ABSTRACT
Background:Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection found in hot and humid areas particularly in tropical regions and affects thekeratinized regions of the body. It is usually treated with a combination of topical and systemic antifungal therapy as well as improved hygienic measures. Over the last few decades there has been an increase in the prevalence of dermatophyte infections which are poorly responding to standard antifungal therapy.Methods:Modified Whitfield’s ointment is a combination of 5%-5% Salicylic acid and Benzoic acid with an emulsifying ointment as a vehicle which has both a fungistatic and a keratolytic action. Oral Griseofulvin is a systemic antifungal agent which is a fungistatic agent. The combination of the above agents is synergistic. A randomized double blind, within-patient-placebo-controlled trial was designed for the treatment of dermatophytosis poorly responsive to standard antifungal therapy.Conclusions: This may shed light on the treatment of dermatophytosis poorly responsive to standard antifungal therapy.Trial Registration:This trial is registered with WHO trial registry number (Universal trial number): U111-1235-8791
ABSTRACT
<B>Objective</B><BR>Despite the steady high prevalence of infectious diseases, Sri Lanka has an increasing awareness of lifestyle-related health diseases. To lower their risks in the future, making better lifestyle choices and establishing patterns of healthy behavior during young adulthood are essential. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore current issues of university students' health behaviors and their environments.<BR><B>Methods</B><BR>The study was conducted in a university of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. Four graduate students in the Faculty of Medicine and three senior students in the Faculty of the Arts were interviewed in a focus group. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed inductively.<BR><B>Results</B><BR>The results yielded three core categories: little interests in health, unhealthy lifestyles, and lower usage of the Student Health Center. In addition, three major health problems were observed among the participants: eating habits, substance use, and mental health. Students had little paid attention to their health. It also showed passive participation on a health check-up. Additionally students' hidden risky behaviors were observed: alcohol intake and smoking. Mental health problem is one of the great health concerns among the students. Although the School Health Center was available, the gaps between its provisions of services and students' needs are an important issue.<BR><B>Discussion and Conclusion</B><BR>Students need to pay more attention on their health conditions and the importance of preventive health. Furthermore, to improve the current university health services, accessibility, usability, and students' needs should be carefully reviewed in the context of advocacy of preventive health behaviors.