Background: Melasma is a common acquired cause of facial hyperpigmentation seen predominantly among females with significant psychological and social impact. It is often recalcitrant to treatment. Several topical hypopigmenting agents have been used to combat melasma. Hydroquinone and Kojic Acid are well established monotherapeutic agents for treating melasma. Objectives: This study focuses mainly on the efficacy of once daily application of 4% Hydroquinone and 0.75% Kojic Acid cream (containing 0.75% Kojic acid and 2.5% vitamin C) so as to determine an effective modality of treatment for facial melasma. Materials and Methods: A total number of 60 patients with facial melasma attending the Out-patient department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy, Fr. Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangalore from Oct 2008-April 2010 were studied. Patients were allocated alternately to group A and group B. Group A patients received 4% Hydroquinone cream and group B patient received a Kojic Acid cream (which contained 0.75% Kojic acid and 2.5% vitamin C) and were advised to apply topically once daily at night. Patients were followed up on 4 ^th , 8 ^th and 12 ^th week. At each visit side effects were noted and clinical response to treatment was calculated using the MASI score. Statistical Methods: Chi square test, student 't' test. Results: At the 4 ^th week post treatment evaluation, facial hyperpigmentation responded early to 4% Hydroquinone cream than to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream. At the end of 12 week treatment period, 4% Hydroquinone cream had an overall superiority to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream as a topical hypopigmenting agent. Conclusion: The results of the study show that 4% Hydroquinone cream is a better topical hypopigmenting agent with rapid rate of clinical improvement when compared to 0.75% Kojic Acid cream.

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Leprosy has been considered a curable disease after the implementation of multidrug therapy (MDT), which has been proven to be safe and effective, by bringing about a significant change in the global and national scenario of leprosy by upgrading the control of leprosy to the next stage of eradication. Since its introduction, the MDT regimens for the treatment of leprosy have undergone several changes especially with regard to the duration of treatment. The advantages of shortened duration of treatment need to be balanced against the risk of relapse and a lot of controversies exist pertaining to this aspect. The fixed-duration (FD) therapy is not popular among academicians and private practitioners who prefer precise diagnosis and treatment with superior MDT regimens and for a longer duration. On the contrary, from a public health-care point of view, precise diagnosis and a longer treatment schedule are not cost effective and not feasible to be implemented in elimination programs. Hence, a fine balance needs to be maintained between achieving a cure for the patient and protecting the society at risk, and this review discusses the various limitations and opportunities of FD therapy with a note on the newer MDT regimens.

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Calciphylaxis is a devastating disorder with a mortality rate of 80% due to sepsis and organ failure. Hallmarks of this rare disease are arteriolar media calcification, thrombotic cutaneous ischemia, and necrotic ulcerations. Different mechanisms of vascular calcification can lead to calciphylaxis. Early diagnosis by deep cutaneous ulcer biopsy is most important for prognosis. Here, dermatologists play a significant role although treatment usually needs an interdisciplinary approach. Surgical procedures had been the cornerstone of treatment in the past including parathyroidectomy, but recently new medical treatments emerged aiming to normalize disturbances of minerals to reduce the serum concentration of sodium phosphate and to prevent precipitation and calcification. Multimodal therapy is warranted but only aggressive surgical debridement of cutaneous ulcers has shown significant outcome improvement.

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Lucio phenomenon (LP) or erythema necroticans is a relatively rare, peculiar reaction pattern occurring in untreated lepromatous (LL) or borderline lepromatous (BL) leprosy cases. A 38-year-old male, a cook by occupation, was referred to the dermatology clinic from otolaryngology department with blistering over both the hands and feet of 2 days duration. He had been admitted 1 week back with epistaxis and nasopharyngeal myiasis in otolaryngology department. He was started on systemic antibiotics gentamycin, crystalline penicillin, and metronidazole with nasal instillation of turpentine oil 2 drops 6 times a day. Two days later, he had developed edema with painless hemorrhagic blistering over the dorsum of left hand followed by involvement of the right hand, dorsa of both feet, and both the earlobes within a day. Histopathology of the blister showed sub-epidermal blister, with necrotizing leukocytoclastic vasculitis of papillary dermal vessels with thrombosis, numerous acid-fast bacilli in macrophages, and macrophage granulomas extending up to subcutis. In view of the absent fever or constitutional symptoms, and the classical angular infarcts and hemorrhagic blisters evolving into ulcers with angulated margins, we considered LP as the most likely diagnosis. The patient was started on a combination of WHO recommended multibacillary anti-leprosy therapy and prednisolone (40 mg/day).

