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Byline: Satyaki. Ganguly, Kranti. Jaykar, Namrata. Chhabra, Neel. Prabha Background: Dermatology knowledge among fresh medical graduates is poor in India as undergraduate medical curriculum and Internship training lack adequate focus [...]

Byline: Ghazal. Ahmed, Neel. Prabha, Satyaki. Ganguly Sir, Steatocystoma multiplex suppurativa (SMS) is an inflammatory variant of steatocystoma multiplex (SM). It is a nevoid condition of the sebaceous glands and [...]

Byline: Neel. Prabha, Ripu. Arora, Satyaki. Ganguly, Namrata. Chhabra Gentian violet, also known as crystal violet or methyl violet, is a triphenylmethane dye. It is commonly used as a stain [...]

Patch test helps in identifying the allergen causing allergic contact dermatitis. Proper identification of the site of individual patch test allergen is very important for identifying the positive allergen. In this article, various techniques for markings patch test sites are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psychogenic purpura, also known as autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome, is a rare condition which is characterized by spontaneous development of painful purpura, or ecchymoses. Skin lesions are usually preceded by stress and emotional trauma. It is usually a diagnosis of exclusion after ruling out history of trauma, drug intake and other bleeding disorders. Autoerythrocyte sensitization test (AEST) and a psychiatric evaluation helps in the diagnosis and treatment. Objective: To demonstrate the importance of AEST in diagnosing the patient of Gardner Diamond syndrome. Materials and Methods: Five suspected cases of autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome underwent AEST after ruling out other causes of bleeding. Results: Four out of five patients were positive for AEST while one patient was negative. Psychiatric complaints were present in three patients. One patient was lost to follow up. Rest all patients responded well to vitamin C supplementation. Conclusion: Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome is a rare disorder and is a diagnosis of exclusion, so a thorough workup of the patient to rule out common causes of bruising is essential. A high index of suspicion on the clinician's part and a simple OPD-based AEST may help in the diagnosis. Psychiatric consultation is important to find out the stress factor and timely management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Neel. Prabha, Namrata. Chhabra Sir, We read with interest the article entitled ' Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection: An often missed but potentially fatal cause of anemia and hypoalbuminemia in leprosy [...]

This article presents a case study of a 30-year-old female with red skin lesions predominantly on photo-exposed areas. The lesions started on her forearms and gradually spread to her hands, upper back, and forehead. The patient had a positive Mantoux test, indicating a strong immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The diagnosis was lichen scrofulosorum, a rare tuberculid. The patient was treated with antitubercular therapy, and the lesions improved within 2 months. This case emphasizes the importance of histopathology in diagnosing uncommon presentations of tuberculosis. [Extracted from the article]

Background and Aim: Deformities and disabilities in leprosy lead to significant morbidity to the individual and financial burden to the family. As the prevalence of leprosy is higher in central India, this study was conducted to know the burden of deformity and disability among leprosy patients in central India and the factors associated with it. Materials and methods: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study, conducted on 50 new or on treatment or released from treatment leprosy patients, attending the Dermatology OPD of a tertiary care institute in Central India. Disability was graded as per the WHO criteria for disability grading of hands and feet. Results: Grade 2 disability was found among 32% of the patients with leprosy, whereas a total of 60% of our patients had either grade 1 or grade 2 disabilities. Trophic ulcer was found among 20% and claw hand among 14% of leprosy patients. We found significant associations of lepromatous leprosy with trophic ulcer (p = 0.004) and grade 2 disability (p = 0.012). All patients with claw hands and 80% of the patients with trophic ulcers presented to the healthcare facility at least 6 months after the onset of symptoms. Conclusions: We found very high rates of disability and deformity among leprosy patients indicating possible huge burden of morbidity among leprosy patients in central India. The significant association of lepromatous leprosy with trophic ulcer and grade 2 disability indicated delayed presentation and diagnosis of lepromatous leprosy patients. Our results underlined the need for large scale community-based studies on disability and deformity among leprosy patients in Central India. These results also call for better training of primary level healthcare workers for early detection and management of deformities and disabilities as well as better patient education for leprosy patients regarding hand and foot care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Neel. Prabha, Namrata. Chhabra, Ripudaman. Arora Introduction Beta-blockers are drugs that block norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) from binding to beta-adrenergic receptors. They were first developed by Sir James Black [...]

