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Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

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Porphyria cutanea tarda(PCT) is characterised by photosensitivity and bulla formation on photoexposed parts which heals with scaring and pigmentation. PCT is frequently associated with diabetes mellitus, lupus erythematosus and hepetitis C virus infection. We are reporting and Indian patient of PCT associated with pericarditis which is very rare.

Objective To study the etiopathogenesis of vaginal discharge among females of prepubertal, reproductive as well as post-menopausal age group. Methods Total of 100 females attending dermatology OPD with chief complaint of vaginal discharge were enrolled in this study over a period of 2 years. A detailed history, clinical examination along with relevant laboratory tests was done. Results The present study showed maximum incidence of bacterial vaginosis (44%) followed by vulvovaginal candidiasis (25%), non-specific discharge (14%), trichomoniasis (11%), gonorrhea (6%). In our study, 87% patients were in the reproductive age group. Conclusion The pattern of various causes of vaginal discharge observed in our study was comparable to other studies. This research emphasizes the need of identifying the definite etiology with appropriate laboratory assessment for early and specific treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimal erythemal dose (MED) for narrow band-ultraviolet B radiation (NB-UVB) varies with race and skin type. The aim was to estimate the MED for NB-UVB and compare visual readings with those from a Dermaspectrometer in a north Indian patients as the available data is sparse.Methods: Forty one patients who visited the dermatology outpatient department were recruited for this study. Skin type was grouped as per Fitzpatrick skin type scale. Patients' upper backs were irradiated after applying a novel template with 8 windows of 2 x 2 cm each, with a test dose ladder of 250-1500 mJ/cm2 in a Waldmann (700K) TL-01 chamber. MED and erythema index were read after 24 hours, the latter by using Dermaspectrometer.Results: Forty one patients (10 males, 31 females) with mean age of 30.5 (14-65) years were recruited. 23 patients were of skin type 5, 17 of type 4 and one of skin type 3. The estimated MEDs were 1000 mJ/cm2 in 17, 750 mJ/cm2 in 19, 1100 mJ/cm2 in four and 500 mJ/cm2 in one patient. The median and mode MED was 1000 mJ/cm2. There was an exponential rise in the erythema index with increase in irradiation (17.18-26.25/250-1500 mJ/cm2). Student's t-test applied to detect differences between the visual and Dermaspectrometer readings was found to be statistically not significant.Conclusion: The estimated MED for NB-UVB varied from 500 to 1100 mJ/cm2, the median MED being 1000 mJ/cm2. The darker skin types did not have low MED while some patients with lighter skin type displayed lower MED. There was no significant difference in MED determined by visual and Dermaspectrometer readings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]