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Background All scoring systems used in Alopecia Areata (AA) focus mainly on scalp and cannot assess the severity or treatment response when AA involves the beard hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Aim This study describes and assesses the reliability of a new scoring system "Alopecia Areata Severity Index" (AASI) for measuring the severity of AA of scalp, beard, and upper face. Methods Scalp hair, beard hair, upper face (eyebrows and eyelashes) were individually assessed and the severity of AA was scored from 0 to 100 (0-50 in case of upper face). AASI score was then calculated as a sum of all these individual scores as AASI = AASI (scalp) + AASI (upper face) + AASI (beard)+. To test the inter-observer reliability of AASI score, 25 patients with varying severity of AA were scored by 4 trained dermatologists. Repeat scoring was performed after one week to test for intra-observer reliability. Results Excellent inter-rater, as well as intra-observer reliability, was observed with Chronbach's alpha value of 0.999 (CI = 0.989-1.000). The intra-observer correlation coefficient with average measure was 0.999 (CI = 0.990-1.000) with statistically significant F test Conclusion AASI score is a reliable scoring system to assess the severity of AA in patients with involvement of one or more areas of the body. Limitations Sample population belonged to single ethnic group.

Vaccination for COVID19 infection is in full swing all around the world and while the vaccines are considered overall safe, many cutaneous and extracutaneous adverse effects have been reported after their use. Local injection‐site reactions are the commonest adverse effect described with the use of these vaccines. We describe a case of Sweet syndrome in an elderly female after the first dose of Oxford‐AstraZeneca COVID‐19 vaccine (AZD1222).

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive, endocrine and metabolic disorders in premenopausal women. Even though the pathophysiology of PCOS is complex and obscure, the disorder is prominently considered as the syndrome of hyperandrogenism. C-Terminal binding protein 1 antisense (CTBP1-AS) acts as a novel Androgen Receptor regulating long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). Therefore, the present study was aimed to establish the possible association of androgen receptor regulating long noncoding RNA CTBP1-AS with PCOS.Methods: A total of 178 subjects including 105 PCOS cases and 73 age-matched healthy controls were recruited for the study. The anthropometric, hormonal and biochemical parameters of all subjects were analysed. Total RNA was isolated from peripheral venous blood and expression analysis was done by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). The correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the association between and various clinical parameters and lncRNA CTBP1-AS expression.Results and conclusion: the mean expression level of CTBP1-AS was found to be significantly higher in the PCOS women than in the healthy controls (-lnCTBP1-AS, 4.23 ± 1.68 versus 1.24 ± 0.29 p

Excimer light (EL) and targeted UVB (TUVB) devices have been used successfully in repigmenting vitiligo. To compare the repigmenting efficacy and safety of EL with TUVB device in vitiligo. The study was conducted retrospectively on patients of vitiligo who had received either EL (Group A) or TUVB (Group B) from year 2015 to 2020. Data pertaining to 40 such age and sex matched patients from each group was retrieved with almost similar sites of involvement. Only patients whose phototherapy sessions had been given twice weekly for minimum of 30 sessions or until 90%-100% repigmentation were included in the study. The study was retrospective in nature and the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki were followed during the study. The primary endpoint compared between the two groups was the extent of repigmentation achieved on different sites of body and adverse effects from treatment. Secondary endpoints compared included total number of doses, cumulative dose needed for complete repigmentation and number of doses needed for onset of repigmentation. There were 82.6% responders in Group A and 76.3% in Group B who had achieved at least 50% repigmentation. Excellent response (75%-100% repigmentation) was achieved in 68.1% lesions in Group A and 46.4% lesions in Group B. Patients in Group A needed less number of doses (13.75 vs. 19.37) and less cumulative dose (6.14 vs. 7.69 J/cm2 ) to achieve complete or near complete repigmentation. Adverse effects were negligible in both groups. Targeted phototherapy with EL demonstrated better repigmenting efficacy than TUVB in vitiligo.

Segmental vitiligo (SV) is considered to be relatively less responsive form of vitiligo to medical treatment. While excimer light (EL) has shown great promise in treating localized vitiligo especially on face and neck, its efficacy in SV is not reported so commonly. We conducted a retrospective study on patients of childhood SV who had received EL therapy from January 2016 to December 2018 at our institute. Data of all such cases who had received at least 10 doses of EL treatment or achieved complete repigmentation were selected for analysis. Records of 26 children with SV satisfied the selection criteria. Excellent response (75% repigmentation) was documented in 65.4% (17/26) patients with 7.7% (2/26) patients showing partial (50%-75%) repigmentation. Response to treatment was seen to correlate inversely with the duration of SV. Patients with SV of6 months reported better results with all 10 cases achieving complete or near complete (75%) repigmentation. In contrast, only 44% patients (7/16) with disease duration of6 months were seen to have achieved75% repigmentation.

