Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology back issues from September 2008:
Hand dermatitis: Current treatment options
Sep 01, 2008; ... Hand dermatitis or eczema poses an extraordinary challenge in diagnosis and treatment and demands expeditious and aggressive attention to prevent disability and consequent limitation of lifestyle. It has a spectrum comprising acute / sub-acute and chronic phase(s). The acute phase is ...
Therapeutic trials for systemic sclerosis: An update
Sep 01, 2008; ... Definition Scleroderma is derived from the Greek words skleros (hard or indurated) and derma (skin). It was initially defined by Hippocrates, but a detailed description was given by Carlo Curzio. [1] Pathogenesis It is an autoimmune disorder that involves interaction of ...
Evening primrose oil is effective in atopic dermatitis: A randomized placebo-controlled trial
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing disease in the abnormally reacting skin of atopic individuals, and which is frequently associated with increased serum IgE level and a personal or family history of AD, allergic rhinitis, and/or asthma. [1] Although the ...
Azathioprine versus betamethasone for the treatment of parthenium dermatitis: A randomized controlled study
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Parthenium hysterophorus is the commonest cause of airborne contact dermatitis, also known as parthenium dermatitis (PD), in India. PD has become one of the major dermatological problems in our country. [1],[2] Though it has very low rate of mortality, the disease usually ...
Patterns of lower leg and foot eczema in south India
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Some forms of eczema are altered by regional variation in structure and function of the skin, and these may modify its appearance in regions such as hands and lower legs. [1] Legs and feet are affected by various eczemas. Classically stasis dermatitis affects lower legs ....
Atopic patch testing
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense itching and a relapsing course especially in infants and children with a personal or family history of atopic disorders. Several new aspects with regard to the pathogenetic background ...
Comparative study of calcipotriol (0.005%) ointment and tazarotene (0.05% and 0.1%) gel in the treatment of stable plaque psoriasis
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Psoriasis is a common, genetically determined inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin disease with worldwide prevalence of 1% to 3%. [1] Although no cure is available, the disease can be effectively controlled by various therapeutic options, used alone or in combination ....
Histamine 2 blocker potentiates the effects of histamine 1 blocker in suppressing histamine-induced wheal
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Histamine is a major mediator in allergic reactions. It is secreted as a result of the interaction of antigens with IgE antibodies on mast cells and results in profound pharmacological effects, both locally and systemically. [1] Four histamine receptors have been identified ....
Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands (NDDH) has been recently described as a form of Sweet's syndrome which can be associated with cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, drugs, pregnancy, and infections. Several dermatologic diseases have been recognized in chronic ...
Methotrexate toxicity presenting as ulceration of psoriatic plaques: A report of two cases
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Methotrexate is a potentially toxic antimetabolite anticancer drug, [1] which, in low doses, remains an effective and safe therapy for psoriasis, if careful monitoring is done according to the recommended guidelines. [2] Failure to adhere to the guidelines can lead to ...
Pachyonychia congenita with woolly hair in a ten month old infant
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a group of rare genodermatoses first described by Jadassohn and Lewandowsky in 1906. [1] PC is characterized by hypertrophic nail dystrophy and associated ectodermal features for which, based on the clinical features, numerous subdivisions have ...
Neu-Laxova syndrome in an appropriate for gestational age newborn
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Neu-Laxova syndrome (NLS) is a lethal, autosomal recessive syndrome including multiple congenital abnormalities. This syndrome was first described in three siblings by Neu et al. in 1971. [1] To date, in the medical literature, researchers have reported that NLS was ...
Donovanosis with auto-amputation of penis in a HIV-2 infected person
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Donovanosis is a chronic slowly progressive, mildly contagious disease of venereal origin, characterized by granulomatous ulceration of the genitalia and neighboring sites, with little or no tendency to spontaneous healing. [1] It is caused by Klebsiella (Calymmatobacterium) ...
Corticosteroids in toxic epidermal necrolysis
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, I wish to refer to the two papers published in the IJDVL on toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), V. K. Sharma et al , [1] and Reena Rai and C. R. Srinivas. [2] Interestingly, neither of these papers have referred to two of our publications [3],[4] on the same topic. In the first paper, ...
Authors' reply
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, It was by oversight that we missed the articles authored by Dr. Pasricha. However, the idea to use pulse therapy for TEN was originally that of Dr. Pasricha (personal communication). Dr. Pasricha headed the Dermatology department of a premium institute AIIMS which as we understand ...
Authors' reply
Sep 01, 2008; ... We thank Dr. Pasricha for his interest in our paper and his comments about the use of steroids in Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). It is apparent from the title that our paper was focused mainly on the etiological agents and outcome of SJS and TEN. [1] The ...
