Gerhard-Henrik Armauer Hansen, a Norwegian scientist, discovered Mycobacterium leprae as the causative organism for leprosy, defying the hereditary affliction theory of the disease. He was born in Bergen, Norway in 1841 in a Danish family. After acquiring his medical degree in 1866 from the University of Oslo, he joined as an assistant physician in a leprosy hospital in Bergen. In 1873, he published his report claiming leprosy to be an infectious disease with a description of the infectious material in leprous tissue. His conviction of belief and an unstinted devotion to a lifetime of scientific research changed the way leprosy was approached as a disease. It was the fruit of his untiring work that the amended act of 1885 was passed, which resulted in steady decline in leprosy burden in Norway. In February 1912 he breathed his last, leaving behind an inspirational story of a brave heart scientist who fought all odds to unveil the truth for the benefit of mankind.

The mouth is a mirror of health or disease, a sentinel or early warning system. The oral cavity might well be thought as a window to the body because oral manifestations accompany many systemic diseases. In many instances, oral involvement precedes the appearance of other symptoms or lesions at other locations. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous disorder of stratified squamous epithelium of uncertain etiology that affects oral and genital mucous membranes, skin, nails, and scalp. LP is estimated to affect 0.5% to 2.0% of the general population. This disease has most often been reported in middle-aged patients with 30-60 years of age and is more common in females than in males. The disease seems to be mediated by an antigen-specific mechanism, activating cytotoxic T cells, and non-specific mechanisms like mast cell degranulation and matrix metalloproteinase activation. A proper understanding of the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis of the disease becomes important for providing the right treatment. This article discusses the prevalence, etiology, clinical features, oral manifestations, diagnosis, complications and treatment of oral LP.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a distressing disease encountered frequently in clinical practice. The current mainstay of therapy is the use of second-generation, non-sedating antihistamines. However, in patients who do not respond satisfactorily to these agents, a variety of other drugs are used. This article examines the available literature for frequently used agents including systemic corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, dapsone, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, H2 antagonists, methotrexate, cyclosporine A, omalizumab, autologous serum therapy, and mycophenolate mofetil, with an additional focus on publications in Indian literature.

An endeavour to delineate the salient details of the treatment of head lice infestation has been made in the present article. Treatment modalities including over the counter permethrin and pyrethrin, and prescription medicines, including malathion, lindane, benzyl alcohol, spinosad are discussed. Salient features of alternative medicine and physical treatment modalities are outlined. The problem of resistance to treatment has also been taken cognizance of.

Dermatologists many a times encounter questions from patients and even colleagues asking about how to keep their hair looking clean, healthy and beautiful. Therefore, familiarity and a basic knowledge of the available hair care products will help them to guide their patients properly. A shampoo not only provides the cleaning of the scalp skin and hair as its primary function, but in addition also serves to condition and beautify hair and acts as an adjunct in the management of various scalp disorders. To achieve this, various ingredients in the correct proportion are mixed to provide a shampoo which is suitable for individuals having different hair types and hair need. Among the ingredients that go into the making of a shampoo are detergents, conditioners, thickeners, sequestering agents, pH adjusters, preservatives and specialty additives. Hair conditioners are designed to improve hair manageability, decrease hair static electricity and add luster. They are used in several ways depending upon the state of hair and requirement of the individual. This article attempts to put forward the basic and practical aspects regarding use of these products.

Cowden syndrome (CS) is an infrequent autosomal dominant multisystem genodermatosis, generally involving the skin, oral mucosa, thyroid, breast and gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by a late onset in the 2 ^nd or 3 ^rd decade of life, an extraordinary potential for malignant transformation, especially of breast and thyroid, and an identifiable germline mutation. In 80% cases, the human tumor suppressor gene, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is mutated; mutations involving KILLIN, SDH B/D, PIK3CA and AKT1 genes account for the rest of the cases. Its clinical signs are not only the "essential pearls" for early and accurate diagnosis of CS but also help timely detection of neoplasia as they precede development of cancer by several years. We describe the first Indian and the third world report of polydactyly with CS, review this entity highlighting on recent clinical developments and emphasize on regular and thorough screening for prompt identification and management of the potentially malignant growths. We have also designed a baseline workup routine as well as a detailed screening program for these patients.

