Frequency of hair loss in lesions of pityriasis versicolor

Objective: to determine the frequency of hair loss in the lesions of pityriasis versicolor

Methods: it was a cross-sectional study carried out at the outpatient department of dermatology, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan over six months period after approval from the hospital's ethical committee. Informed consent was obtained from participants. Two punch biopsies were taken from each patient, one from lesional and other from nonlesional skin under local anesthesia. The biopsy specimen included at least one hair or follicular ostium. Biopsy specimens were observed histopathologically for evidence of hair loss by making a comparison of lesional specimen with the nonlesional specimen. Frequency of hair loss was also documented

Results: histopathological evaluation of biopsy specimens from the lesions of pityriasis versicolor demonstrated hair loss in a significant number of patients [57.6%] when compared to biopsy specimens from nonlesional skin

Conclusion: pityriasis versicolor can cause hair loss in a significant number of individuals

Michelin tire syndrome

We describe a 5-year-old girl who has symmetrical ringed skin folds associated with underlying smooth muscle hamartoma. Cutaneous findings in this child resemble those in other reported cases of Michelin tire syndrome. In addition to the skin changes she has multiple phenotypical anomalies. These include distinctive facial dysmorphia, and genital, ophthalmologic, skeletal and central nervous system anomalies

Efficacy and safety of quasi-continuous, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG [532nm] laser therapy of port-wine stains

The quasi-continuous, frequency-doubled neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet [Nd:YAG] 532nm laser has been used for the first time in the treatment of port-wine stain [PWS]. To determine the efficacy and side effects of quasi-continuous Nd: YAG 532nm laser in the treatment of PWS. Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. The site and colour of PWS were recorded and assessed subjectively and by photography both before and after treatment. The patients had test areas treated and followed up after four weeks. Maximally eight treatments were given on any one site or until >75%improvement occurred. Final evaluation was done one month after the last treatment session on a four-point scale. Twenty patients were treated, age range 15-35 years wit 14 females. All the patients had PWS in the head and neck region and achieved >25%improvement.Patients underwent a mean of 7.55 treatment sessions. Overall, fifteen [75%] showed 75-100%improvement. The side effects seen in the study were hyperpigmentation in 65%cases, textural changes in six [30%] and eczematization after laser therapy in four [20%] of patients. Other complications included intraoperative hemorrhage and pyogenic granuloma-like lesions that occurred in two cases [10%] each. We have shown that frequency doubled Nd: YAG 532nm is effective and safe in the treatment of PWS