Clinico-mycological profiles of dermatophytosis in Gorgan, North of Iran

Dermatophytes are a group of closely related fungi that invade keratinized tissues [skin, hair and nails] of humans and animals and produce infections called dermatophytosis. Our objective was to determine causative agents of dermatophytosis in Gorgan, North of Iran. Data was based on collecting specimens from 1108 patients clinically suspected to have fungal infection during five years from 2003 through 2007. Specimens were collected from hair, nail and skin and were investigated by direct examination and cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar. Fungal colonies were identified by macroscopic and microscopic examination and supplementary tests. 351 samples out of 1108 were positive for dermatophytes and 277 ones had positive cultures. Epidemophyton floccosum was the most frequent species [70.4%] followed by Trichophyton rubrum [14.5%] and Microsporum audouinii [7.2%]. Regarding the location of the lesions, groin and nails were the most frequent sites that developed dermatophytosis in the majority of the patients. Dermatophytosis is probably still one of the most infectious diseases in Iran. The anthropophilic [E.fluoccosum] and zoophilic [T. rubrum] species were the most common causes of dermatophyte of tinea in Gorgan, north of Iran. The frequency of tinea was higher in females and tinea cruris showed a remarkably increasing rate and can be an important public health issue in Gorgan

[Efficacy of Erythromycin in treatment of pityriasis rosea [A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial]]

Pityriasis rosea is an acute inflammatory dermatosis with an unknown cause. Although it is a self limited disorder and has no chronic side effects [nevertheless it will take between 3-6 weeks] but it may continue for two months. In order to shorten pityriasis rosea course and remove itching and skin lesions, it is advisable to cure the disease with an appropriate drug. Based on the above, the present study was performed to investigate efficacy of Erythromycin in comparison with placebo and improve this disease period. A randomized double blind clinical trail was carried out on typical pityriasis rosea patients who had referred to 5th Azar clinic Gorgan-Iran during December 2004-May 2005. 46 patients were selected and randomly divided into two groups [23 patients in each one]. Since it was a double blind study, treatment for two weeks was prescribed then the cure rate was measured during second, fourth and sixth week. In case group, Erythromycin 1gr/day was prescribed and continued for two weeks. In the other group only placebo was prescribed. Pearson chi-square analysis with 2- sided p value was applied to compare the distribution of pityriasis rosea between patients by using Sspss-11.5 software Regard to the kind of study and qualitative attribute; we used comparison between ratios in order to analyze them. Meaningful level for these tests was alpha =0.05. Results: Even though we gained good results in case group during second, fourth and sixth week after treatment, but there was no significant difference between these two groups at alpha =0.05. This investigation shows that Erythromycin has little effect on pityriasis rosea period. Therefore we suggest complementary study with larger samples in future

Granuloma facial: an extra facial presentation

Granuloma faciale is an uncommon cutaneous lesion characterized by asymptomatic skin nodules and plaques without any systemic presentation. The lesions mainly seen in middle aged males. We report an uncommon presentation [multiple cutaneous lesions] in trunk, upper arm and face] of a 32 years old male