ABSTRACT
Perniosis [chilblains] is a common skin problem. This condition results from abnormal reaction to cold which is usually seen during the cold months of year. The aim of the present study is to shed a light on different clinical and epidemiological aspects of perniosis in Iraq. A total of 40 patients with perniosis were seen between January to march 2008 in the department of dermatology and venereology of Baghdad Teaching Hospital. A detailed history was taken from each patient regarding age, sex, occupation, duration of attack, family history, smoking, drug history, medical history, relieving and aggrevating factors and previous treatment modality. Full examination was done to each patient to assess the distribution and extent and morphology of the lesions and to see if there other skin diseases. Biopsies was done for 6 patients for histopathological study. A total of 40 patients were assessed. Their ages ranged from 5-60 years with a mean age of 22 SD +/- 6.2, 31 females and 9 males [3.5:1]. Main sites of involvemnt were; toes 39%, fingers 22%, heals 10% and nose 2.5%. Main types of lesions were; erythematous cyanotic swellings 82%, vesicular lesions 23%, ulcerations 10% and erythema multiforme like lesions 15%. Family history was positive in 22.5% of patients. Perniosis occur mainly in females between 10-20 years. Most common sites of involvement are toes and fingers genetic susceptibility is an important factor in the development of the disease. Majority of patients are healthy without any medical or dermatological diseases. Majority are non smokers and did not have any history of drug intake
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Chilblains/diagnosis , Toes , Fingers , Heel , NoseABSTRACT
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pentoxyfylline in treatment of perniosis in comparison with prednisolone plus topical clobetasol ointment. This is an open comparative therapeutic trial conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq between January and March 2008. Forty patients with perniosis were enrolled in this study, and divided randomly into 2 equal groups, according to the sort of treatment. Group A comprised patients who received oral prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg in 2 divided doses, and topical clobetasol ointment for 2 weeks. Group B comprised patients who received pentoxyfylline tablet 1200 mg/day in 3 divided doses for 2 weeks. Detailed history and full clinical examination were carried out for each case, regarding all relevant points related to the disease. The age of patients ranged from 5-60 mean +/- SD 22 +/- 6.2 years, with 31 females and 9 males with a female to male ratio of 3.5:1. All patients did not receive any treatment before the study. In group A, 11 patients completed the treatment course, and only 3 27.2% patients showed good improvement and complete cure after 2 weeks. In group B, 9 patients completed the regime, and 5 55.5% patients showed good improvement, in which symptoms disappeared and lesions resolved after 2 weeks. Pentoxyfylline was shown to be an effective and safe drug for treatment of perniosis, and superior to oral plus topical glucocorticoids p < 0.05.