Melasma is a notorious dermatosis, often resistant to treatment. Chemical peeling constitutes an acceptable option of management of melasma (of any type and duration). In this article, as a group of experts from Pigmentary Disorders Society (PDS) in collaboration with South Asian Pigmentary Forum (SPF), we have tried to elaborate the various chemical peeling agents for the treatment of melasma. Besides, we have reviewed the indications, mechanism of action, rationality and the detailed procedure of peeling. The evidence in favor of various peeling agents have been summarized as well.

There are limited treatment options available to control the progression of vitiligo and most of these treatment options carry the risk of both short-term as well as long-term adverse effects. Apremilast has emerged as a promising treatment option in psoriasis and many other cutaneous disorders. We report herein the successful use of oral apremilast therapy in controlling the progression of adult onset vitiligo in 13 patients. The patients had not responded to other systemic treatments earlier. In addition to the control of progression, eight patients (61.5%) showed some evidence of repigmentation after apremilast therapy. Gastrointestinal adverse effects and headache were the commonest adverse effects reported that led to cessation of treatment in two cases.

Background: Ensuring stability of the disease process is essential for undertaking surgical intervention in vitiligo. However, there is no consensus regarding the minimum duration of stability or the relative importance of disease and lesional stability in selecting patients for vitiligo grafting. Aim: This multicentric study aims to assess the relative importance of lesional and disease stability on selecting patients for vitiligo grafting. Materials and Methods: One hundred seventy patients were recruited into the study and divided into two groups: Group A with lesional stability of >1 year but overall disease stability of only 6-11 months and Group B with overall disease stability of >1 year. Patients underwent either tissue or cellular vitiligo grafting on the selected lesions and the repigmentation achieved was scored from 0 (no repigmentation) to 6 (100% repigmentation). Repigmentation achieved on different sites of the body was compared between the two groups. Adverse effects at both the donor and the recipient sites were also compared. Results: Of the 170 patients who were enrolled, 82 patients were placed in Group A and 88 patients in Group B. Average repigmentation achieved (on scale of 0 to 6) was 3.8 and 4.04 in Group A and Group B, respectively. In Group A, ≥90% repigmentation was achieved in 36.6% (30/82) patients, while 37.5% (33/88) achieved similar results in Group B. Additionally, 47.6% (39/82) and 53.4% (47/88) of cases achieved partial repigmentation in Group A and Group B, respectively. Perigraft halo was the commonest adverse effect observed in both groups. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the two groups with respect to the repigmentation achieved or adverse effects observed. Repigmentation achieved was the best on the face and neck area, while acral areas responded the least. Conclusions: Lesional stability seems to be as relevant as the overall disease stability in selecting patients for surgical intervention in vitiligo.

Background Lasers and potent topical corticosteroids are used as therapeutic options in hypertrophic burn scars. Objective To assess the therapeutic effect of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing in combination with potent topical corticosteroids on hypertrophic burn scars in pediatric age group. Methods Ten children (5-12 years) with postburn hypertrophic scars were treated with 3 to 5 sessions of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing at 1-month intervals, and triamcinolone suspension was applied immediately after each laser session. Patients were also instructed to apply clobetasol propionate gel for 1 week after each laser session. Response to treatment was assessed using Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Physician Global Assessment (PGA). Tolerability for the procedure and adverse effects were also assessed. Results Laser sessions were well tolerated under the effect of topical or local anesthesia. At the time of final assessment, there was mean reduction of 4.2 (range: 2.8-7) in VSS. Reduction of VSS by ≥4 points was observed in 8 of 10 cases, whereas PGA revealed excellent response in 6 of 10 cases. No significant adverse effects were reported by any patient. Conclusion Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing in combination with potent topical steroids leads to significant therapeutic benefits in children with postburn hypertrophic scars.

Venous leg ulcers are the most common form of non-healing leg ulcers. They are subjected to treatments such as topical medications, dressings, and compression therapies. This can lead to exposure to a number of allergens with subsequent sensitisation and contact dermatitis of the regional skin. This may contribute to the poor ulcer healing. To detect the various contact sensitisers in patients with venous leg ulcers through patch testing, patients from 6 centres across India with venous leg ulcers of longer than 6 weeks duration were enrolled for the study. They were patch tested using a special parch test kit with 27 antigens. A total of 172 patients were included in the study; 82 (48.2%) tested positive for at least 1 antigen. Among them, polyvalent sensitisation was noted in 71% of patients. Wood tar mix (10.4%) and the framycetin (8.7%) were the most common allergens. There is a high frequency of allergic sensitisation to various ingredients of topical therapies used in the venous ulcer management, which may interfere with wound healing. Avoiding them can help obtain a better therapeutic outcome.

