ABSTRACT
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders due to occupation occur over a period of time because of repeated work load. Dentist due to their working posture while treating patients are prone to low back pain. Dental professionals spend most of their work days in static, awkward positions. Study was done to find the same. Aim: To study the prevalence of risk factors for low back pain in dentists and to find the possible correlation of these factors with working posture. Methods: The prospective study was done on 65 patients with females being predominant 53.84%, males 46.15 % with mean age being 26.5 years. Dentists were evaluated with the self-administered Nordic musculoskeletal evaluation chart, postural discomfort chart, and a self-prepared questionnaire. Results: Data was analysed and showed 45 (69%) subjects presented with lower back pain. The commonest site of pain was predominated by lower back 48.8%, followed by involvement of more than one area which constituted 24.4%, cervical 15.5% and upper back 11.11%. 93.3 % of subjects showed a mild to moderate level of severity and only 6.6% of subjects showed severe LBP. No correlation between working experience and working hours with low back pain was found. Conclusion: Our study reveals that dentists are at high risk for having lower back pain due to their working posture while treating the patients. To minimize the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders s among dentists, work postures need to be improved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Misuse of topical corticosteroids is a widespread among young people in India, especially women. The inadvertent use of topical corticosteroids for various common dermatological conditions is associated with significant adverse effects Aim: To assess the steroid abuse for various common dermatological conditions and its adverse effects. Materials & Methods: Sixty patients who attended OPD dermatology were taken in to study. A detailed clinical history with regard to age, gender, education status, duration and frequency of use of topical steroids, type and formulation of the drug (lotion, cream, ointment), cause for using the drug and the source of the drug (by dermatologist, doctor- physician/Ayurvedic/homeopathic, over the counter (OTC) were taken. Results: Majority of patients were between the age group of 15-30 years and females were in predominance. The common indications were facial pigmentation, dermatophytosis and acne. The source of drug were mostly from pharmacist, friends and family members. Most commonly used steroid were betamethasone valerate, clobetasol propionate and mometasone furoate. The common side effects observed were acneiform eruptions, tinea incognito, and erythema with telangiectasia, cutaneous atrophy and striae. Conclusion: Topical steroids should be used cautiously and judiciously. Awareness should be given regarding the indications and its consequences. Avoidance of self-medication by over the counter purchase should be stressed upon. While treating children extreme care should be given regarding the selection of potency of topical steroids.
ABSTRACT
Background: Acne vulgaris affects about 85% of adolescents, often extending into adulthood. Though considered to be merely a cosmetic problem, it is associated with considerable psychological impairment, such patients are prone to low self-esteem, low self-confidence and social dysfunction which may lead to anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsiveness and sometimes suicidal ideation. AIM: This study was aimed to assess the impact of acne and its sequelae on the quality of life. Methods: The current cross sectional study was conducted in Patients diagnosed as acne vulgaris attending OPD of HIMSR in department of dermatology for a period of 6 months. Patients aged 15 years and above were included in our study. A detailed history was taken after obtaining consent from all the participants of study. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was administered on patients to determine the impact of acne vulgaris on their quality of life (QOL). Results: This study included 200 patients with females being more in number 130 (65%) as compared to male patients which were 70 in number (35%). The mean age was 20.49 with majority of patients being in 15-20 years of age group. Mean DLQI score was 8.22, statistically influenced by the age of the patient, duration and grade of acne, acne scar, and post acne hyperpigmentation. Conclusions: This study showed significant impairment of quality of life in acne patients. Counseling along with early treatment of acne vulgaris both are important as to reduce disease-related psychosocial sequelae and enhancing the efficacy of treatment.
ABSTRACT
Background: Melasma a common skin pigmentary disorder poses a great challenge to clinicians due to unsatisfactory results and high recurrence rate. Many treatment modalities have been tried by clinicians without significant improvement in the lesion. Methods: This cross sectional study was done on 90 patients including both male and female and were diagnosed with moderate to severe melasma. TA 250 mg (thyrodin) bid for six months was prescribed along with topical sunscreen. Digital photography was performed at the first visit and at subsequent visits. The effects of treatment were evaluated by two dermatologists independently. Results were assed clinically and photographically. Result: 90 patients with moderate to severe melasma were enrolled in the study. The average age was 36 years. 44patients (48.8%) had good improvement, 25 patients (27.7%) had excellent improvement and 17 patients (18.8%) had fair improvement and 4 patients (4.4%) had no improvement. Three patients complained about gastric upset. None of the patients had serious systemic side effects, only few had oligomenorrhoea, palpitation. Patient’s satisfaction was similarly noted. Conclusion: oral administration of TA is effective and safe treatment for melasma.