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Porokeratoma (acanthoma with features of porokeratosis) is a recently described entity with a distinct pattern of cornoid lamellation and clinically different from typical porokeratosis. We present a case of multiple porokeratomas on the buttock of a 78-year-old man with paraplegia secondary to poliomyelitis and ankylosing spondylarthritis. We briefly review the characteristics and controversies of this new entity.

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Background: Oral minipulse (OMP) therapy with methylprednisolone is presently one of the most common oral treatments used for progressive vitiligo in children. The treatment is usually given for a period of 6 months during which majority of patients are reported to go into remission. However, there are no follow-up studies to comment upon what happens to the disease after OMP therapy is withdrawn. Aim of the study: To document the incidence of relapse over a period of 1 year after OMP therapy is stopped in children with vitiligo. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 180 patients of childhood vitiligo (<15 years of age) who had been on OMP therapy with oral methylprednisolone for at least 6 months and who had achieved a complete remission of their disease during the treatment period. The enrolled patients were followed up for a period of 1 year and examined clinically for any sign of reactivation of their disease over either the old lesions or at any new area of the body. Results: Forty-two patients were lost and could not complete the follow-up period of 1 year. Out of the 138 patients available at the end of 1 year, relapse was observed in 48 patients (34.8%). Rest of 90 patients remained in remission over the follow-up period of 1 year. Relapse was more common in patients below 10 years of age (47.4%) as compared with older children (25.9%). Conclusion: Relapse after using methylprednisolone OMP therapy in children with vitiligo is quite common especially in younger age groups. Studies are needed to see whether these relapses could be avoided by giving the treatment for a period longer than 6 months.

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Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a critical immunoregulatory pluripotent cytokine. It has been re-evaluated as a proinflammatory cytokine, pituitary hormone and glucocorticoid-induced immunoregulatory protein. MIF exists in human epidermis, especially in the basal layer and also is expressed constitutively by monocytes/macrophages, T cells, B cells, endocrine, and epithelial cells. In the field of dermatology, MIF is believed to be a detrimental factor in inflammatory dermatological diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, vitiligo, pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid (BP), alopecia areata (AA) as well as other conditions such as photoaging, and photocarcinigenesis. The objective of this review is to gather and summarize MIF related disorders in dermatology and present valuable information for readers and researchers.

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Leukocyte adhesion deficiency 1 (LAD-1) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of leukocyte function. LAD-1 affects about 1 per 10 million individuals and is characterized by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections and depressed inflammatory responses despite striking blood neutrophilia. Patients with the severe clinical form of LAD-1 express <0.3% of the normal amount of the β₂ -integrin molecules, whereas patients with the moderate phenotype may express 2-7%. Skin infection may progress to large chronic ulcers with polymicrobial infection, including anaerobic organisms. The ulcers heal slowly, require months of antibiotic treatment, and often require plastic surgical grafting. The diagnosis of LAD-1 is established most readily by flow cytometric measurements of surface CD11b in stimulated and unstimulated neutrophils using monoclonal antibodies directed against CD11b. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon condition characterized by recurrent sterile, inflammatory skin ulcers. Commonly, PG occurs in the context of inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatic, hematologic, or immunologic disorders. Here, we present a 5-year-old female with a long history of PG, which healed with atrophic scarring, who was ultimately diagnosed with leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 (LAD1). She had a good response to high-dose prednisone therapy (2 mg/kg) and was discharged after 3 weeks of admission but only to be re-admitted 3 weeks later with severe pneumonia. During hospital stay, she developed pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum and later succumbed to her illness.