Introduction: The efficacy of conventional therapy viz. finasteride and minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) that is based on both preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth, varies between 30% and 60%. This has led to a large number of patients unsatisfied who demand for a better cosmetic coverage over the scalp. Microneedling has recently been reported to be promising, effective and a safe treatment modality in the treatment of AGA. This augments the response of conventional therapy. Materials and Methods: Four men with AGA were on finasteride and 5% minoxidil solution since 2 to 5 years. Though there was no worsening in their respective AGA stages with the therapy, they showed no new hair growth. They were subjected to microneedling procedure over a period of 6 months along with their ongoing therapy. Patients were assessed with the use of the standardized 7-point evaluation scale and patients' subjective hair growth assessment scale. The patients were followed up for 18 months post microneedling procedure to assess the sustainability of the response. Results: All patients showed a response of + 2 to + 3 on standardized 7-point evaluation scale. The response in the form of new hair growth started after 8-10 sessions. The patients' satisfaction was more than 75% in three patients and more 50% in one patient, on patients' subjective hair growth assessment scale. The obtained results were sustained post procedure during 18 months follow-up period. Conclusion : Treatment with microneedling showed an accelerated response with addition of microneedling procedure leading to significant scalp density. This is the first case series to report the boosting effect of microneedling with respect to new hair follicle stimulation in patients with androgenetic alopecia who were poor responders to conventional therapy.

Psoriasis is a disease of considerable clinical and histopathological diversity. We report a rare case of elephantine psoriasis responding very well to methotrexate. Histopathology revealed abnormal papillomatosis with finger-like projections in addition to alternating orthokeratosis with overlying hypergranulosis and parakeratosis with overlying hypogranulosis. We believe that this finding may represent an odd histopathologic type in elephantine psoriasis.

Acroangiodermatitis is a rare self-limited angioproliferative lesion which can be associated with congenital vascular malformations or acquired venous insufficiency. Despite of its benign character, differential diagnosis of this lesion is very important because it closely resembles Kaposi sarcoma. Here we present a 26-year-old male patient with unilateral, purplish-red colored papules on his right ankle which diagnosed as acroangiodermatitis and discuss histopathological features, differential diagnosis and treatment of this unusual condition.

Background: Onychopathies constitute one of the major challenges faced by a dermatologist in terms of its early detection and diagnosis. Utility of dermoscope as a tool for detection is increasing by the day and its use in onychopathies needs to be explored. Aims: To study the dermoscopic features of nails in patients of chronic plaque psoriasis. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 68 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were recruited. Dermoscopy of nail plate was conducted and were compared with equal number of age and sex matched healthy volunteers. Results: Forty-six patients showed dermoscopic findings. Twenty-two patients did not show any dermoscopic findings. Coarse pits (18/46, P < 0.0001), onycholysis (10/46, P < 0.001), oil drop sign (2/46, P = 0.12) and splinter hemorrhages (5/46, P = 0.05) were seen. In addition certain findings of interest were stout, globose, dilated, pink- to red-colored nail bed vessels arranged longitudinally at the onychodermal band surrounded by a prominent halo (9/46, P = 0.01). In contrast, splinter hemorrhages appeared as streaks and were purple in color. Conclusion: In a psoriasis patient, dermoscope can be a useful tool to detect early nail involvement in psoriasis and aid in differentiating it from other disorders of nails.

A vaccine is a biological preparation that improves immunity to a specific disease. More than two centuries have passed since the first successful vaccine for smallpox was developed. We've come a long way since. Today's vaccines are among the 21 ^st century's most successful and cost-effective public health tools for preventing diseases.

