Prevalence of scabies and pediculosis in Ghezel Hesar prison

Pediculosis and scabies are infectious diseases that can spread easily in overcrowded places, like prisons. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of these diseases in Ghezel Hesar prison [a male prison]. For this descriptive study, 1404 prisoners in Ghezel Hesar prison were included. The prisoners were evaluated clinically by two experienced dermatologists for scabies and pediculosis. Of 1404 prisoners, 31 [2.2%] were infested with Sarcoptes scabiei and 12 [0.9%] with body louse. There were no cases of head or crab lice. All of the subjects with scabies and 83% of Pediculosis corporis infestation had intense pruritus. There was a significant reverse association between the duration of imprisonment and these diseases. Pediculosis and scabies were more common among new prisoners [p<0.001]. Scabies was more common in overcrowded cells. In Pediculosis group there were more opium addicted individuals [p<0.01]. We recommend examining the newly admitted prisoners for scabies and pediculosis by a dermatologist or a trained doctor in order to reduce the spread of these diseases

[Evaluation of hand eczema patients by performing patch test]

Various environmental factors can induce or exaggerate hand eczema. Evaluation of patch test results in hand eczema patients. In this descriptive study 100 patients with hand eczema referred to Loghman Hakim and Booali Hospital in Tehran underwent patch testing with 23 allergens obtained from Hermalcompany. 240 positive reactions observed in 86 patients. The most common positive reactions were related to nickel sulfate [30 patients, 13.5%] and potassium dichromate [28 patients, 11.7%]. In positive group 28 patients were male and 58 were female. In negative group 3 patients were male and 11 were female [P > 0.05]. The mean age was 31.7 +/- 11.9 years and 24.8 +/- 9.2 years for positive group and negative group, respectively [P < 0.05]. In positive patch test group 49 patients had subacute and 37 patients had chronic eczema. In negative patch test 11 patients had subacute eczema and 3 patients had chronic eczema [P > 0.05]. Performing patch test, the allergens involved in hand eczema can be detected. Detecting type of allergens, patients will be able to avoid those materials, which can lead to improvement of disease