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Context: Rosacea significantly affects the quality of life and its pathophysiology is not well understood. It has been suggested that the presence of Demodex folliculorum in the affected skin could be related to the development of rosacea. Aims: To study the risk for association between the presence of D. folliculorum in skin biopsies and the diagnosis of rosacea. Settings and Design: Analytical, observational, retrospective, case-control study. Materials and Methods: Skin biopsies of patients diagnosed clinically as rosacea and the same number of controls were studied. The controls were selected among the facial skin biopsies that were not diagnosed as rosacea. All the slides were analyzed for the presence of D. folliculorum and the density of the infestation was assessed. Statistical Analysis Used: Absolute/relative frequencies, mean, standard deviation, odds ratio (OR), Chi square and Independent Student t-test with Epi Info v. 3.4.3^͹ . Results: D. folliculorum was present in 80% of the skin biopsies of rosacea patients and in 30% of the controls. The risk of suffering rosacea was increased among persons infested with the mite (OR = 9.33 [95% confidence interval: 2.85-30.60]; P = 0.0001). The mean infestation density among the cases was 1.908 for every 10 high-power fields while it was 0.718 among the controls ( P < 0.005). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups with regard to sex and age. Conclusions: The presence of D. folliculorum in skin biopsies is associated with the diagnosis of rosacea. The infestation density was increased among the patients with rosacea.

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American recognition for medical pluralism arrived in 1991. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine was established under the National Institutes of Health in 1998. Following this, patients and researchers began exploring use of integrative medicine. Terence Ryan with Gerry Bodeker in Europe, Brian Berman in America, and the Indian council of Medical Research advocated traditional medicine and integrative medicine. The Institute of Applied Dermatology (IAD), Kerala has developed integrated allopathic (biomedical) and ayurvedic therapies to treat Lymphatic Filariasis, Lichen planus, and Vitiligo. Studies conducted at the IAD have created a framework for evidence-based and integrative dermatology (ID). This paper gives an overview of advances in ID with an example of Lichen Planus, which was examined jointly by dermatologists and Ayurveda doctors. The clinical presentation in these patients was listed in a vikruthi table of comparable biomedical terms. A vikruthi table was used for drug selection in ayurvedic dermatology. A total of 19 patients were treated with ayurvedic prescriptions to normalize the vatha-kapha for 3 months. All patients responded and no side effects were recorded. In spite of advancing knowledge on ID, several challenges remain for its use on difficult to treat chronic skin diseases. The formation of new integrative groups and financial support are essential for the growth of ID in India.

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Mycosis fungoides (MF) a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, is a subgroup of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, characterized by skin infiltration and occasionally systemic involvement. MF coincidence with pregnancy is rare. The effect of pregnancy on MF and the effect of this disease on pregnancy are still unknown. There are few case reports about pregnancy and its deleterious effect on the clinical course of MF. This case report is about a 30-years-old female with MF who became pregnant and after delivery developed CD30+ large cell transformation; this is the first report of large cell transformation of MF related to pregnancy.

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Background : Low humidity, high-velocity wind, excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and extreme cold temperature are the main causes of various types of environmental dermatoses in high altitudes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in patients visiting the lone dermatology department in Ladakh between July 2009 and June 2010. The aim was to identify the common environmental dermatoses in high altitudes so that they can be treated easily or prevented. The patients were divided into three demographic groups, namely, lowlanders, Ladakhis (native highlanders), and tourists. Data was analyzed in a tabulated fashion. Results: A total of 1,567 patients with skin ailments were seen, of whom 965 were lowlanders, 512 native Ladakhis, and 90 were tourists. The skin disorders due to UV rays, dry skin, and papular urticaria were common among all groups. The frequency of melasma ( n = 42; 49.4%), chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) ( n = 18; 81.81% of total CAD cases), and actinic cheilitis ( n = 3; 100%) was much higher among the native Ladakhis. The frequency of cold-related injuries was much lesser among Ladakhis ( n = 1; 1.19%) than lowlanders ( n = 70; 83.33%) and tourists ( n = 13; 15.47%) ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Dryness of skin, tanning, acute or chronic sunburn, polymorphic light reaction, CAD, insect bite reactions, chilblain, and frostbite are common environmental dermatoses of high altitudes. Avoidance of frequent application of soap, application of adequate and suitable emollient, use of effective sunscreen, and wearing of protective clothing are important guidelines for skin care in this region.