Use of patch testing for identifying allergen causing chronic urticaria
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, I read with interest the article by Sharma AD titled "Use of patch testing for identifying allergen causing chronic urticaria". [1] Contact allergens are one of the etiological agents in chronic urticaria in some of the patients. In this study the author has suggested the role of ...
Authors' reply
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, I thank Dr. Verma for his keen interest in my report and his valid comments. However, I would like to clarify some of the points: The aim of this study was to see the role and relevance of patch testing in the etiological diagnoses of chronic urticaria, not to highlight the ...
Autologous serum skin test v/s autologous plasma skin test
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a rather common skin disorder characterized by the recurrent eruption of short-lived wheals accompanied by redness and itching for at least 6 weeks. [1] In 25% to 60% of patients of chronic urticaria, the results of autologous serum skin test ...
Patch testing in hand eczema at a tertiary care center
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Hand eczema is a descriptive diagnosis for dermatitis largely confined to the hands, and it does not make any presumption about the etiology. [1] It may be endogenous or exogenous (allergic or irritants) in origin. [1] Most of the cases of hand eczema have a multifactorial etiology, ...
A study of erythroderma: Clues from eosinophilia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Erythroderma, first described by Hebra in 1868, is an inflammatory disorder characterized by erythema and scaling involving more than 90% of the body surface. It results from worsening of existing skin disease (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis), or may be caused by drugs or underlying ...
Cell phone dermatitis
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Metal cases of mobile phone are newer sources of the growing list of conditions where nickel may cause contact dermatitis. A 32-year-old man, software professional by occupation, presented to us with history of unilateral itchy red rash on left cheek for 6 weeks, which ...
Pruritic papular eruptions of HIV: A clinicopathologic and therapeutic study
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Pruritic papular eruptions (PPEs) of HIV disease are characterized by chronic, sterile pruritic papules and pustules on the extensor surfaces of the arms, dorsa of the hands, trunk, and face with sparing of the palms and soles. The condition tends to wax and wane. [1] In majority of ...
Hand foot and mouth disease: Emerging epidemics
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, The case report by Saoji VA about hand, foot and mouth disease in Nagpur, made very interesting reading. [1] We in Jorhat district of the state of Assam, India, also witnessed and managed an outbreak of hand foot mouth disease (HFMD). However, our observations differed in various ...
An atypical presentation of erythema induratum
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Erythema induratum (EI) and erythema nodosum (EN) are diverse entities in the group of panniculitides with distinct clinicopathological features. They have varying etiologies, of which tuberculosis is common to both. In majority of the patients, by meticulous history-taking, ...
Pyoderma gangrenosum affecting the vulva
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Nonvenereal vulvar ulcers often pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the clinician. Behcet's disease, Crohn's disease, pyoderma gangrenosum, premalignant or malignant ulcers, traumatic and factitial ulceration may involve the vulva. A 48-year-old married woman ...
Pigmented basal cell carcinoma of the scrotum: An unusual site
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, The commonest site of basal cell carcinoma is the face; 80% arise above a line from the corner of the mouth to the ear lobe. Occurrence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the scrotum is extremely rare, accounting for less than 0.05% to 0.19% of all BCC cases. [1],[2],[3] Very few ...
Oral-esophageal lichen planus associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous condition which affects approximately 0.2% to 3.8% of the general population, being more frequent in females. [1] Among OLP cases, only 1% may involve the esophagus. [2] The rate of malignant transformation in OLP is ...
Ciprofloxacin-induced generalized bullous fixed drug eruption
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Ciprofloxacin, a widely used quinolone antibiotic, induces cutaneous adverse drug reactions in about 1% to 2% of treated patients. [1] Urticaria, angioedema, maculopapular exanthem, and photosensitivity are the most frequently documented cutaneous adverse reactions. [2] Only a few ...
Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis is characterized by linear streaks of hyperpigmentation along the Blaschko's lines. [1] It is also known as 'zebra-like pigmentation'. The pigmentary anomalies become apparent in infancy or early childhood and usually remain stable, but may ...
Iso-Kikuchi syndrome with absence of ring fingers and metacarpal bone abnormality
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Iso-Kikuchi syndrome (I-K S), congenital onychodysplasia of the index fingers (COIF), is a rare condition characterized by various forms of nail dysplasia commonly involving the index fingers. Not infrequently, the neighboring fingers such as the middle fingers and thumbs are also ...
Eumycetoma due to Curvularia lunata
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous, suppurative, and progressive inflammatory disease that usually involves the subcutaneous tissue and bones after traumatic inoculation of the causative organism. The condition may be caused by true fungi or by higher bacteria and therefore is ...
