Incontinentia pigmenti / Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome: a case report.

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare genodermatosis that almost exclusively affects females. The disease is caused by a mutation of the nuclear factor-κB essential modulator (NEMO) gene in the Xq-28 locus of the X chromosome. The disease can seriously affect various organs, most notably the central nervous system and eyes. Cutaneous manifestation in incontinentia pigmenti is often mild but is an important diagnostic criterion for the disease. Treatment of cutaneous symptoms of incontinentia pigmenti is often not needed because they can spontaneously resolve. However, it should be noted that early diagnosis through parameters such as cutaneous manifestations is important so that prompt diagnosis and intervention for other organs can be made to prevent further fatal complications in the future.

Overlap of psoriasiform and primary syphilis: an atypical manifestation of secondary syphilis (a case report).

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) with an increasing incidence in recent years. Secondary syphilis is called 'the great imitator' due to its various clinical presentations. Psoriasiform syphilis is an atypical presentation of secondary syphilis. The coinfection of syphilis with HIV has been linked to more severe clinical presentations increased risk of neurosyphilis, decreased CD4+ count, and an interesting phenomenon of overlapping primary and secondary syphilis. A 35-year-old male presented with generalized thick, scaly erythematous plaques, including the soles of the palms and feet, diffuse alopecia on the scalp and eyebrows, and multiple painless ulcers on the penis. The venereal disease research laboratory and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay examination showed positive results and the patient was treated with an intramuscular injection of 2.4 million units of Benzathine penicillin G. At the seventh-day follow-up, the patient showed significant clinical improvement marked by plaque thinning and reduced erythema. This case emphasizes that secondary syphilis may present with varied clinical presentations which can be further affected with HIV coinfection. Detailed history taking, physical examination, and a high level of suspicion are crucial in recognizing and establishing the right diagnosis.

The Effectiveness of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Dexpanthenol, and Centella Asiatica Combination Serum in the Treatment of Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation in Subjects with Skin of Color.

Post-acne hyperpigmentation (PAH) occurs secondary to acne vulgaris and may cause significant adverse effects. Although may occur in any skin types, PAH has been found to be more common and severe in people with colored skin. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of combination serum containing galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF), dexpanthenol, and Centella asiatica for treating PAH. This randomized controlled clinical trial involved Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) IV and V patients with PAH. Subjects were equally divided into treatment group, who received three drops of combination serum twice daily for 8 weeks, and placebo group. The melanin index (MI) and Lightness (L*) score were assessed every 2 weeks. Out of 51 subjects, the L* score of the treatment group in subjects with FST V was significantly higher on the 4th and 6th week compared to the placebo group (P ˂ 0.05). The MI of subjects with FST IV was significantly lower compared to the placebo group after 8 weeks (P ˂ 0.05). The treatment group showed consistent increasing and decreasing trend in L* score and MI, respectively (r ˃ 0.9, P ˂ 0.05). Combination serum containing GFF, dexpanthenol, and C. asiatica may be effective in treating PAH in subjects with colored skin by accelerating lessening of PAH.

Cutaneous candidiasis caused by Candida kefyr.

Candidiasis is an acute or subacute fungal infection caused by fungi that belongs to candida genus, with Candida albicansbeing the most frequent causative agent. Candida kefyr is a rare cause of candidiasis which has been reported in systemic candidiasis and deep infections. However, to date, it has never been reported as a cause in dermatophytosis. We report a case of candidiasis caused by Candida kefyr in a 72-year-old woman with a chief complaint of pruritic erythematous rash on the back from one day prior to admission. Diagnosis was established based on clinical features, direct microscopic examination with 10% potassium hydroxide solution, gram staining. The fungal species was determined by carbohydrate fermentation test which showed a positive result for Candida kefyr. The patient was treated with miconazole cream and fusidic cream and showed significant clinical improvement.

Comparison of 2% deoxyarbutin and 4% hydroquinone as a depigmenting agent in healthy individuals: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Hydroquinone, which is considered the gold standard skin depigmenting agent, has been associated with multiple side effects. Lately, deoxyarbutin has been suggested to be an alternative of hydroquinone with better safety profile. OBJECTIVE: To compare the depigmenting effect of 2% deoxyarbutin and 4% hydroquinone sera. METHODS: This double-blind randomized controlled study was done on the right and left arms of healthy participants. Subjects were instructed to apply either 2% deoxyarbutin or 4% hydroquinone serum on each arm, which were randomly labeled as group A and B, every day for 12 weeks. Chromameter and mexameter analysis were done every 2 weeks to assess the color change. Paired and independent t-tests were used to assess the color change within and between both groups, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 59 females participated in this study. Both groups showed significant improvement in skin depigmentation as shown by the chromameter (increase in L* value) and mexameter (decrease in melanin index) analysis at the end of the study (p < 0.05). No significant difference in both parameters was observed between both groups (p > 0.05). No side effects were reported in either groups. CONCLUSION: 2% deoxyarbutin and 4% hydroquinone sera showed comparable depigmenting efficacy.

Successful diagnosis and management of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis using antituberculosis therapy trial approach.

Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis is a paucibacillary form of cutaneous tuberculosis that often occurs in sensitized immunocompetent individuals due to exogenous reinfection. The diagnosis is often difficult because the clinical features are often not typical and acid-fast staining test often shows negative results. Therapeutic trial with antituberculosis therapy is justified if there is strong clinical suspicion in which diagnosis can be made based on the therapeutic response. We report a 46-year-old male with erythematous verrucous plaque on the right knee and crusted erythematous plaque on the left dorsal foot that had been present for 20 years. There were neither history of previous trauma nor tuberculosis treatment. Histopathology, culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Mantoux test, and chest radiograph were negative for cutaneous tuberculosis. Gamma release interferon assay showed positive result. The patient was given category 1 antituberculosis treatment and showed improvement after three weeks. Treatment was continued for 6 months and the lesion significantly regressed.

A large verrucous plaque on the buttocks: a case report of an atypical presentation of tuberculosis verrucosa cutis.

Although the incidence of cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) has declined among all cases in dermatology outpatient settings, atypical cases are still being reported worldwide. These atypical forms can imitate other conditions hence delaying the diagnosis and increased morbidity. We report a case of an atypical presentation of extensive Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis (TVC) on the buttocks presenting as an annular hyperkeratotic plaque with central healing. Suspicious clinical manifestations and histopathological features followed by an excellent response with antituberculosis therapy confirmed the diagnosis of TVC. Recalcitrant chronic lesions even with adequate standard treatment should raise suspicion of cutaneous TB, especially in endemic areas.