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Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent disease. Atrophy and spontaneous ulcers are the most common cutaneous manifestation of diabetic dermopathy (DD). Before spontaneous ulcers, we believe there is an underlying damage stage although the mechanism is unknown. Aims: To explore the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), its correlated upstream protein epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream transcription factor E twenty-six (ETS)-like 1(ELK-1)in the damage of the diabetic rat skin, and to explore the role of ERK1/2 on the recessive damage to diabetic rat skin. Materials and Methods: Eighty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats weighing 260-300 g were randomly divided into control and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes groups. After 0.5, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the shaved skin specimens from the back of rats in both groups were collected to observe the histological characteristics of the skin, to measure the thickness of the epidermis and the dermis, and to observe the ultrastructure. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot techniques were used to detect the expression and activation of ERK1/2, EGFR, ELK-1 in the skin of the rats. Results: There are ultrastructural changes in the DM skin. With the continuance of the diabetes course, the thicknesses of the epidermis and dermis decreased, and the expression of phospho-ERK1/2 (P-ERK1/2), EGFR, and ELK-1 was decreased gradually in the back skin of the diabetes rats. It was significantly lower in 4 and 8 week DM than that of the normal control ( P < 0.05). The expression of P-EGFR and P-ERK1/2 in the back skin of the diabetes rats was positively correlated ( r = 0.572 P < 0.05), and the positive correlation was also obtained between P-ERK1/2 and P-ELK-1 ( r = 0.715, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The phenomenon of recessive damage exists in the skin of diabetes rats, which probably may relate to the weakness of the signal transduction: P-EGFR → ERK1/2 → ELK-1.

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Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are rapidly becoming the first choice nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for various rheumatological and other painful conditions. However, they might not be as safe or free of side effects as they are considered to be. These COX-2inhibitors may cause a variety of dermatological and systemic side effects of which we should be aware to avoid their indiscriminate use. We hereby report a case of multifocal fixed drug eruption (FDE) with celecoxib which has not yet been reported in Indian settings.

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Glomeruloid hemangioma is a rare, histologically distinctive, cutaneous, benign vascular tumor, originally described by Chan et al. Glomeruloid hemangioma appears specific to polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes syndrome (POEMS), and is usually, but not always, related to Castleman's disease. We herein report two cases with glomeruloid hemangioma, without any features of the POEMS syndrome. Glomeruloid hemangioma requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. It could rarely present as a solitary finding, without any evidence of an underlying POEMS syndrome.

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Only a few published case of fibrous hamartoma of infancy (FHI) have commented on the changes in the overlying skin. There are descriptions of individual cases with cutaneous hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis and hyperhidrosis. It is interesting to describe our case because, to our knowledge, the altered pigmentation of the overlying skin, with hairs on the surface, and eccrine gland hyperplasia combined with abortive hair follicles has not been reported together in association with the FHI. We recommend that all the biopsies must be excisional including overlying skin, thus the epidermal and dermal adnexal changes can be assessed in the microscopic evaluation which could have relevant implications from clinical and embryological point of view.

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Disabling pansclerotic morphea (DPM) of childhood is a rare generalized type of localized scleroderma (LS) that is known to follow an aggressive course with pansclerotic lesions leading to severe joint contractures and consequent immobility. Mortality is due to complications of the disease such as bronchopneumonia, sepsis, or gangrene. There is no specific laboratory finding. Treatment protocols are still evolving for this severe recalcitrant disorder. Extracutaneous manifestations are rarely reported in DPM. We present the case of a 7-year-old girl with DPM with severe extracutaneous manifestations in the form of gastrointestinal and vascular disease, whose disease progressed rapidly. In spite of treatment with methotrexate, corticosteroids, and PUVA therapy, she ultimately succumbed to her illness due to sepsis.

