ABSTRACT
Background: Suffering from skin diseases is more than a cosmetic nuisance. Patients with chronic skin diseases often experience significant psychological and social distress and fear of stigma. The aim of this study was to determine the psychological impact (depression, anxiety and stress) of skin diseases in comparison to chronic diseases among patients at an academic tertiary healthcare centre in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross sectional study involving 125 patients with chronic skin-related disorders recruited from the dermatology clinic at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) and 100 patients with non-skin-related chronic disease were recruited from the medical, surgical and day care clinics at KAUH using the self-administered Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) Arabic questionnaire. Results: There was no significant difference in the level of depression, anxiety and stress in the group of subjects with skin diseases in comparison to the group with chronic diseases. However, subjects who have chronic disease were more likely to have severe and extremely severe stress compared to those who have skin disease when the levels of depression, anxiety and depression were categorized into normal, mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe levels. Conclusions: The association of depression, anxiety and stress in skin diseases are similar to chronic diseases. Subjects who have chronic disease were more likely to have severe and extremely severe stress compared to those who have skin disease. Patients with skin diseases need to be assessed regarding the psychological impact of their diseases.
ABSTRACT
Background: Acne is a common disease. Variety of treatment methods are available. Oral isotretinoin is an effective treatment but has some precautions. Methods: In this study, the attitude of dermatologists in western area of Saudi Arabia toward isotretinoin and their practice are being studied through online questionnaire survey. Results: More than half of responding dermatologists used the dose of 0.5mg per kg per day. Variable dosing, length of therapy, and laboratory investigations were reported. All responding dermatologists did laboratory investigations before commencing therapy and most did it as well after one month. Most of responding dermatologists thought it was safe to perform laser hair removal during or shortly (1-2 months) post isotretinoin therapy, but laser resurfacing was not thought to be safe to do while on therapy. The most common side effects encountered with oral isotretinoin were skin and lip dryness and chelitis. All dermatologists counselled females for teratogenicity and pregnancy prevention. There were variable responses to depression, blood donation abstinence and irritable bowel syndrome. Conclusions: In conclusion, isotretinoin is an effective therapy for acne. There is a controversy among physicians on the dose, length of therapy and laboratory follow up. Controversies for depression, irritable bowel syndrome still exist.
ABSTRACT
Aims: To evaluate the pattern of skin prick test results of atopic dermatitis patients. Study: This was a retrospective study. Data were collected for the results of skin prick tests for atopic dermatitis patients who attended the King AbdulAziz University Medical Services Dermatology clinic in Jeddah Saudi Arabia between October 2010 and November 2012 Results: A total of 63 cases were collected. The rate of sensitization was 85.7% (54 out of 63). Most of them had been sensitized to more than one allergen (77.8%). Most of the patients were sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farina (80% and 74% respectively). Less commonly they were sensitized to cat fur (44%) and to cockroaches (37%). Conclusion: House dust mite, cats and cockroaches allergens appear to be the most prevalent sensitizers in atopic dermatitis patients in Jeddah region.