[Identification of Malassezia species associated with seborrheic dermatitis using PCR-RFLP]

Malassezia is a lipophilic and dimorphic fungus which has different species. Some of them can be found as natural flora on the skin and in some conditions may cause seborrheic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to identify Malassezia species associated with seborrheic dermatitis in Iranian patients, using PCR-RFLP. In this study out of 79 patients with seborrheic dermatitis, isolates of 70 patients were positive for Malassezia species using PCR-RFLP. The Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 [ITS2] region was amplified by PCR employing the ITS3 and ITS4 primers and the restriction endonucleases AluI, BanI and MspAI were selected for producing distinct RFLP patterns. M. globosa [48.6%], M. furfur [40.0%], M. slooffiae [8.6%] and M. sympodialis [2.8%], were the microorganisms responsible for the infection among participants. M. pachydermatis, M. japonica, M. dermatis, M. restricta, M. obtuse, M. nana and M. yamatoensis were not isolated from any samples. Our findings suggest that the most common Malassezia species associated with seborrheic dermatitis was M. globosa, followed by M. furfur

[Identification of Malassezia species associated with pityriasis versicolor using PCR-RFLP]

Malassezia is a lipophilic and dimorphic fungus which has different species. Some of them can be found as natural flora on skin and in some conditions may cause pityriasis versicolor. The aim of this study was to identify Malassezia species associated with pityriasis versicolor in Iranian patients, using PCR-RFLP. In this study out of 65 patients with pityriasis versicolor to have pityriasis versicolor,isolates of 60 patients were positive. Malassezia species. using by PCR-RFLP. The Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 [ITS2] region was amplified by PCR employing the ITS3 and ITS4 primers and the restriction endonucleases AluI, BanI and MspAI were selected for producing distinct RFLP patterns. M. furfur [36.7%], M. globosa [30.0%], M. sympodialis [20.0%], M. slooffiae [8.3%], M. restricta [3.3%] and M. obtusa [1.7%] were the microorganisms responsible for the infection among participants. The M. sympodialis infection was strongly correlated with the female gender [P=0.02]. Our findings suggest that, the most common Malassezia species associated with pityriasis versicolor was M. furfur, followed by M. globosa

[Connective tissue nevus: a case report]

Connective tissue nevi are types of hamartoma with increased collagen in which the amounts of elastin may vary. This report introduces an 18-year-old case with various nodular lesions in upper thigh area. Performed biopsy suggested the diagnosis of collagenoma which is a sub-type of connective tissue nevus

[Assessment of the relationship between psoriatic arthritis and nail involvement score [NAPSI] in psoriatic patients visiting Razi hospital dermatology clinic from 1386-87]

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder involving many parts of the body including skin, nails and joints with severe negative effects on patient's quality of life. Nail involvement is one of the most difficult involvements of this disease to treat. Psoriatic arthritis categorized in sero-negative spondilo-arthropaties with some deforming characteristics. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between psoriatic arthritis and nail involvement based on standard psoriatic nail involvement score [NAPSI]. Psoriatic patients visiting dermatology clinic of Razi hospital were selected. Patients with arthritis enrolled as the case group while patients that had no joint involvement participated in control group. After matching, demographic data of both groups as well as NAPSI score and nail involvement characteristics collected through special questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS version 14. A total of 30 patients with psoriatic arthritis and 75 patients without arthritis were enrolled the study. Analysis of collected data demonstrated that nail involvement among patients with psoriatic arthritis [mean NAPSI score=46] was more common and severe than patients without joint involvement [mean NAPSI score=9.23] [P<0.05]. It seems that there is a significant difference between psoriatic patients presenting with or without arthritis and presence of arthritis probably can determine occurrence and extension of nail involvement

[ review of PDL laser applications on treatment of non-vascular lesions]

Pulse Dye Laser [PDL] is mainly used to treat vascular lesions but several studies performed in different research centers have shown the efficacy of this safe laser in the treatment of non-vascular lesions as well. The aim of this study was to review, sum up and summarize these studies. PDL is a known alternative for cryotherapy in the treatment of some viral lesions such as periungual warts and molluscum contagiosum.The effect of this laser in the management of inflammatory lesions is not yet known and there have been controversial results. PDL has a very little effect on these dematoses and it is limited to the lesions with a clear vascular component, such as psoriasis and acne. Finally, regarding collagen remodeling and its usage in rejuvenation and in the treatment of hypertrophic scars, keloid and striae, the results from various studies are different and while they confirm its possible effect, more studies have to be conducted in order to determine appropriate treatment parameters