This article is a letter in response to a study on the use of needling for the treatment of genital warts. The authors express their concerns about the method used in the study, particularly regarding the number of sessions and the use of oral antibiotics. They request clarification from the authors on these points. Despite their concerns, they acknowledge the study's contribution in introducing needling as a potential therapeutic option for genital warts. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction Rhinosporidiosis is a granulomatous disease of humans and animals that is caused by Rhinosporidium Seeberi. This disease is endemic in certain states of India, like Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Orissa, and eastern Madhya Pradesh. We conducted a retrospective, record-based study in the department of ENT & Head and Neck Surgery of a tertiary case institute in Chhattisgarh. Objective To study the epidemiology of rhinosporidiosis, especially host risk factors. Methods We conducted a retrospective, record-based study in the department of ENT & Head and Neck Surgery of a tertiary case institute in Chhattisgarh, India. A total of 55 histologically proven rhinosporidiosis patients who were surgically treated in the department over a period of 2 years from November 2014 to November 2016 were included. Results This study involved 55 histologically proven rhinosporidiosis cases. There were 87% males and 12% females. Most of the cases belonged to lower socioeconomic status (92.73%). All the cases had history of pond bathing. Of 55 cases, 27 cases (49.09%) had O+ blood group followed by A+ in 10 (18.18%), B+ in 9 (16.36) and AB+ in 9 (16.36%). Conclusion The results of the study showed that the disease was associated with the male gender, young and middle age, low socioeconomic status, rural background, pond bathing and O+ blood group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Vikram. Mahajan, Gayatri. Khatri, Neel. Prabha, C. Abhinav, Vikas. Sharma A 64-year-old man developed palmoplantar pustulosis eventuating into palmoplantar pustular psoriasis following treatment with diltiazem, atenolol, aspirin and atorvastatin [...]

Introduction There are some discrepancies in the literature about the influence of vitiligo on auditory functions. According to some authors, vitiligo influences hearing, whereas others question such influence. Therefore, we conducted a study to evaluate audiological functions in vitiligo patients. Objectives To determine the effect of vitiligo on auditory functions. Methods A hospital-based observational study was done from January 2017 to July 2017. Clinically diagnosed cases of vitiligo were enrolled for the study. A complete otological examination was conducted in all patients. Results Fifty-two patients (male: female 28:24) were included in the study. Ten patients (19.2%) had sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Seven patients (13.5%) had bilateral and 3 (5.7%) had unilateral SNHL. High frequency loss was seen in 17 out of 20 ears (10 affected patients), 6 ears had both low and high-frequency hearing loss. Of 12 ears with speech frequency involvement, mild hearing loss was seen in 5 and moderate to severe in 1 ear. Most cases of SNHL were detected in the age group 41 to 60 years old (63.6%), which was statistically significant (p-value 0.00). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that vitiligo patients require routine monitoring for auditory functions for early identification of SNHL. Older subjects with vitiligo might be at a higher risk for audiological abnormalities. These patients should also be informed regarding the associated risk with noise and ototoxic drug exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lupus vulgaris is the most common form of cutaneous tuberculosis caused by contiguous spread from an underlying infective focus or lymphatic or hematogenous spread. It can also develop at the site of direct inoculation (e.g., tattooing and ear piercing) or Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination. The solitary involvement of the pinna is rare and may face clinicians with a diagnostic dilemma. Herein, we reported the case of a 37-year-old female presenting with lupus vulgaris of the left pinna with a history of ear piercing. Case Report: Our case was a 37-year-old female presenting with asymptomatic erythematous plaques on the left pinna for 2 years. She had a history of ear piercing done 20 years ago. After 6 months of ear piercing, she suffered from recurrent infections at the site of piercing in the left ear, while the other ear was normal. Two years earlier, she developed a small erythematous papule, which slowly progressed in size to the present status. On examination, well-defined erythematous scaly plaques were noted on the left helix. The histopathology of the skin biopsy showed multiple confluent granulomas consisting of the epithelioid cells and lymphocyte with a focal area of necrosis in the dermis. Acid-fast bacilli were not seen in modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) and routine ZN staining. A final diagnosis of lupus vulgaris was made, and the patient was started on antitubercular drugs. There was a significant resolution of the lesion after 2 months of treatment. Conclusion: Cutaneous tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic nonhealing granulomatous skin lesions developing at the site of ear piercing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most common form of cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) is lupus vulgaris (LV). Atypical presentation of LV is rare and may lead to delay in diagnosis and hence increase in morbidity. Here, we report a case of sporotrichoid form of LV in a 38 year old male who presented as cutaneous lesions mimicking mycetoma. High index of clinical suspicion and relevant investigations play a vital role in confirmation of diagnosis wherever atypical form of cutaneous TB is suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nevus comedonicus (NC) is a type of an epidermal nevus which was first described in 1895 by Kofmann. Clinically, it is characterized by linear lesion comprising numerous dilated follicular openings with keratinous plugs resembling classical comedones, seen mainly on the head and neck area followed by trunk and upper arm. Treatment options of NC include topical therapy, laser, and surgery. NC associated with epidermoid cyst is rare. We report here a case of NC affecting middle part of the neck over left sternocleidomastoid muscle with epidermoid cysts which was surgically treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]