Trichoepithelioma is a benign tumor of follicular origin that presents as small, skin-colored papules predominantly on the face. When more than one family member is affected, the disease is known as multiple familial trichoepithelioma (MFT). It is a rare autosomal dominant skin disease. Malignant transformation is very rare. We describe here a case that developed malignant neoplasm in a setting of multiple trichoepithelioma.

Porokeratosis, a keratinization disorder, is probably a group of unrelated conditions with same distinctive histological appearance, featuring cornoid lamellae. A case of punctate porkeratosis in a 24 year old male patient is reported for its rarity.

Diogenes syndrome is characterized by extreme self-neglect, social withdrawal, and poor personal and domestic hygiene. We report a case of Diogenes syndrome presenting with dermatitis passivata. An unusual "mask" of dirt resembling a carapace, onset of neglect after awareness of a breast lump and resumption of personal grooming and social activities after removal of the lump and counseling were seen.

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) is the term applied to a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting in iron deposition in the basal ganglia. Well-known phenotypic features are progressive regression with extra pyramidal involvement and a variable course. A 10-year-old child born to consanguineous parents presented with progressive generalized opisthotonic dystonia, retrocollis, oromandibular dyskinesias, apraxia for swallowing, optic atrophy and severe self-mutilation of lips. MR imaging showed brain iron accumulation. Other causes of self-mutilation were excluded. Early infantile onset, ophisthotonic dystonia with oromandibular dyskinesias and characteristic MR images are suggestive of NBIA. There is only one case reported in the literature of self-mutilation in this condition.

Cutaneous leiomyomas are benign tumors derived from the smooth muscles of the skin. They are firm, skin-colored to brownish, frequently painful papules and nodules presenting either as a solitary tumor or multiple clustered lesions. Uncommon patterns of multiple leiomyoma cutis include linear, zosteriform, or dermatomal-like arrangement of lesions. We saw a 32-year-old man who presented with clusters of skin colored to reddish brown, occasionally painful papules and nodules distributed segmentally over C6 to T8 dermatomes on left side and T11 to L1 dermatomes on right side. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous leiomyoma. The case is reported here for the occurrence of this benign cutaneous neoplasm in an extremely rare bilateral multisegmental distribution.

Nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis (NLCS) is a benign dermatosis, histologically characterized by the presence of mature ectopic adipocytes in the dermis. We hereby report a case of a 10-year-old boy who presented with multiple huge swellings on the scapular regions and lower back. The lesions were surmounted by small papules, along with peau-d orange appearance at places. Histology showed features consistent with NLCS. The case is being reported for the unusual clinical presentation.

Hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase-1 (HGPRT-1) leading to Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS) is one of the important causes of self-mutilation. Hereby, we report a case of LNS in a three and half-year-old male child, who presented with characteristic self-mutilating behavior. He had history of developmental delay, difficulty in social interaction, attention deficit and features of autism. His serum blood biochemistry was normal except for low hemoglobin levels and raised serum uric acid levels. With a diagnosis of LNS, the child was treated with allopurinol. With various modalities of physical restraint, his self-mutilating behavior came under control and currently the patient is being followed up.

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is the most common form of non-Langerhans cell histiocytic lesion, characterized by benign, usually asymptomatic, self-healing yellowish brown papulonodular lesions of skin and other organs in the absence of metabolic disorder. The cells of origin of JXG are dermal dendrocytic cells. Histopathologically there is dermal infiltration of foamy or non-foamy histiocytes with or without giant cell. Immunohistochemistry shows CD68 positivity with CD1a and S-100 negativity of lesional cells although S-100-positive JXG have been reported. JXG may be associated with neurofibromatosis type one (NF 1) with increased risk of juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia and other hematological malignancies. Our case was S-100 immunoreactive multiple, cutaneous JXGs with NF 1 without any visceral involvement or malignant complication. We are presenting this case due to its rarity.