Background: Currently, the standard protocol regarding the performance of procedures on patients receiving or having recently received isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) states that the procedures should not be performed. The recommendations in standard books and drug insert require discontinuation of isotretinoin for 6 months before performing cosmetic procedures, including waxing, dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser procedures, or incisional and excisional cold-steel surgery. These recommendations have been followed for over two decades despite little evidence for the stated increased risk of scarring. Objective: The Association of Cutaneous Surgeons (I) constituted a task force to review the evidence and to recommend consensus guidelines regarding the safety of skin procedures, including resurfacing, energy-device treatments, and dermatosurgical procedures in patients with concurrent or recent isotretinoin administration. Materials and Methods: Data were extracted from the literature through a PubMed search using the keywords “isotretinoin,” “safety,” “scarring,” “keloids,” “hypertrophic scarring,” and “pigmentation.” The evidence was then labeled and circulated to all members of task force for review. Results: The task force is of the opinion that there is insufficient evidence to support the current protocol of avoiding and delaying treatments in the patient group under consideration and recommends that the current practice should be discontinued. The task force concludes that performing procedures such as laser hair removal, fractional lasers for aging and acne scarring, lasers for pigmented skin lesions, fractional radio-frequency microneedling, superficial and medium-depth peels, microdermabrasion, dermaroller, biopsies, radio-frequency ablation, and superficial excisions is safe in patients with concurrent or recent isotretinoin administration.

Carcinoma en cuirasse is a specific clinic-morphological type of cutaneous metastasis that has been described with internal malignancies of the breast, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. We describe herein a case of carcinoma en cuirasses arising from an operated Carcinoma of rectum in a 55 year old female.

Background: Fractional photothermolysis is one of the most effective treatment options used to resurface scars of different aetiologies. Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of fractional CO 2 laser resurfacing treatment in the management of non-hypertrophic traumatic and burn scars. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients affected by non-hypertrophic traumatic and burn scars were treated with four sessions of fractional CO 2 laser resurfacing treatment at 6-weekly intervals. Patients were photographed at each visit and finally, 3 months after the end of treatment schedule. Response to treatment was assessed clinically as well as by comparing the initial photograph of the patient with the one taken at the last follow-up visit 3-months after the final treatment session. Changes in skin texture, surface irregularity and pigmentation were assessed on a quartile grading scale and scored individually from 0 to 4. A mean of the three individual scores was calculated and the response was labelled as 'excellent' if the mean score achieved was >2. A score of 1-2 was labeled as good response while a score below 1 was labeled as 'poor' response. The subjective satisfaction of each patient with the treatment offered was also assessed at the last follow-up visit. Results: The commonest site of scarring treated was the face followed by hands. Response to treatment was rated as excellent in 60% (15/25) patients while 24% (6/25) and 16% (4/25) patients were labeled as good and poor responders, respectively. Skin texture showed better response than other variables with average score of 2.44. Linear post-traumatic scars were seen to respond less than other morphological types. Majority of the patients (19 out of 25) were highly satisfied with the treatment offered. No long-term adverse effects were noted in any patient. Conclusions: Fractional photothermolysis with a fractional CO 2 laser gives excellent results in patients with post-burn scars with minimal adverse effects. Limitations: Lack of a control group and small sample size are limitations of this study.

Melasma is one of the most common hyperpigmentary disorders found mainly in women and dark-skinned patients. Sunlight, hormones, pregnancy, and genetics remain the most implicated in the causation of melasma. Although rather recalcitrant to treatment, topical agents such as hydroquinone, modified Kligman's Regime, azelaic acid, kojic acid, Vitamin C, and arbutin still remain the mainstay of therapy with sun protection being a cornerstone of therapy. There are several new botanical and non botanical agents and upcoming oral therapies for the future. There is a lack of therapeutic guidelines, more so in the Indian setup. The article discusses available evidence and brings forward a suggested treatment algorithm by experts from Pigmentary Disorders Society (PDS) in a collaborative discussion called South Asian Pigmentary Forum (SPF).

