Tazarotene gel with narrow-band UVB phototherapy: a synergistic combination in psoriasis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) has been shown to be one of the most effective treatment modalities for psoriasis. Tazarotene, a known effective anti-psoriatic modality, when combined with NB-UVB may enhance the therapeutic success. OBJECTIVE: To study clinical efficacy and safety of combination of NB-UVB with topical tazarotene 0.05% gel in psoriasis. METHOD: Thirty patients with plaque psoriasis having symmetrical lesions were enrolled for 12 weeks. All patients were instructed to apply tazarotene gel on target plaque on left side of body once daily. In addition, the whole body was irradiated with NB-UVB twice weekly. Efficacy was assessed by target plaque scoring and number of treatment sessions for clearance. RESULT: Our study resulted in 3 key findings: Firstly, therapeutic efficacy of NB-UVB was enhanced by addition of tazarotene. This enhanced efficacy was more apparent in decreasing scaling and thickness as compared to decrease in erythema. Secondly, combination therapy showed faster clearance of target plaques, with reduction in mean number of treatment sessions. Thirdly, mean cumulative NB-UVB dose needed to achieve clearance of target plaques was significantly reduced with combination therapy. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The study was not randomized or controlled, but an open-label trial. The study period was relatively short, i.e., 12 weeks, without any follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Tazarotene gel significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of NB-UVB irradiation with faster clearance and without serious side effects.

Narrowband UV-B phototherapy in childhood atopic dermatitis: efficacy and safety

Abstract: Background: Narrow-band UVB is the most innovative steroid sparing treatment in atopic dermatitis. There are studies showing efficacy of Narrow-band UVB in childhood atopic dermatitis, but there is lack of clinical trials in the literature determining the length of remission. Therefore, we sought to highlight its efficacy, safety and its post-treatment efficacy in childhood atopic dermatitis. Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy, safety of Narrow-band UVB in the treatment of paediatric atopic dermatitis and length of remission during 2 years of post-treatment follow-up. Methods: Thirty children (4-14 years) having moderate to severe AD (SCORAD index > 25) were enrolled for 12 weeks. Narrow-band UVB phototherapy was administered twice a week on non-consecutive days for three months. SCORAD index was calculated by the same dermatologist at baseline, 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th treatment session. Secondary outcomes were measured using visual analog scale for pruritus and sleep loss. Patients were also followed-up for 2 years to know the length of remission after end of therapy. Results: There was a significant reduction in SCORAD index at 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th treatment session in comparison to baseline. This improvement in SCORAD was also maintained during the 2 years of post-treatment follow-up period. Consequently, pruritus and sleep loss improved significantly from baseline to end of therapy and even during the 1st and 2nd year of follow-up. Study limitation: Open-label trial without control group. Conclusions: Narrow-band UVB is an efficacious and safe modality of treatment in childhood atopic dermatitis with good therapeutic index and minimal side effects.

Dyshidrosiform pemphigoid localized on the hands in a child: a rare occurrence

Abstract: Dyshidrosiform pemphigoid is an acquired autoimmune variant of bullous pemphigoid with persistent vesicobullous eruptions localized on the palms or soles, or both. It generally occurs in the elderly and is rarely reported in childhood. Hereby, we describe the first case of dyshidrosiform pemphigoid in a 12-year-old child, which was limited to the dorsal hands and treated successfully with dapsone (diaminodiphenyl sulfone). Along with this report, we also review the clinical features of various types of dyshidrosiform pemphigoid.

Epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa: A rare presentation with asymptomatic lesions.

Epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa (EBP) is a subtype of dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DDEB) and is clinically characterized by pruritic lichenified plaques or prurigo-like lesions with violaceous linear scarring. Pruritus has always been described as one of the most striking features in EBP. Mutations in COL7A gene, especially in the glycine residue, have been shown to cause this form of DDEB. In this report, we describe a north Indian familial clustering of three cases of EBP, spread across two generations, presenting with hypertrophic lichenoid cutaneous lesions, which were completely asymptomatic. Clinical and histopathological analysis favored the diagnosis of EBP in all three cases. They are being reported for their unusual asymptomatic presentation.

Congenital lymphangioma circumscriptum of the vulva.

Lymphangioma circumscriptum of the vulva is a disorder of lymphatic channels involving deep dermal tissues. Most of these cases are confused with genital warts leading to improper diagnosis and treatment. We present a three years young female child who had multiple skin colored papular lesions over the genitals. Skin biopsy revealed features of lymphangioma circumscriptum.

Parameatal urethral cyst.

Cyst formation in the parameatal area of the urethra is an uncommon entity. It was first reported in two male cases as recently as 1956 by Thompson and Lantin. Further reports have been rare. Herein, we report a case of a 21 year-old male having a spherical, cystic swelling 1 cm in size at the external urethral meatus. The diagnosis of parameatal urethral cyst was made and the cyst was excised. Histopathological examination revealed a monolocular cyst lined with transitional cells. The postoperative period was uneventful.

Melioidosis: a review of orthopedic manifestations, clinical features, diagnosis and management.

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by gram-negative soil-dwelling bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei. Musculoskeletal melioidosis mimics other infections both clinically and radiologically. An extensive literature review has been performed over musculoskeletal melioidosis through various search engines such as Pubmed, Embase, Medscape, Altavista and Google. Diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion and is dependent on microbiological confirmation. Prompt treatment with long-term combination antibiotics in high dosages and surgical drainage of abscesses improves survival.