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Itraconazole (ITZ) has been the mainstay of oral antifungal treatment for the current epidemic of recalcitrant dermatophytosis (RD) in India. Recently, a newer formulation of ITZ, super bioavailable itraconazole (SUBA-ITZ), is made available in the market by many pharmaceutical companies. It is important for dermatologists to understand the pharmacokinetic properties of SUBA-ITZ vis-a-vis conventional pellet formulation to use it effectively and safely. Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) has established a special interest group for recalcitrant dermatophytosis (SIG-RD) to strengthen research, continuing medical education, and industry collaboration on the subject. This position statement on SUBA-ITZ by SIG-RD is an attempt to address current pieces of evidence and the position of this new formulation in the management of RD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Presently the leprosy program has no defined surveillance protocols for patients who complete the fixed duration multidrug therapy and are released from treatment (RFT). Hence, the information about the post‑RFT events in these patients is sparse and qualitative and quantitative data regarding their health care requirements is missing. During the DermLep survey carried out by the Indian Association of Dermatologists,Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), a number of patients presented to dermatologists during the post RFT period for a variety of symptoms. This paper analyses the events in these patients during the post RFT period. Results: Out of a total of 3701 leprosy patients who presented to 201 dermatologists across India during the DermLep survey, 708 (26.2%) were in the post RFT period (488 males; 220 females). Of these, 21% were PB and 79% MB patients as per their treatment records. Majority were in the age group of 31‑59 years (55.5%); however, a significant proportion of them (20.7%) were elderly (>60 years). Majority of the patients (45.5%) presented within the first year of RFT with variable symptoms; 28% were between 1‑5 years, 5.5% between 5‑10 years; and 11.0% presented more than 10 years after RFT. Most common presenting complaint being persistent skin lesions as perceived by patients in 21.2%, followed by neuritis in 14.5%; trophic ulcers in 13.8%; deformities in 67 (11.8%); lepra reactions in 66 (11.6%); and recurrence of original symptoms in 6.7%. Conclusion: The DermLep Survey highlights the importance of ‘post RFT’ patients as an important subset of leprosy patients who visit dermatologists for various health related issues. The most common complaints in this subset were active/persistent skin lesions, lepra reactions and neuritis. In these patients, who are a sub‑group of ‘persons affected with leprosy’ the disease related issues can persist for many years post RFT. Hence, it is important to provide services in the programme to monitor and manage these complications for the prevention of impairments, disability and the related social issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In spite of the availability of multiple consensus statements on dermatophytosis management, different treatment approaches have been experienced in India and require more scrutiny to further update guidelines and improve patient care. Aim: To determine the different approaches in dermatophytosis diagnosis and management among dermatologists in India. Materials and Methods: A web-based questionnaire was created and validated by five panelists with experience of >15 years in dermatophytosis and then circulated to about 2,000 dermatologists in India in September 2021 for a real-world management scenario. Results: Out of 2,000 dermatologists, 459 responded. About half of the dermatologists (51%) routinely conduct potassium hydroxide mount (KOH) at the initiation of therapy. Similarly, about 53% of dermatologists initiate the management of dermatophytosis with combination therapy in all types of dermatophytosis for 4-6 weeks depending upon severity. Different types of combinations are being practiced, such as either two systemic and one topical, two topicals and one systemic, but the combination of one systemic and one topical (69%) is the most commonly practiced. Itraconazole (100 mg twice a day) and luliconazole are the most commonly prescribed antifungal medications. In case of non-response to routine dose of systemic anti-fungals, about 72% of dermatologists up dose them. Most of them continue these drugs for additional 1-2 weeks after clearance of the disease. Additionally, keratolytics and moisturizers are commonly prescribed. Additionally, 62% advise liver function tests (LFTs) at the initiation of therapy, whereas 72% advise monitoring adverse effects due to systemic antifungal drugs during treatment. Conclusion: Combination therapy stood out as the need of the hour in the current menace of dermatophytosis with timely monitoring of laboratory tests for adverse events due to the use of systemic antifungals for a longer duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Need for Strategies to Improve Capture Leprosy Data Across India Nikusth is presently being used more as an online application for developing a database of leprosy patients. India, despite achieving the status of leprosy elimination at the national level in December 2005, accounted for 58% of new cases reported globally for 2019-2020, with 114,451 new cases being detected during this period.[[1]] India has the highest leprosy burden in the world and is among the 22 "global priority countries" that contribute 95% of the total cases of leprosy worldwide.[[2]] Children accounted for 6.86% of the total cases. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Parthenium dermatitis is caused by friable plant extracts of Parthenium hysterophorus and related species. Approximately 40% of cases of plant dermatitis in India are contributed by this single species. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted in the Department of Dermatology of Jhalawar Medical College. Ninety-nine consecutive patch test positive parthenium dermatitis human subjects of age more than 16 and either sex were included. The study period was 11 months between September 2019 and August 2020. Sociodemographic, clinical profile parthenium dermatitis severity score (PDSS) and Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were obtained from each patient. Correlation between PDSS and DLQI was obtained using Pearson's two-tailed coefficients. Results: Our study included 62 men and 37 women (1.67:1). The mean age was 51 ± 10.27 years. Mean duration of disease was 8.47 ± 4.45 years, and mean PDSS was 57.25 ± 17.65, mean DLQI was 17.14 ± 5.56. ABCD with CAD was the most common clinical subtype (45.45%). A significant positive correlation was observed between PDSS and DLQI. Conclusion: In this study, a significant impairment in quality of life (QoL) was observed in patients with higher score of PDSS and increasing duration, emphasizing that the disease needs specialized care including multiple indoor admission at the time of flare-up of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]