BACKGROUND Ultrathin skin grafting (UTSG) is a tissue grafting technique used in resistant stable vitiligo. OBJECTIVE To assess long-term follow-up results achieved with UTSG in vitiligo. METHODS Over a span of 8 years, a total of 415 patients with stable vitiligo were treated with UTSG at the authors' institute. Retrospective analysis of results achieved in these patients was performed, and primary end points assessed included the extent and quality of repigmentation achieved and adverse effects from the procedure. Results were correlated with the site, morphological type of vitiligo, duration of stability, postprocedure treatment used, and the age and sex of the patient. RESULTS Follow-up results were available with 554 lesions in 370 patients. Excellent response (≥90% repigmentation) was documented in 78.9% (437/554) lesions whereas 8.67% (48/554) lesions demonstrated poor results. Pigmentation was retained in >98% (112/114) cases over 4-year follow-up. The commonest adverse effect noted was "perigraft halo" in 12.3% (68/554) lesions. Site and morphological type of vitiligo as well as the postoperative use of phototherapy showed statistically significant correlation with response. Age and sex of the patient and duration of stability beyond 1 year did not influence the outcome. CONCLUSION Ultrathin skin grafting provides long-term beneficial results in stable resistant vitiligo.

Background: While laser resurfacing remains the most effective treatment option for atrophic acne scars, the high incidence of post-treatment adverse effects limits its use. Fractional laser photothermolysis attempts to overcome these limitations of laser resurfacing by creating microscopic zones of injury to the dermis with skip areas in between. Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess the efficacy and safety of fractional CO 2 laser resurfacing in atrophic facial acne scars. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with moderate to severe atrophic facial acne scars were treated with 3-4 sessions of fractional CO 2 laser resurfacing at 6-week intervals. The therapeutic response to treatment was assessed at each follow up visit and then finally 6 months after the last laser session using a quartile grading scale. Response to treatment was labelled as ′excellent′ if there was >50% improvement in scar appearance and texture of skin on the grading scale while 25-50% response and

Background: Phototherapy is one of the most effective treatment options in vitiligo. Targeted phototherapy devices are becoming more popular as they offer a lot of advantages over the conventional whole-body phototherapy units. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of a targeted narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) device in vitiligo. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients of vitiligo were treated with a targeted NBUVB device twice-weekly for a maximum of 30 sessions or until 100% repigmentation, whichever was reached first. The extent of repigmentation achieved was assessed and adverse effects, if any, were also noted down. Results: There were 31 responders (77.5%) who achieved repigmentation ranging from 50% to 100%. The onset of repigmentation was seen as early as the 3 rd dose in some cases and by the 10 th dose in all responders. A total of 97 lesions were treated out of which 45 lesions (46.6%) achieved 90-100% repigmentation. Lesions showing 75% and 50% repigmentation were 14 and 15 in number respectively. 23 lesions failed to show any significant repigmentation at the end of 30 doses. Best response was seen on the face and neck with 20 of the 31 lesions achieving 90-100% repigmentation in this area. Duration of vitiligo was seen to have no statistically significant impact on the repigmentation achieved. Conclusion: Targeted NBUVB phototherapy seems to be an effective treatment option in localized vitiligo with a rapid onset of repigmentation seen as early as 2 nd week of treatment.

Background: Pemphigus has been treated with Dexamethasone Cyclophosphamide Pulse (DCP) Therapy since 1981. Various modifications have been suggested in the original regimen. These include Dexamethasone Azathioprine Pulse (DAP) and Dexamethasone Methotrexate Pulse (DMP) therapies. Aims: To report our experience on the noncomparative study of various Pulse regimens DCP, DAP AND DMP therapies in patients with Pemphigus. Materials and Methods: The patients were put on three regimens depending upon the situation-Conventional DCP, DAP in the reproductive age group, DMP in patients who showed prolonged Phase I more than 12 months while on DCP. Results: 30 patients were put on DCP therapy. The duration of phase I was on an average six months. Relapse was seen in 3 patients in phase IV. 12 patients on DAP therapy were considered. In Phase III 5 patients relapsed in phase IV four patients relapsed. Five patients were put on the DMP. Disease activity was poorly controlled and in three DMP was discontinued. Conclusion: DCP remains the most effective regimen with quickest onset of remission and continuance of remission. In DAP therapy fixation of dose of azathioprine at 50 mgs daily may be counterproductive. DMP does not fulfil the promise of a viable treatment option in recalcitrant pemphigus and this lacunae needs to be plugged.

Monilethrix is a rare genetic disorder of hair characterized by beaded appearance of the hair shaft leading to hair fragility and patchy dystrophic alopecia. In this disorder, the hair shaft has alternate widenings (nodes) and constrictions (internodes) that lead to fracture of hair shaft and varying degree of alopecia. We report an eight year old Kashmiri boy who presented with diffuse hair loss since infancy. As monilethrix is a rare disease entity which prompted us to report this case.

