Relapse of Cutaneous Fungal Infection in Healthy Individuals - A Rising Concern.

Background: Superficial fungal infections are among the most common skin diseases, affecting millions of people throughout the world. These infections, which occur in both healthy and immunocompromised persons, are caused by dermatophytes, yeasts and nondermatophyte molds. Effective treatment can reduce the duration of symptoms in patients with superficial fungal infections. Unfortunately, there is a strong tendency for fungal infections to recur in many people even after effective clearing with medication. Aims and Objectives: To study the relapse of cutaneous fungal infection in healthy people. Materials and Methods: 160 patients with a history of relapse of fungal infections who came to the out-patient department of this tertiary care hospital within 6 months period were studied in detail regarding patient characteristics, demographic details and line of management. Results: Relapse of cutaneous fungal infection occurs most commonly in adults greater than 30 years (75%). There was a definite family history of fungal infections (15.6%) in patients coming with history of relapse. Tinea cruris (34.38%) was the most common site to come with history of relapse followed by onychomycosis (15.6%). Relapse occurred in 38.75% of the cases treated with terbinafine as this was the most common drug used. Conclusion: Regardless of the drug taken there were cases of relapse in cases of cutaneous fungal infection even in healthy individuals.

Serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in systemic sclerosis and various types of morphea in the Kashmir valley

To find the serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in patients of systemic sclerosis and morphoea in the Kashmir Valley. This was a cross sectional study conducted in the department of dermatology of SKIMS Medical College over a period of one year involving 12 patients of systemic sclerosis and morphea and equal number of healthy controls. All the individuals were taken up for serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels. In patients with systemic sclerosis, the mean levels of copper and ceruloplasmin were increased. No alterations were found in patients with morphea and healthy controls. The increase in serum copper is probably secondary to increase in ceruloplasmin level, which occurs as a nonspecific response to inflammation

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising from Lichen Planus

A case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from lichen planus because of its rarity is reported.

Oral Lichen Planus

In this study twenty patients of clinically diagnosed oral lichen planus were analysed in respect to age. sex, patterns and associated disease. It was found more common in females in age group 01'3050 years. Mostly patients had classical bilateral lesions mostly on the buccal mucosa. Thyroiditis with generalized vitiligo was noted in one patient while diabetes was present in one patient.

Post-Injection Gluteal Fibrosis: A Neglected Problem

A series of eleven cases of post ,injection gluteal fibrosis is presented manifesting with varying degrees of disability In late childhood. Discussion includes review of literature and a pica is made for prevention of the condition.

Alkaptonuric Arthritis - A Case Report with Review of Literature

A case of alkaptonuria is reported for its rarity with extensive involvement of spine. sacroiliac joints and symphysis pubis.