Single dose fluconazole in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of single dose [450mg] of fluconazole in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor. Patients suffering from pityriasis versicolor presenting to department of dermatology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of PV was made by Wood`s lamp and confirmed by examination of scales in KOH preparation. 30 patients were included in the study. 30 patients completed the study including 24 males and 6 females. Their age ranged from 14 years to 45 years [mean 25.3 years]. Eighteen patients [60%] had complete cure and their clinical and laboratory parameters remained negative at 3 weeks and 6 weeks after completion of treatment. Twelve [40%] had no response to treatment. Treatment was well-tolerated and there were no adverse affects reported with single 450mg of fluconazole. Fluconazole 450mg as a single dose was effective in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor and well tolerated. However, long term comparative studies should be done to establish the efficacy of fluconazole as a single dose treatment in PV

Cutaneous manifestations of chronic liver disease

Hepatobiliary diseases are frequently associated with abnormalities of the skin, nails and hair. This study was undertaken to determine the cutaneous manifestations of chronic liver disease [CLD] and particular pattern associated with aetiology of disease. Patients suffering from chronic liver disease of any aetiology presenting to department of gastroenterology Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from 1st December 2004 to 30th April 2005 were enrolled in the study. All the relevant details regarding history and clinical examination were recorded on a specially designed pro forma. A total of fifty patients, 32 males and 18 females were included. Thirty [60%] patients were suffering from chronic hepatitis C virus infection, 14 patients were suffering from Chronic hepatitis B virus infection and 2 patients each were suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis and Wilson's disease. In two cases the aetiology could not be ascertained. Different manifestations included pigmentation [82%], Terry's nails [80%], xerosis and excoriations [72%], nonscarring hair loss from axilla and pubic region [64%], and spider naevi and palmar erythema [36%]. Lichen planus was seen in 4%, vitiligo and hepatocutaneous syndrome in [2%] of patients each. Cutaneous manifestations in chronic liver disease are non-specific and do not point towards specific aetiology. Physicians caring for patients with chronic liver disease should pay attention to its multisystemic nature