Lipoid proteinosis in two Iranian sisters: a case report and review of literature

Lipoid proteinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder which may be seen within a family very occasionally. Herein, we report lipoid proteinosis in two sisters characterized by verrucous lesions and hoarseness of voice, dysphagia and multiple beaded papules along the margins of their eyelids, fissured lips and thick ferenulum

[Dermatologic manifestations of patients on chronic hemodialysis referring to University Hospitals]

Dermatologic diseases are common in patient with chronic renal failure, [CRF], being managed with hemodialysis. This study was done to determine the different patterns of skin involvement in these patients. We examined 215 patients on hemodialysis in four hemodialysis centers in Tehran in 2006. Of 215 patients, [122 men and 93 women], with the mean age of 56.4 +/- 16.2 years [range, 17 to 86 years], 202 [94%] had at least one type of dermatologic disease. They had been on dialysis from at least 1 year to 27 years. The most common dermatologic disease was xerosis, [59.1%]. There was a significant relation between the patients' age and solar elastosis [P=0.01], splinter hemorrhage [P=0.018], and longitudinal ridging [P=0.01]. Also, the relationship between the duration of hemodialysis and yellow discoloration, xerosis, and koilonychia were statistically significant, [P=0.047, 0.019, and 0.01, respectively]. A significant association was found between the patients' job and folicullitis [p= 0.01], and between the underlying disease resulting in CRF and folliculitis or furunculosis [P= 0.039]. As dermatologic diseases are very common in patients with chronic renal failure, referral to a dermatologist for optimal management will improve the quality of life in these patients

[Prevalence of skin diseases among nursing home patients in elderly home nursings in north of Tehran]

Continuing advances in medical care and nutrition have prolonged the lifespan and expanded the elderly demographics world-wide. Despite increasing elderly population within Iranian nursing homes, there has been a few dermatologic surveys in this field and the prevalence of skin disorders among this group is unknown. This study was carried out between November 2005 and February 2006 in Theran city to determine the prevalence of skin diseases within nursing homes of Tehran. We randomly selected 456 subjects out of 2500 old women and men and investigated their dermatologic and epidemiologic conditions among 2500 elderly subjects, 456[18.5%] were investigated. This study revealed that more than half of all nursing home patients suffered from at least one skin disease, the most common skin disease was dry skin. Seborrheic keratosis and pressure ulcer were the second and third common skin conditions, respectively. There was no case of scabies. Two patient had basal cell carcinoma, and one patient was suffered from Kaposi sarcoma. Our study revealed that skin diseases are important health problems in Geriatric population. The results suggest that dry skin is the most common skin disease within nursing homes which needs further attention of nursing home staffs to satisfy the dermatologic needs of these group of Iranian patients

[Efficacy of oral naltrexone in treatment of pruritus in patients with eczema]

Regarding to the role of opioid receptors in peripheral cutaneous sensations and central itch procession, this study was designed to determine the efficacy of oral Naltrexone in the treatment of pruritus in patients with eczema in comparison with placebo. Thirty eight patients with eczema complaining of pruritus were studied. Pruritus scores were evaluated. Patients were given the placebo [n=20] or Nalterxone 50 mg [n=18] for a two-week period. During the study, pruritus scores were distinguished by a visual analogue scale [VAS] system and recorded in patients questionnaires three times, at the start of study, after 1 week, and after 2 weeks In the both groups VAS score were decreased, although Naltrexon was more effective than placebo in decreasing the VAS scores, both in 1st week week [P < 0.005] and 2[nd] week [P< 0.001]. Adverse events [mainly nausea and sedation were observed in 3 patients [2 in Naltrexon group and 1 in placebo group] Naltrexone is more effective than placebo in treatment of pruritus in patient affected with eczema. Naltrexone might be considered as an adjuvant remedy in treatment of pruritus

[Skin diseases in prisoners]

Prisoners are susceptible to dermatological diseases due to their communal life in prison, high-risk behaviours and being under stress. The aim of our project was to investigate the prevalence of dermatological diseases in an Iranian prison. In this observational-cross sectional study 1404 prisoners were randomly selected and examined by two dermatologists. All the examinees were male prisoners. Their average age was 34 +/- 11.2 and average time of imprisonment was 1.9+/- 2.8 years. 7% of cases [97] complained of generalized itching and 10% [140] had a localized itching. Tattoos were seen on the body of 261 prisoners [19%]. 783 person [56%] [CI 95%: 53-59%] had a dermatological disorder and 621 [44%] were totally healthy. Truncal Acne Vulgaris was the most common disorder that was seen in 184 cases [13%]. 158 cases [11.2%] had Tinea Versicolor. Other diseases were Facial Acne Vulgaris in 78 cases [5.5%], Dry Skin in 75 cases [5.3%] and Hand Eczema in 55 cases [4%]. The average age of patients with Facial and Truncal Acne was lower. However, Acne was seen more in the patients with history of addiction. Scabies was more prevalent in crowded rooms. The most prevalent skin diseases were truncal Acne and tinea versicolor; our finding revealed that scabies prevalence is meaningfully related to duration of imprisonment. It is recommended that all the prisoners should be examined before entering the prison and also periodically during their imprisonment in order to receive suitable treatment and decrease the risk of transmitting contagious diseases in prison

[Frequency of skin disorders among university students in Shaheed Beheshti university of medical sciences]

Skin disorders especially infectious and contagious diseases are quite common in crowded environment. Few epidemiological studies have been conducted among university students, thus the present study was carried out to determine the frequency of skin disorders among university students in Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences' dormitories. Totally, 1279 students were selected for this cross sectional study. They were examined by two dermatologists during a 3-month period. T-test and chi square were used for data analysis. Of 1279 students, 1173 [91.7%] had skin disorder, of whom 658 [56%] were male and 515 [44%] were female. Acne [56%], hair loss among females [14%], seborouic dermatitis [9%], freckle [10%], hand eczema [10%], pityriasis versicolor [8%], xirosis [6%] and eczema [5%] were the most common skin disorders. There was an inverse strong relationship between acne and age. Skin disorders are quite common among university students