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Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is almost exclusively seen in head-neck region with rare involvement of trunk and extremities. The tumour is commonly seen on nose, eyelids, at the inner canthus of eyes and behind the ears. Adenoid type of BCC is one of the rare histopathological types of BCC which has not found to have any site predilection. We report two cases of BCC occurring at an unusual site i.e., lower back and both of them showed adenoid type of BCC on histopathology. Morphologically they were pigmented and ulcerative type of BCC respectively.

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A 30-year-old female presented to us with multiple tender erythematous papules and nodules. These lesions showed multi-segmental distribution along 5 ^th cervical, 6 ^th dorsal, and 1 ^st sacral segments of right half of the body. Histopathological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of leiomyoma. Patient was started on nifedipine 10 mg thrice-daily with significant symptomatic improvement in 3 months. Though segmental distribution of leiomyoma is common, unilateral multi-segmental distribution has not been so far reported in the literature. Hence, the case is being reported for its rare presentation and the need for long-term follow-up in view of its association with aggressive renal carcinoma.

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The meaning of terms Integrated and Integrative are described variously by an amalgam of latest scientific advances with ancient healing systems, of complementary medicine and biomedicine, and sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. It means seamless good quality care between hospital and primary care. They provoke approval mostly from patients and disapproval mostly from advocates of science and evidence-based medicine. The Institute of Applied Dermatology in Kasaragod, Kerala, India has championed a mix of Biomedicine, Yoga and herbals from Ayurvedic medicine, partly based on publications from the Department of Dermatology of the University of Oxford. In Oxford dermatology, acceptance of value of integrative medicine (IM) is demonstrated, especially in wound healing and the skin's blood supply. This has long featured in the university's research program. A variety of approaches to the practice of medicine are illustrated with reference to Osler, Garrod, and Doll. IM is believed to underlie contemporarily best practice. Particular emphasis is given to the control of heat, pain, redness, and swelling, all manifestations of inflammation, and the importance of emotion as a stimulus or inhibitor carried by neural pathways. These may explain some unbelievable Asian practices and one of the many roles of Yoga. The concept of Integrative is expanded to include care of the earth and nutrition, the hazards of climate change, Gardens for Health, do (k) no (w) harm as a key to good practice.

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Follicular mucinosis occurring along with angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophils (ALHE) has been described in a 49-year-old male. The patient presented with pruritic hyperpigmented papules and nodules on the vertex and right parietal scalp. There was no any other complaint. Histopathological examination from one of the papule showed prominent blood vessels in the dermis lined by plump histiocytoid endothelial cells that were surrounded by a dense lymphoid infiltrate with numerous eosinophils; these findings are typical of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia. Features of follicular mucinosis were observed in the same section with 3 hyperplastic follicular infundibula containing pools of mucin in the infundibular epithelium. The concurrent occurrence of these 2 distinct histopathological patterns in the same biopsy specimen has been reported rarely.

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Chondroid syringoma is a rare benign skin adnexal tumor, the cytological features of which have been published very rarely in the literature. A mucoid aspirate, abundant chondromyxoid matrix material, and epithelial components were suggested as diagnostic criteria. The reported case is one of chondroid syringoma confirmed by histopathology, the fine needle aspiration cytology of which yielded thin fluid-like material and microscopy revealed epithelial clusters with admixed smaller myoepithelial cells, background cyst macrophages, and only scanty chondromyxoid stromal elements. Including these cytological features of the present case among the diagnostic criteria for cytodiagnosis of chondroid syringomas might increase the chances of a definitive preoperative diagnosis and help in planning the extent of surgery.

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Nevus depigmentosus is a congenital hypomelanotic condition for which no effective treatments are available. The hypopigmentation is permanent and enlarges in proportion with growth in the person. Here, I report a patient of nevus depigmentosus on whom we performed suction blister grafting and the resultant pigmentation was satisfactory even at a follow-up after 10 years.

