Ketogenic Diet and the Skin.

In dermatology, the role of dietary modifications as a means to manage or prevent skin disorders has recently gained special attention among patients and physicians. This is especially true for the currently popular ketogenic diet (KD), which comprises low carbohydrate, high fat, and adequate amount of protein. Recent evidence from basic science research, small clinical trials, population studies, and reports has presented promising potential role of KD as a supplementary or adjuvant treatment in different cutaneous disorders mainly due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This review is directed at raising awareness among dermatologists on the potential uses of KD in managing skin disorders, such as acne, psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa, among others. In addition, cutaneous adverse reactions, such as prurigo pigmentosa and nutritional deficiencies, which have been associated with KD, are also discussed in this review.

Immunological differences in women compared with men: overview and contributing factors.

CITATION: Ghazeeri G, Abdullah L, Abbas O. Immunological differences in women compared with men: overview and contributing factors. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 163-169 Gender differences in the innate and adaptive immune systems have long been observed in humans. These immunological differences in immune function manifest as diverse susceptibilities to different types of infections and varied risks of developing autoimmune disorders and maybe even, cancers. Several factors contribute to the development of this immunological dimorphism including sex hormones, genetic makeup, environmental causes, and more recently microchimerism. Although the aim behind this sexual immune dimorphism is still unclear, it is tempting to believe that the higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases in women somehow serves the higher evolutionary goal of reproduction and creating new life.

Common nail changes and disorders in older people: Diagnosis and management.

Objective To present family physicians with common nail alterations and disorders occurring in the elderly population and their management options. Quality of evidence The evidence relating to different nail conditions is mostly derived from randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and review articles. However, given the scarcity of evidence on some conditions, articles with weaker levels of evidence were also included in our review. Main message Given the growing elderly population and the associated demographic changes and longer lifespans, geriatric care is becoming more of a complicated and multidisciplinary effort in which the role of the family physician is increasingly important. Although common among the elderly, nail changes are often not brought to the attention of primary caregivers and are thus overlooked. These nail changes can affect various components of the nail unit and might represent normal age-related nail alterations or nail abnormalities that require immediate intervention. Knowledge and familiarity with these common nail abnormalities and their underlying causes is important for the family practitioner in order to effectively reach an accurate diagnosis and provide better care of this large and growing elderly population. Conclusion Nail changes are common in the elderly, and family physicians are best placed to diagnose and treat these common problems. It is important that family physicians also recognize less common but more serious nail problems that require immediate treatment.