Mucocutaneous manifestations in hepatitis C patients

To determine the frequency and nature of mucocutaneous manifestations in hepatitis C virus [HCV] positive patients. Two hundred and five HCV positive patients presenting at the outpatient and inpatient departments of Services Hospital, Lahore were evaluated for mucocutaneous manifestations. Relevant data regarding history, clinical examination including cutaneous system and investigations were documented and analyzed. Mean age of patients was 36.6 +/- 11.0 years. There were 84 [41%] males and 121 [59%] females. 73.7% cases were exposed to antiviral therapy. Dermatological manifestations were present in 88.3% patients with HCV infection. Pruritus was the most common finding seen in 39.5% followed by hyperpigmentation of skin 34.1%, lichen planus 18%, lingual/buccal pigmentation 13.2%, melanonychia 12.7% and urticaria 6.8%. Less frequent features were palmar erythema, photosensitivity and cutaneous vasculitis. Dermatological manifestations may appear as an earliest sign of hepatitis C infection. Therefore, vigilant detection and careful investigation can prevent the complications and further spread of this dreadful disease

Lamellar Ichthyosis with rickets

Lamellar ichthyosis [LI] is a rare genetic disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance. It is equally seen in both sexes and usually manifests at birth. The child presents as a collodion baby. The erythema is minimal or absent; but when present, it is maximum on the face. The scaling is generalized, accentuated on lower extremities and flexural areas. Rickets is a condition in which there is softening of bones leading to fractures and deformities. It is caused by vitamin D deficiency and lack of adequate calcium in diet. Children, 6 to 24 months of age, are at a higher risk due to rapidly growing bones. The association between various types of ichthyoses and rickets is well documented. We report a case of lamellar ichthyosis with rickets in a 14-year-old girl from our part of the world

Quality of life in patients of melasma

To determine the impact of melasma on quality of life [QoL] using Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] in our patients. An observational study was carried out at the Department of Dermatology, King Edward Medical University/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore from December 12, 2009 to June 11, 2010. A total of 100 patients suffering from melasma, of any severity, with age 16 years or above, belonging to either sex, who themselves were able to understand and fill the DLQI questionnaire in English or Urdu version, were enrolled in the study. Using the DLQI questionnaire, consisting of 10 questions, patients were asked to score on a scale from 0-3 for each of 10 items. The data were analyzed after compiling the results. The higher the DLQI score, the poorer is the QoL. Mean age of the patients was 29.90 +/- 7.18 years. There were 82 [82%] female and 18 [18%] male patients. The mean DLQI score of all patients was 17.08 +/- 5.22. The findings indicate several areas in which melasma had an impact on individual's QoL, particularly in relation to symptoms and feelings and personal relationships. Women reported poorer QoL compared to men. Mean DLQI score was 16.00 +/- 4.93 in males and 17.32 +/- 5.28 in females. Patients with mild, moderate and severe disease had mean DLQI scores of 16.23 +/- 5.35, 19.32 +/- 3.99 and 22.0 +/- 2.0, respectively. Melasma causes a "very large effect" on patients' quality of life. Impairment of QoL is greater in females and patients with severe disease