Schamberg's disease: Involvement of the genitalia
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Schamberg's disease (SD), (progressive pigmentary dermatosis), is of uncertain etiology. [1] Irregular patches of brown pigmentation due to hemosiderin deposits, with characteristic 'cayenne pepper' spots, are clinically seen. Though most frequent on the lower limbs, they may occur ...
Solitary eccrine syringofibroadenoma
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Eccrine syringofibroadenoma (ESFA) is a rare benign proliferation with differentiation towards ductal eccrine structures. It was first described by Mascaro in 1963. [1] It may show variable presentation, ranging from a solitary lesion to multiple papules and nodules arranged in a ...
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in a CD34-positive glomus tumor with myxoid stromal change
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Glomus tumors commonly present as solitary lesions and typically occur in the dermis or subcutis of extremities of the adults. Subungual region of the finger is the most common localization for these tumors. Microscopically, a glomus tumor has distinctive histological features. It ...
Deciphering spongiotic dermatitides
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Spongiotic dermatitis (SD) is a fairly ubiquitous staple in routine dermatopathology practice. Spongiosis is a term used to describe the appearance of the epidermis imparted by intercellular edema with resultant spaces between keratinocytes, often progressing to ...
Improving diagnostic yield of punch biopsies of the skin
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Doing a punch biopsy of the skin is one of the skills frequently expected of a first year resident in dermatology. However, once mastered, it can stand in good stead for the rest of her/his professional career. Punch biopsy is an apparently simple procedure but it has its ...
Basic digital photography in dermatology
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction With the advent of new generation digital cameras more and more dermatologists are using digital images in their regular practice. The dramatic reduction of the cost of digital photography as compared to conventional film photography is one of the reasons for the ...
Online reprint request: Search, access, read, and update
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction A physician updates the recent advances by periodic reading and analyzing the journals in order to deliver quality health care. Failure to update results in poor proficiency in clinical practice and can be questionable by law. [1] Scarce availability of time and a limited ...
A painless punctured papule
Sep 01, 2008; ... A 73-year-old building contractor presented to this clinic with a bleeding lesion on the face. The lesion was present since 8 months and there were 3 episodes of scanty bleeding in the past. On examination there was a skin-colored firm, non-tender, freely movable, and well-defined papule ...
Dermatological diseases: A practical approach
Sep 01, 2008; ... Venkatram Mysore, S. Sacchidanand, K. H. Satyanarayana Rao Publisher: BI Publications PVT Ltd, New Delhi. 1st edition 2007; Pages 287 This 287-page book reflects the changing face of dermatology. It is divided into ten major units (basic dermatology, rashes, allergic and ...
A clinicopathologic study of skin appendageal tumors
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction The skin appendageal tumors (ATs) encompass a wide variety of tumors clinically presenting as papules and nodules and with histologically distinct features. They are basically classified into four groups: tumors with differentiation towards hair follicles, sebaceous glands, ...
Allergic to all medicines and red coloured urine
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Dermatitis artefacta is a disorder in which the skin is the target of self-inflicted injury. As in other factitious disorders, the patient intentionally produces lesions to assume a sick role and typically denies the self-inflicted nature of the disorder. We present a case ...
Expression of cell cycle inhibitor p27 Kip1 in nevi and melanomas
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Cutaneous melanoma, the most aggressive skin tumor, is characterized by a multifactorial etiology. [1] Multiple genetic alterations including oncogens, tumor suppressor genes, and apoptosis-related genes can cause conversion of normal cells to cancer cells. [2] It has been suggested ...
Nodules and bullae on the back of the hand with axillary spread
Sep 01, 2008; ... A 16 year-old aquarium worker presented with nodules and bulls on the back of the right hand since one year. The nodules first appeared on the hand and then over the forearm and the right axilla. The nodules became larger and developed a bulla on top which then ruptured and formed an ulcer ...
Early mycosis fungoides vs. inflammatory mimics: How reliable is histology?
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Traditionally, three stages have been described - the patch, plaque, and tumor. While the plaque and tumor stages are diagnosed with relative ease, the diagnosis of MF in the patch stage continues to be a vexing issue to ...
A possible pivotal role for transglutaminase 2 in the pathophysiology of cutaneous amyloidosis
Sep 01, 2008; ... Sir, Amyloidosis is a generic term that signifies the abnormal extracellular tissue deposition of one of a family of biochemically unrelated proteins that share certain characteristic staining properties, including apple-green birefringence of Congo red-stained preparations viewed under ...
Is CCR7 a potential target for biologic therapy in psoriasis?: Increased expression of CCR7 in psoriasis vulgaris
Sep 01, 2008; ... Introduction Psoriasis is estimated to affect 1% to 3% of the world's population. [1],[2] Cellular alterations in the skin include marked hyperplasia of the epidermis, altered keratinocyte differentiation, angiogenesis, and marked infiltration of the skin by T lymphocytes, dendritic ...