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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem connective tissue disease. Patients with SLE develop cutaneous infections due to immune dysregulation and treatment with immunosuppressive agents. Deep fungal infections are rare in SLE but are important cause of morbidity. We report a case of successfully treated rhino cerebral mucormycosis (RCM) in a female patient with SLE.

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A 9-day-old male baby was hospitalized after his birth due to some swells under the skin. The hard consistency nodules observed under the skin all over the body of the patient were of different size, and presented lesions, among which the biggest was 1 × 1 cm. No lesions were observed on the fingers. By superficial ultrasonography, multiple isoechoic hypoechoic lesions were observed among the muscle plan. In thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging, multiple massif lesions retaining peripheral contrast (the biggest was 1.7 × 1.4 cm large) had been observed under the skin muscle plans, between the muscles of the extremities. The biopsy was positive for smooth muscle actin, but negative for desmin, S100, and CD34. These findings were diagnosed as infantile digital fibromatosis (IDF) (inclusion body fibromatosis). The case was presented with an objective to illustrate and remind that IDF can be observed in babies without finger involvement.

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Azathioprine (AZA) is an imidazole derivative of mercaptopurine. It antagonizes purine metabolism, and it may inhibit synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The 6-thioguanine nucleotides appear to mediate the majority of AZAs immunosuppressive and toxic effects. While cutaneous adverse side-effects are not uncommon, perforating dermatosis has not been reported in association to AZA. We speculate that immunological disorders induced by AZA in susceptible individuals could be related to perforating dermatosis.

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Pheohyphomycosis is a rare heterogeneous group of mycotic infections caused by dematiaceous (phaeoid) fungi affecting the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and central nervous system. Herein, we report a case of 29-year-old man with innocuous pustule over the right index finger. Examination revealed a subcutaneous swelling with pustules over the surface. Biopsy revealed phaeoid fungi, and diagnosis of subcutaneous pheohyphomycosis was made.

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Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is an autosomal dominant hereditary condition with many varied forms of clinical presentation. The most frequent cutaneous findings in TSC include multiple angiofibromas, hypopigmented macules, periungual fibromas, and shagreen patch. Rarely, unilateral multiple facial angiofibromas have been reported. We report a case of unilateral multiple facial angiofibromas without any other manifestations of TSC. Although rare, unilateral multiple facial angiofibromas may be a mosaic form of TSC.

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Fusarium species are common soil-inhabiting organisms and plant pathogens. Human infections are usually precipitated by local or systemic predisposing factors, and disseminated infection is associated with impaired immune responses. Skin infections caused by Fusarium spp. include keratitis, onychomycosis, mycetoma, painful discrete erythematous nodules. Hyperkeratotic skin lesions caused by Fusarium spp. are, however, rarely reported. We report a case of hyperkeratotic verrucous warty skin lesion in the foot of a 50-year-old immunocompetent male, farmer by occupation.

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[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

[FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]  [PubMed]

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Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fixed drug combination (FDC) halometasone 0.05% and fusidic acid 2% (group A) vs FDC betamethasone 0.12% and neomycin sulfate 0.5% cream (group B) in acute or chronic infected eczematous dermatosis, through a randomized open-label, comparative, multicentric study. Materials and Methods: A total of 152 patients were randomized to either Group A or Group B. EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index), IGA (Investigator's global assessment), scale for severity of eczema, pruritus, and safety parameters were assessed at baseline, Day 5/Day 10, Day 10/20, and Day 20/Day 30 for acute/chronic cases. Skin swabs were tested at screening, Day 10, and end of the study. Results: Staphylococcus aureus was the frequently encountered causative agent. There was a significant reduction within the study groups in EASI, IGA scales for severity of eczema, pruritus at various visits, compared to baseline. At the end of study, 83.87% in group A and 65.71% in group B were culture negative. Cure rate was 54.28% and 50% in group A and B, respectively. Five adverse events were reported in five patients, of which three patients withdrew from the study. Conclusion: Halometasone 0.05% and Fusidic acid 2% cream is effective, safe, well tolerated with comparable efficacy to the comparator in the treatment of acute and chronic infected eczematous dermatosis.

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