En coup de sabre (linear scleroderma of face) is a rare type of morphea (localized scleroderma) involving frontoparietal area of the forehead and scalp. Many triggering factors have been implicated in the development of morphea like trauma, immobilization, bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccination, injections of vitamin K, mechanical compression from clothing, etc. Linear scleroderma primarily affects the pediatric population, with 67% of patients diagnosed before 18 years of age. In this article, we describe a case of 26 year old female who presented with a three months history of brownish indurated plaque of skin on the frontal and forehead regions of the head. The patient gave a history of trauma at the same site six years back. The diagnosis of morphea was made clinically supported by histopathological features of the skin biopsy. Her neurological examination was normal. ANA was negative. Brain MRI didn’t reveal any abnormality. She was treated with topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment. The late onset en coup de sabre is a rare presentation and hence reported.

Background: Warts are sometimes resistant or they tend to recur after every possible destructive therapy. Immunotherapy with skin-test antigens has been used as a viable therapeutic option in such recalcitrant cases. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the response of resistant or recurrent warts to intralesional Candida albicans antigen immunotherapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients with resistant or recurrent warts who showed a positive test reaction to C. albicans antigen were given intralesional injections of purified C. albicans antigen solution in a single wart at 3-weekly intervals for a total of three doses. The patients were monitored for resolution of the injected wart as well as other untreated warts. The patients who responded positively were then followed up for any relapses over the next 6 months. Adverse events, if any, were also documented. Results: Of the 40 patients enrolled in the study, 34 completed the total treatment protocol of three injections and 6 months of follow-up. In these 34 patients, 19 (56%) showed a complete resolution of warts at all places on the body. In addition, two patients (6%) showed a partial or complete resolution of the treated wart, but there was no effect on the untreated warts. Thirteenpatients (38%) failed to show any response to the treatment regimen. In all patients showing resolution of all the warts, there were no relapses at any site over the next 6 months of follow-up. The most common adverse effect seen was pain during the intralesional injection. Conclusions: Intralesional Candida immunotherapy seems to be an effective treatment option in more than half of the patients who fail to show a positive response to destructive modes of treatment or in whom there are multiple recurrences. Limitations: The small sample size and lack of control group are the main limitations of the study.

Grafting procedures in vitiligo have become quite popular over the last one or two decades especially in India. Starting with the simplest punch grafting we have now a multitude of different grafting techniques available in vitiligo. All of these grafting procedures are associated with certain complications. In addition there are certain factors and surgical pearls that can go a long way in improving the cosmetic results achieved with any of these grafting techniques. This paper will try to address these specific factors and complications associated with these grafting techniques and the ways and means to avoid them.

Background: Any residual pigment left in patients of universal vitiligo is managed with topical treatments, cryotherapy, and lasers. Aim: The study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Q-switched Nd: YAG laser in treating the residual pigmentation in patients with universal vitiligo. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients of universal vitiligo with residual pigmentation on the face, hands, or feet, resistant to topical treatments, were treated with single or multiple sessions of Q-switched Nd: YAG laser treatment. Topical treatments were continued in between the laser sessions and the depigmentation achieved was monitored by clinical examination and repeat digital photographs. Response to the treatment was labelled as excellent if the residual pigment could be reduced by at least 90% while 50-90% resolution of pigmentation was labelled as a partial response. Adverse effects to the treatment offered were also monitored. Results: Thirteen of the 15 patients enrolled for the study showed an excellent response to the treatment offered. Two other patients showed a poor response with less than 50% resolution of pigmentation. The number of laser sessions needed at a particular site ranged from 1 to 3 and no patient was offered more than three sessions of laser treatment at any site. No significant adverse events were reported by any patient. Conclusions: Residual pigmentation in patients with universal vitiligo that does not respond to topical treatment options alone can be managed quite effectively with Q-switched Nd: YAG laser without any significant adverse effects.

Q-switched (QS) lasers are used for depigmentation in universal vitiligo, but there is limited data on long-term results after laser treatment. This study was conducted to assess the safety and long-term follow-up results of QS Nd:YAG laser treatment in combination with need-based topical depigmentation therapy for universal vitiligo. A retrospective study was performed on patients with universal vitiligo who had received QS Nd:YAG laser treatment from 2010 to 2013. All patients were contacted and called for follow-up. Patients who reported were assessed clinically and information regarding adverse effects and relapse (repigmentation) in the follow-up period were obtained. Any need for topical depigmenting creams or other interventions and overall satisfaction to treatment were also documented. Records of 34 patients were retrieved, out of whom 28 cases reported for the follow-up visit. Duration of follow-up ranged from 2 to 5 years (mean, 2.78). No long-term adverse effects were reported and the majority of patients were highly satisfied with treatment. Satisfactory results with >90% clearance of pigment was reported by 89.3% (25/28) of patients, out of whom 72% (18/25) had retained the therapeutic effect with the use of sunscreens with/without intermittent topical depigmentation therapies. In seven cases, partial to complete relapse was observed. QS Nd:YAG laser is an effective tool for treating residual pigmentation in universal vitiligo, and the therapeutic effect can be maintained in most cases with regular sunscreen use and need-based topical therapies.

