis caused by melanized fungi was first reported in 1974. These fungi are darkly pigmented dematiaceous fungi which are characterized [...]

Introduction: Dapsone forms the backbone of multi-drug therapy (MDT) in leprosy and many other dermatological disorders. Haemolysis is its common side effect which often necessitates drug stoppage. Currently, wide variation in data of haemolysis with dapsone exists in literature ranging from 24.7% to 83% and none of the studies point towards the timing of onset of haemolysis/timing of maximal haemolysis which is important in therapeutic decision making regarding continuing or stopping the drug. This study aimed to answer such unanswered questions. Objectives: Primary: To estimate the fall in haemoglobin (Hb) levels after administering MDT for 3 months in patients with leprosy. Secondary: To determine factors associated with Hb change -- age, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) status, pole of leprosy and duration of MDT taken (if any). Materials and Methods: All freshly diagnosed cases of Hansen's disease were studied for 3 months. At baseline, demographic data (age, sex), skin biopsy, slit skin smear and G6PD were taken. Haemoglobin (Hb), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transferase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transferase (SGPT), serum bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reticulocyte count, peripheral blood smear (PBS) along with clinical photography was done at baseline, 1, 2 and 3 months. Results: Out of the 48 patients who completed the study: Mean Hb (g/dL) decreased from 13.37 at baseline to a minimum of 12.08 at 2 months, and then increased to 12.34 at 3 months. Of 42 patients (87.5%) with a fall in Hb, 13 (27.1%) had severe (fall >20%), 17 (35.4%) had moderate (fall 10--20%), 12 (25%) had mild fall (fall <10%) and in 6 (12.5%), there was no haemolysis. Reticulocyte count, LDH, SGOT and SGPT were significantly associated with haemolysis. Severe haemolysis occurred more frequently in the lepromatous spectrum. Conclusion: Dapsone causes maximal fall of hemoglobin by 1.29 g/dl at two months following which it increases. The fall of hemoglobin is reversible and hemoglobin starts to increase by 3 months of therapy making cessation of the drug unnecessary in most of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Shekhar. Neema, Sunmeet. Sandhu, Sweta. Mukherjee, Deepak. Vashisht, Senkadir. Vendhan, Anwita. Sinha, Biju. Vasudevan Background: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a common yet difficult problem to diagnose in tuberculosis [...]

Pustular psoriasis is a distinct subset of psoriasis that presents with involvement of the skin in the form of sterile pustules along with systemic manifestations. Though it has been conventionally grouped under the umbrella of psoriasis, recent research has shed light on its pathogenetic mechanisms associated with the IL-36 pathway, which is distinct from conventional psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis in itself is a heterogeneous entity consisting of various subtypes, including generalised, localised, acute, and chronic forms. There is confusion regarding its current classification as entities like deficiency of IL-36 antagonist (DITRA) which are closely related to pustular psoriasis both in their pathogenetic mechanism and its clinical manifestations, are not included under pustular psoriasis. Entities like palmoplantar pustulosis, which presents with similar clinical features but is pathogenetically distinct from other forms of pustular psoriasis, are included under this condition. Management of pustular psoriasis depends upon its severity; while some of the localised variants can be managed with topical therapy alone, the generalised variants like Von Zumbusch disease and impetigo herpetiformis may need intensive care unit admission and tailor-made treatment protocols. The advent of newer biologics and better insight into the pathogenesis of pustular psoriasis has opened the way for newer therapies, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, interleukin-1 inhibitors, interleukin-17 inhibitors, and granulocyte monocyte apheresis. It continues to be an enigma whether pustular psoriasis is actually a variant of psoriasis or an entirely different disease entity, though we feel that it is an entirely different disease process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Biju. Vasudevan, Nandita. Hazra, K. Shijith, Shekhar. Neema, Senkadhir. Vendhan Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection that has been increasing in incidence over the years. Increase in the number [...]

Byline: Anwita. Sinha, Shekhar. Neema, Biju. Vasudevan The Corona virus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed unprecedented challenges on the healthcare system including the specialty of dermatology. Procedural dermatology [...]