Search

Acne scars have negative profound impact on the quality of life of patients. Treatment of acne scars should be customized based upon characteristics of the scar, skin type, patient's preferences, and physician's experience. In this article, we comprehensively review the existing evidence for employing soft tissue augmentation in acne scars treatment. We searched PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, Google scholar and Science Direct for articles that evaluated the efficacy of soft tissue augmentation via injection method for the treatment of atrophic acne scars from January 2000 until June 2021. Thirty articles were selected for final evaluation. The materials that were used for soft tissue augmentation in treatment of acne scars included hyaluronic acid-based fillers, autologous fat, polymethylmethacrylate microspheres plus bovine collagen, calcium hydroxylapatite, plasma gel, poly-L-lactic acid, collagen and silicone. Adjuvant treatments included microneedling, high-frequency ultrasound, microfocused ultrasound with visualization, radiofrequency, fractional carbon dioxide laser, erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, fractional Er: glass, subcision and platelet rich plasma. Currently, soft tissue augmentation has gained popularity in treatment of acne scars. Soft tissue augmentation is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide both immediate and gradual improvement and is effective in the treatment of rolling and boxcar scars, while its efficacy is limited in icepick scars. Ideal filler in treatment of atrophic acne scars should have long-lasting effects with minimal side effects or serious complications such as nodule formation and immune system activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) are a group of chronic blistering diseases that affect mucocutaneous membranes. These diseases are common worldwide and affect males and females of all races. Treatment options include corticosteroids, rituximab, and topical agents. We evaluated the epidemiology of AIBD in Kerman, Iran, over a five-year period. Methods This retrospective study was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed with an AIBD between 2015-2020. All patients were included in this study by census method. Factors like age, sex, disease type, and age at diagnosis were evaluated. Data analyses were performed using SPSS version 26. Results One hundred patients participated in this study, and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.08. The mean age of participants was 51.99±19.52 years, and the mean age at diagnosis was 49.19±8.31. Out of 100 patients, 82 suffered from pemphigus disease (70 pemphigus vulgaris; 12 pemphigus foliaceus), 17 had bullous pemphigoid, and one patient had pemphigus gestationis. Conclusion In many countries, pemphigus is the most common AIBD. Although AIBDs are uncommon, the diagnosed cases increase with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Prevalence of cutaneous adverse drug reactions varies depending on genetic background, geographical location, demographic features of the patients and prescribed drugs. This study is conducted to evaluate demographic and clinical features of the patients admitted with drug reactions in dermatologic ward of Afzalipour hospital in Kerman. Methods This is a retrospective study on two-hundred and forty patients who were admitted with drug reactions in dermatology ward of Afzalipour hospital in Kerman, from 2010 to 2018. Demographic features of the patients and types of the prescribed drugs and drug reactions were recorded. Descriptive data were demonstrated by frequency and mean ±Standard deviation. Correlation between clinical patterns of cutaneous adverse drug reactions with demographic features of the patients were assessed by Fisher's exact test. Results Most of the patients were in the fourth decade of their lives (24.2%) and female to male ratio was 1.7 to 1. The most common drug reactions were maculopapular eruptions (52.8%), Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (18.7%) and fixed drug eruption (13.6%). The most culprit drugs were antibiotics (76.6%) and antiepileptic classes (14.4%). There was no correlation between age (P. value=0.432) or sex (P. value=0.65) of the patients with types of drug reactions. Conclusion In the present study, most of the patients were female and in the fourth decade of their lives. Maculopapular eruptions were the most frequent clinical pattern of cutaneous adverse drug reactions. Antibiotics (ceftriaxone) and anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbital) were the most frequent culprit drugs for cutaneous adverse reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recognition of parameters to predict severity of drug eruptions can be helpful in early intervention in severe cases. In this study, we evaluate the role of hematological factors including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratio in prediction of severity in cutaneous drug reactions. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study on 46 hospitalized patients with drug eruptions and 46 healthy individuals as control group. NLR/PLR was compared between patients with drug eruptions and healthy control group by independent t test. Moreover, the values of these hematological markers were compared between serious and non-serious types of drug eruptions by independent t test. Results Serious drug eruptions constitute nearly one-fourth of total drug eruptions. The mean values of NLR in case and control groups were 3.91±2.87 and 2.30±1.62, respectively (P=0.001). The mean values of PLR in case and control groups were 155.35±90.60 and 125±45.64, respectively (P=0.045). Females with drug eruptions had significantly higher PLR compared to males (P=0.02). Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between NLR/PLR in serious and non-serious types of drug reactions. Conclusion NLR/PLR was significantly higher in patients with drug eruptions compared to control group. There was no significant correlation between NLR/PLR with either demographic features of patients or severity of drug eruption; except significantly higher PLR in female with drug eruptions compared to males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Nowadays, role of hematologic markers including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), as cost-effective and reliable tests, in recognition of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as well as prediction of their prognosis has been elucidated. In this study we investigate role of these factors in prediction of severity of psoriasis and associated arthritis. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study on thirty moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients, hospitalized in dermatology ward, and thirty aged- and sexed-matched healthy adults. NLR/PLR in psoriasis patients was compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, NLR/PLR of classic type of psoriasis was compared to other types of psoriasis (including psoriatic arthritis and erythrodermic psoriasis) by variance analysis. Correlation of demographic features with NLR/PLR was assessed via chi-square test and independent t test. Results Mean age of patients in psoriasis and control groups was 35.66±16.62 and 39.8±11.18, respectively. Psoriasis patients had significantly higher NLR/PLR compared to control groups (3.47±3.83 vs. 1.37±0.55 and 133.26±83.99 vs. 96.25±40.72, respectively). The highest and lowest NRL/PLR belonged to erythrodermic and vulgaris types, respectively. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between NLR/PLR and psoriasis patients, with or without underlying disease. Conclusion NLR/PLR can be a useful indicator for psoriasis severity and associated arthritis. It might be helpful in selection of type of treatment in psoriasis patients and employed as a prognostic factor in prediction of disease course and possible accompanied morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Erythroderma or exfoliative dermatitis is characterized with generalized erythema of the skin, involving approximately 90% of the body surface area. In this study, we determine prevalence of different types of erythroderma as well as clinical and laboratory features in patients admitted in dermatology ward of Afzalipour hospital, Kerman. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study on patients with erythroderma during tenyear period (2010-2019). Correlation of underlying disease with demographics and clinical features of the patients was evaluated by independent t test and chi-square test. Results Prevalence of erythroderma was 12.1%. Most of the patients were in their fourth or sixth decades of life. Drug eruption, autoimmune bullous diseases and cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) were observed most commonly in females (P=0.001). The shortest and longest duration belonged to drug eruption and CTCL, respectively (P=0.001). The most common clinical symptoms and signs were pruritus (91.5%), lymphadenopathy (20.9%) and fever (20.3). The most frequent laboratory abnormality was elevated liver enzymes (83.05%). The most common causes of erythroderma were exacerbation of pre-existing dermatoses (54.2%), drug eruption (35.6%) and idiopathic (7.3%). The most prevalent causes of pre-existing skin diseases were psoriasis (35%), dermatitis (13%) and lichen planus (2.3%). Conclusion The most common causes of erythroderma were exacerbation of pre-existing dermatoses (mainly psoriasis and dermatitis), drug eruption and idiopathic. The most common causes of acute and chronic erythroderma were drug eruption and psoriasis, respectively. The most frequent clinical (other than erythema and scaling) and laboratory findings were pruritus and elevated liver enzymes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Adverse effects including pruritus and erythema as well as increased bacterial resistance have been reported with topical clindamycin. Niosomal structures can lead to improved drug efficacy and decreased side effects because of selective effect on target organ. In this study, we decided to evaluate efficacy of niosomal clindamycin in comparison with conventional form. Methods This study is a double-blinded clinical trial on 100 acne patients divided into 2 groups (50 patients in each group) that has been done from 2014 to 2017 in Kerman, Iran. The efficacy of niosomal clindamycin 1% in comparison with conventional form was evaluated by counting acne lesions and grading acne with Global Acne Grading System. The Chi-square test and student t test were used to determine drug efficacy and side effects. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 (SPSS Statistics, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results There was a significant difference between 2 treatment groups in reduction of acne lesions at the end of the study (P<0.05). The mean score of acne according to Global Acne Grading System at the end of the study was 6.64± 3.26 and 8.21±3.42 in niosomal and control group, respectively and this difference was statistically significant(P=0.023). Conclusion Niosomal clindamycin has higher efficacy without increased adverse effects than conventional type. So, we can use niosomal form in treatment of inflammatory acne lesions, particularly in patients with low adherence to treatment and high expectations from treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the association between the severity of AD and serum level of 25(OH) vitamin D in Kerman, a desert area in southeast of Iran, that was performed for the first time in Iran. Methods In this cross-sectional study 57 AD subjects and 19 healthy children under the age of 18 years old were enrolled. The serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D were measured in the both groups. The severity of AD was evaluated according to SCORAD. Results According to our study, there was a significant association between serum level of vitamin D and severity of AD especially in moderate and severe forms of AD (p<0.001). Conclusion Our study revealed vitamin D deficiency in AD patients, thus, it is recommended to take vitamin D supplementation in AD patient. Additional research is needed in order to evaluate dysfunction of vitamin D receptor in AD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]