Background: Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), the scoring system in melasma, needs to be refined. Aims and Objectives: To propose a more practical scoring system, named as Melasma Severity Index (MSI), for assessing the disease severity and treatment response in melasma. Materials and Methods: Four dermatologists were trained to calculate MASI and also the proposed MSI scores. For MSI, the formula used was 0.4 (a × p 2 ) l + 0.4 (a × p 2 ) r + 0.2 (a × p 2 ) n where "a" stands for area, "p" for pigmentation, "l" for left face, "r" for right face, and "n" for nose. On a single day, 30 enrolled patients were randomly examined by each trained dermatologist and their MASI and MSI scores were calculated. Next, each rater re-examined every 6 th patient for repeat MASI and MSI scoring to assess intra- and inter-rater reliability of MASI and MSI scores. Validity was assessed by comparing the individual scores of each rater with objective data from mexameter and ImageJ software. Results: Inter-rater reliability, as assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient, was significantly higher for MSI (0.955) as compared to MASI (0.816). Correlation of scores with objective data by Spearman′s correlation revealed higher rho values for MSI than for MASI for all raters. Limitations: Sample population belonged to a single ethnic group. Conclusions: MSI is simpler and more practical scoring system for melasma.

Background: Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy has emerged as one of the most favored treatment options in patients with generalized vitiligo. The aim of combining topical agents is to improve the efficacy of NB-UVB in causing repigmentation in vitiligo. Aims and objectives: The present study aims to study the effect of combining topical tacrolimus to NB-UVB therapy in causing repigmentation in vitiligo lesions. Methods: This prospective single-blind study was performed on 80 patients of generalized vitiligo above 12 years of age who had symmetrically distributed vitiligo lesions on the face, trunk or limbs. The patients applied topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice daily on selected symmetrically distributed lesions on the left side of the body. No topical agent was applied on the corresponding lesions on the right side. The patients also received whole-body NB-UVB exposure three times every week on non-consecutive days according to a set protocol. Lesions selected for the comparison analysis were photographed serially and assessed by a single-blinded observer for the extent or repigmentation achieved. The extent of repigmentation achieved was calculated on the basis of VASI scoring. The time taken for the initial repigmentation to start, the overall repigmentation achieved as well as any adverse effects were noted down and compared between the selected lesions on the two sides. Results: Seventy-four patients with 234 symmetrical vitiligo lesions were available for comparison analysis at the end of study period. The mean repigmentation achieved on the left-sided study lesions was approximately 71% (VASI score of approximately 4.0) as compared with 60.5% on the symmetrically distributed right-sided lesions (VASI score of 3.4). Moreover, the repigmentation started earlier on the study lesions on left side than on the right-sided ones. No significant adverse events were reported with the combination treatment. Conclusions: Addition of topical tacrolimus increases the extent of overall repigmentation achieved with NB-UVB therapy in vitiligo and also reduces the cumulative NB-UVB dose needed to achieve a therapeutic benefit in affected patients.

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin disease affecting the face usually in middle-aged individuals. The disorder is associated with a lot of psychological impact on the quality of life of the affected patient. Treatment options for this skin disease range from topical treatment options to systemic agents and even lasers. This paper will review the current and some of the upcoming treatment options for this chronic skin disease.

Introduction: Intradermal steroid injections are used as treatment option in resistant alopecia areata. However, it is difficult and quite painful to treat large areas of alopecia with this modality. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety profile of a combination of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) treatment followed by topical corticosteroid application in resistant alopecia areata. Materials and Methods: Ten cases of resistant alopecia areata who had not responded to multiple treatment modalities were treated with fractional CO2 laser followed by topical application of triamcinolone spray (10mg/mL) on the resistant lesions. Patients received 4–8 sessions that were repeated at an interval of 3–4 weeks. Response to treatment was assessed on a quartile physician assessment scale and labeled as excellent (>75% regrowth), good (50%–75% regrowth), fair (26%–50% response), and poor (