Background: The control of leishmaniasis faces serious challenges because of resistance to the first-line antimonial drugs. We aimed to evaluate the differences in organelle changes of cultivated promastigotes obtained from skin lesions of sensitive and unresponsive isolates to meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) by electron microscopy. Material and Methods: This study was done in Bam city, southeastern Iran, in which the incidence of disease has sharply increased since the earthquake in 2003. The samples were taken from 66 patients who were referred to the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) treatment center in Bam. A questionnaire was completed for each individual, recording their demographic characteristics and CL status. The scraping smears provided from the edge of active lesions with sterile blades were fixed with methanol, stained by Giemsa, and examined under a compound light microscope for amastigote form simultaneously. To prepare the specimens for transmission electron imaging, promastigotes were centrifuged and resuspened. Results: Transmission electron microscopic study of the cultivated promastigotes revealed that there were alterations in the organelles and structures of sensitive isolates compared with unresponsive and standard ones. Organelles and structures such as mitochondria, kinetoplast, microtubules, cytoplasmic vacuoles, plasma membrane and vesicles were studied. The alterations such as disintegration of kinetoplast into thin filaments and condensation of kinetoplast DNA core, changes in size, number and location of vesicles and microtubules were observed. We noted intense cytoplasmic vacuolization, and considerable swelling of mitochondria. Conclusion: The significance and relevance of these changes might help understand drug resistance patterns and help localize the best target site for inactivating the organism.

Introduction: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Despite extensive studies, etiopathogenesis of MF is unknown. Environmental, infectious and genetic factors have been proposed as potential risk factors of MF. Herpes virus family members, especially Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have been among the viral factors of interest in recent years. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association of EBV infection with MF. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed on skin biopsy samples of 57 MF patients referred to Pathology Department of Mashhad Emam Reza Hospital from 2000 to 2011 and also on 57 melanocytic nevus samples matched with patients for age and sex. The presence of EBV in samples was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 11.5 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: In this study, out of 57 MF samples, there were 34 male and 23 female patients, with male:female ratio of 1.04. Mean patient age was 51.4 years. There were 22 and 4 positive cases of EBV in the case and control groups, respectively. Chi-square statistical test showed that EBV was significantly higher in case group than control (P = 0.000). There was no correlation between the presence of EBV in samples with lesion type, age and gender of the patients. Conclusion: According to our study results, EBV is a likely etiologic agent or potential promoter in the pathogenesis of MF.

Background: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. India records the highest number of new leprosy cases in the world. Oxidative stress may play a significant role in leprosy. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate oxidative stress in various forms of leprosy and compared to healthy controls. Materials and Methods: Seventy newly diagnosed, untreated leprosy patients were selected as cases and sixty healthy controls. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Student's unpaired t-test and Anova (Analysis of Variance) test were used for analysis of data. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the mean values of serum MDA level, MDA/SOD and a decrease in serum SOD activity in cases when compared to controls and the values were significantly associated with increased duration, bacterial load and multibacillary type in leprosy. Conclusion: Our study suggests that there was oxidative stress in leprosy. This warrants antioxidant supplementation to prevent tissue injury.

Context: Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial, chronically recurring fungal infection caused by Malassezia species. Recently it has been revised taxanomically into 14 species, in that only 7 species have been well studied in relation to pityriasis versicolor. Aims: To identify Malassezia species isolated from patients with pityriasis versicolor and to find out any correlation between the species with clinical presentation of lesions. Settings and Design: Prospective study comprising of 100 clinically diagnosed cases of pityriasis versicolor attending Dermatology Outpatient Department over a period of 1 year. Materials and Methods: The clinical specimens were collected under aseptic precautions and subjected to culture on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar overlaid with olive oil and modified Dixon agar. The isolates were identified by biochemical tests. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using proportion, mean and chi-square test. Results: Of the 100 cases, 73% were males, 26% were females and predominant age group was 21-30 years. Out of 100 samples, 70 yielded growth. The most common isolate was M. sympodialis (50%), followed by M. furfur (32.86%), M. globosa (14.28%) and M. slooffiae (2.86%). Among 100 cases, 74% had hypopigmented and 26% had hyperpigmented lesions. M. sympodialis and M. furur were predominantly isolated from hypopigmented lesions and M. globosa and M. slooffiae were found to be more common in hyperpigmented lesions. Conclusions: M. sympodialis was the most common isolate, followed by M. furfur, M. globosa and M. slooffiae. There was no significant difference in distribution of different species in patients with hypo or hyper pigmented lesions

Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a group of superficial, benign papules commonly in African-American and Asian persons. DPN is considered to be a form of seborrheic keratosis with a specific localization and it is less frequently described in the white population. Treatment modalities include cryosurgery, curettage, electrosurgery, shave removal, and different laser treatment. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) has traditionally been used to treat vascular lesions, but it has been shown to be effective in treatment of lentigines, ephelides, seborrheic keratosis, and rarely DPN. A 43-year-old white female presents with a 5 year-old history of hyperpigmented papules on malar region, neck and upper trunk. The patient is diagnosed with DPN based on her clinical and histopathological findings. The PDL treatment was used successfully. In our opinion PDL is an effective alternative cure option for DPN.

Palmo-plantar keratodermas (PPKD) are a diverse group of acquired and hereditary disorders, characterized by excessive thickening of the skin of palms and soles. Here, we report a case of Type I or Buschke-Fischer-Brauer variant of punctate palmo-plantar keratoderma, in a 66-year-old gentleman. The association of our case with Hodgkin's lymphoma along with linear configuration of lesions on the palms evoked the current report.

Granular cell tumor is a distinctly rare neoplasm of neural sheath origin. It mainly presents as a solitary asymptomatic swelling in the oral cavity, skin, and rarely internal organs in the middle age. Histopathology is characteristic, showing polyhedral cells containing numerous fine eosinophilic granules with indistinct cell margins. We present a case of granular cell tumor on the back of a 48-year-old woman which was painful, mimicking an adnexal tumor.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is an extremely rare and an aggressive lymphoma. We report an interesting case of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma in a middle-aged woman which mimicked erythema multiforme. The skin lesions of this case looked like erythema multiforme due to the tagetoid lesions and mucosal erosions. The two biopsies from her chest and scalp lesions were different. One exhibited the characteristics of CD4+ CD56+ CD8-mycosis fungoides whereas the other biopsy from her scalp showed classical ENKTL histopathological manifestation with positive CD56, cytotoxic proteins and Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNA (EBER).

Temporary henna tattoos or pseudotattoos have become increasingly widespread among children and adolescent. A generalized skin reaction, type erythema multiforme-like reaction is unusual, and rarely reported. We describe the case of a 7-year-old boy who reported erythematous papular bull's-eye shaped lesions and consolidated edema primarily in the upper and lower extremities. These lesions were compatibles with erythema multiforme-like reaction. He also showed an erythematous-eczematous lesion on his leg, shaped like a dolphin. In this area, a temporary henna tattoo was painted 1-month earlier. Patch test was positive for paraphenylenediamine (PPD). Skin reactions due to henna are rare. Most of the reactions are due to additives, especially PPD, an aniline derivative, which is added to speed up the process of skin dyeing and to give a darker brown to black color ("black" henna). As henna tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, prevention requires the annual provision of information to consumers, especially young people and their parents.

Scleromyxedema is a rare, chronic and persistent idiopathic disorder characterized by a generalized papular eruption due to dermal mucin deposition with an increase in dermal collagen. Patients usually have associated paraproteinemia. We describe the case of a 59-year-old gentleman with features of scleromyxedema, who had severe pruritus, scalp involvement, unrestricted mobility and associated peripheral eosinophilia, but no monoclonal gammopathy.

Castleman's disease (CD) or giant lymph node hyperplasia is a rare disorder that can be unicentric or multicentric. Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is manifested by generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, hematological abnormality, and constitutional symptoms. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection is present in nearly 100% MCD associated with HIV-1 infection, but in about 50% of cases of HIV negative. Herein, we report a 77-year-old man with systemic involvement and skin lesions on the anterior aspect of both legs in the previous site of saphenous vein angioplasty. Co-existence of MCD with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) led us to present this rare case.