Background: Narrowband UVB therapy is presently one of the most effective therapies for generalized vitiligo. Many topical agents have been used in combination with narrowband UVB therapy to increase its efficacy in causing repigmentation in vitiligo. Placental extract is used topically usually in combination with sun exposure to cause repigmentation of vitiligo lesions. Aims: The present study aims to study whether the efficacy of narrowband UVB therapy would be enhanced by addition of topical placental extract to the treatment regimen. Methods: Ninety patients with vitiligo having more or less bilaterally symmetrical lesions on the face, trunk or limbs and receiving narrowband UVB therapy were enrolled for the study and instructed to apply topical placental extract (placentrex) lotion on their vitiligo lesions on the right side of the body. The other side of the body received narrowband UVB therapy alone and served as the control side. The extent of repigmentation achieved was assessed by VASI scoring and compared between the symmetrical lesions present on the two sides at monthly intervals and at the end of study period. Results: Seventy-eight patients with 218 symmetrically distributed lesions, excluding those present on the hands or feet, were evaluated for study results at the end of treatment period. The time to onset of repigmentation as well as the mean NB-UVB dosage required was the same on the two sides. The mean repigmentation achieved was 63% (VASI score of 3.69) on the right (placental extract) sided lesions in comparison with 62% (VASI score of 3.60) on the left (control) sided lesions. Greater than 90% repigmentation was achieved in 70 symmetrical lesions in 24 patients. Of these 70 lesions, 39 were located on the right side of the body while 31 belonged to the left side of the body. Conclusions: Addition of the topical placental extract was seen to have a modest but a statistically insignificant effect on the efficacy of NB-UVB therapy in causing repigmentation in vitiligo.

Background: Atrophic facial scars are always a challenge to treat, especially the ones that are deep-seated and/or involve much of the face. Microneedling or dermaroller therapy is a new addition to the treatment armamentarium for such scars that offers a simple and reportedly effective management of these scars. Aims: The aim of the present study was to perform an objective evaluation of the efficacy of dermaroller treatment in atrophic facial scars of varying etiology. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven patients of atrophic facial scarring were offered multiple sittings of microneedling (dermaroller) treatment and their scars were evaluated and graded clinically and by serial photography at the start as well as at two months after the conclusion of the treatment protocol. Any change in the grading of scars after the end of treatment and follow-up period was noted down. The patients were also asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment received on a 1-10 point scale. The efficacy of dermaroller treatment was thus assessed both subjectively by the patients as well as objectively by a single observer. Results: Overall 36 out of the total of 37 patients completed the treatment schedule and were evaluated for its efficacy. Out of these 36 patients, 34 achieved a reduction in the severity of their scarring by one or two grades. More than 80% of patients assessed their treatment as ′excellent′ on a 10-point scale. No significant adverse effects were noted in any patient. Conclusions: Microneedling therapy seems to be a simple and effective treatment option for the management of atrophic facial scars.

Background: Chronic autoimmune urticaria (CAU) is one of the most challenging therapeutic problems faced by a dermatologist. Recently, weekly autologous serum injections have been shown to induce a prolonged remission in this disease. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of repeated autologous serum injections in patients with CAU. Materials and Methods: Seventy patients of CAU were prospectively analyzed for the efficacy of nine consecutive weekly autologous serum injections with a post-intervention follow-up of 12 weeks. Total urticaria severity score (TSS) was monitored at the baseline, at the end of treatment and lastly at the end of 12 weeks of follow up. Response to treatment was judged by the percentage reduction in baseline TSS at the end of treatment and again at the end of 12 weeks-follow-up. Results: Out of the 70 patients enrolled, 11 dropped out of the injection treatment after one or the first few doses only. Among the rest of 59 patients, only 7 patients (12%) went into a partial or complete remission and remained so over the follow-up period of 12 weeks. Forty patients (68%) did not demonstrate any significant reduction in TSS at the end of the treatment period. Rest of the 12 patients showed either a good or excellent response while on weekly injection treatment, but all of them relapsed over the follow-up period of 12 weeks. Conclusion: Autologous serum therapy does not seem to lead to any prolonged remission in patients of CAU.

Lasers have come up as the newest therapeutic modality in dermatological conditions including melasma. In this article, as a group of experts from Pigmentary Disorders Society in collaboration with South Asian Pigmentary Disorders Forum (SPF), we have tried to discuss the lasers which have been used in melasma and formulate simple consensus guidelines. Following thorough literature search, we have summarised the rationale of using the lasers and the supporting evidences have also been provided. It is clear that laser cannot be the first line treatment for melasma. However, it can be used as an adjuvant therapy in resistant cases, provided the selection of patient and counselling has been done properly.

Background: Targeted UVB phototherapy currently ranks among the most effective treatment options in localized vitiligo. Purpose: The study aims to assess the efficacy of Targeted NBUVB monotherapy in childhood vitiligo involving less than 10% body surface area. Methods: Thirty-five children with vitiligo, less than 15-years of age were treated with Targeted NBUVB device twice weekly till complete resolution of the treated lesions or till maximum of 30 doses whichever occurred earlier. The extent of re-pigmentation achieved was assessed on the basis of VASI scoring system and was graded as excellent (>75% re-pigmentation), good (50-75% re-pigmentation) or poor ( 75% repigmentation. Among the rest, 33 lesions (28.9%) failed to show a satisfactory response to treatment while 20 lesions (17.5%) showed a good response in the form of 50-75% repigmentation. Lesions on face and neck responded the best to the treatment regimen. Conclusions: Targeted NBUVB therapy is a promising therapy in childhood vitiligo where the disease involves

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 (

Background: The current standard recommendation is to avoid surgical interventions in patients taking oral isotretinoin. However, this recommendation has been questioned in several recent publications. Aim: To document the safety of cosmetic and surgical interventions, among patients receiving or recently received oral isotretinoin. Materials and Methods: Association of Cutaneous Surgeons, India, in May 2012, initiated this study, at 11 centers in different parts of India. The data of 183 cases were collected monthly, from June 2012 to May 2013. Of these 61 patients had stopped oral isotretinoin before surgery and 122 were concomitantly taking oral isotretinoin during the study period. In these 183 patients, a total of 504 interventions were performed. These included [1] 246 sessions of chemical peels such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and combination peels; [2] 158 sessions of lasers such as ablative fractional laser resurfacing with erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet and CO 2 , conventional full face CO 2 laser resurfacing, laser-assisted hair reduction with long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, diode laser, and LASIK surgery; [3] 27 sessions of cold steel surgeries such as microneedling, skin biopsy, subcision, punch elevation of scars, excision of skin lesion, and wisdom tooth extraction; [4] 1 session of electrosurgery. Results: No significant side effects were noted in most patients. 2 cases of keloid were documented which amounted to 0.4% of side effects in 504 interventions, with a significant P value of 0.000. Reversible transient side effects were erythema in 10 interventions and hyperpigmentation in 15. Conclusion: The study showed that performing dermatosurgical and laser procedures in patients receiving or recently received isotretinoin is safe, and the current guidelines of avoiding dermatosurgical and laser interventions in such patients taking isotretinoin need to be revised.

Background: The incidence of recurrent tinea infections after oral terbinafine therapy is on the rise. Aim: This study aims to identify the appearance of incomplete cure and relapse after 2-week oral terbinafine therapy in tinea corporis and/or tinea cruris. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients clinically and mycologically diagnosed to have tinea corporis and/or tinea cruris were included in the study. The enrolled patients were administered oral terbinafine 250 mg once daily for 2 weeks. All clinically cured patients were then followed up for 12 weeks to look for any relapse/cure. Results: The common dermatophytes grown on culture were Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans in 55% and 20% patients, respectively. At the end of 2-week oral terbinafine therapy, 30% patients showed a persistent disease on clinical examination while 35% patients showed a persistent positive fungal culture (persisters) at this time. These culture positive patients included all the clinically positive cases. Rest of the patients (65/100) demonstrated both clinical and mycological cure at this time (cured). Over the 12-week follow-up, clinical relapse was seen in 22 more patients (relapse) among those who had shown clinical and mycological cure at the end of terbinafine therapy. Thus, only 43% patients could achieve a long-term clinical and mycological cure after 2 weeks of oral terbinafine treatment. Majority of the relapses (16/22) were seen after 8 weeks of completion of treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the body surface area involvement or the causative organism involved between the cured, persister, or relapse groups. Conclusions: Incomplete mycological cure as well as relapse is very common after standard (2-week) terbinafine therapy in our patients of tinea cruris/corporis.

Background: Hand eczema is one of the commonest eczemas encountered in dermatology practice. Contact allergens responsible for causing hand eczema vary from one geographical area of the world to another. Aim: The study tries to identify the commonest allergens causing hand eczema in ethnic Kashmiri population. Material and Methods: A total of 800 patients were patch tested at a sole patch testing facility for the local population over a 7-year period out of which 278 were diagnosed with hand eczema. The morphological type of hand eczema was noted and the patch testing results were analyzed. Past or present relevance of the patch-test result to the clinical diagnosis was also analyzed. Results: Hand eczema was the most common type of eczema patch tested over the 7-year period, constituting 34.75% of the patch-tested population. A positive patch-test result was obtained in 135 patients (48.5%) out of which it was found to be clinically relevant in about 65% cases. Nickel and potassium dichromate were found to be the two commonest allergens causing hand eczema in our population with positive patch test reactions in 45 and 27 patients respectively. Females showed a much higher incidence of hand eczema as well as higher patch test positivity than males (54.1% vs. 38.1%). Conclusions: Hand eczema with a positive patch-test report was found to be much more common in females than males and nickel and potassium dichromate were seen to be the commonest allergens causing hand eczema in ethnic Kashmiri population.