Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions (CADRs) to COVID19 Vaccines: A Case Series.

Viral vector vaccines (Covishield) and inactivated vaccines (Covaxin) are now being administered worldwide to reduce the impact of life-threatening corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19). Various cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination. Here, we are reporting series of CADRs following COVID-19 vaccination. Among 18 CADRs, 4 each were of acute urticaria and pityriasis rosea, 2 each of leukocytoclastic vasculitis and herpes zoster, 3 exacerbation of psoriasis, and 1 each of exacerbation of eczema, reactivation of herpes simplex virus 1 infection, and COVID arm. However, in 1 case there was remission of psoriasis. These CADRs occurred between 6 hours and 20 days after vaccination and were mild to moderate in severity. Only 1 needed hospitalization. Of the 18 CADRs, 10 developed after first dose and 8 after second dose. Causality assessment was done using World Health Organization causality assessment classification. Mass COVID-19 vaccination program is in progress worldwide. Many CADRs like COVID arm, urticaria, pityriasis rosea, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, herpes zoster etc., have been reported following vaccination. In our series only 1 developed cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CADR) to Covaxin. It was Covishield that was administered during the vaccination drive; hence, more cases were seen to that vaccine. Most of the CADRs were mild to moderate in intensity. Awareness of these adverse effects enables the healthcare professionals to be better equipped to recognize and manage them correctly.

Non-venereal genital dermatoses and their impact on quality of life-A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lesions on the external genitalia could be venereal or non-venereal. Non-venereal genital dermatoses are common and may cause considerable anxiety to patients, particularly if noticed after sexual intercourse. However, this aspect has not been studied much till now. OBJECTIVES: Our study proposes to describe the profile of non-venereal genital dermatoses and determine their impact on quality of life both social and sexual, using the dermatology life quality index questionnaire. METHODS: We recruited patients aged 18 years and above, who were diagnosed to have non-venereal genital dermatoses during the study period. A detailed history was obtained and clinical examination done with relevant investigations when necessary. The dermatology life quality index was assessed and graded in all patients using Finlay dermatology life quality index questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 293 patients with non-venereal genital dermatoses were seen and 25 different dermatoses were observed. Men 242(82.6%) outnumbered women. The commonest age group affected was 31-50 years 144(50%). Chronic inflammatory dermatoses 135(41.6%) constituted the majority of cases. Scrotal dermatitis 46(15.7%), lichen simplex chronicus 37(12.6%), vitiligo 31(10.6%) were seen most frequently. In the study group, 111(37.9%) patients had moderate and 133(45.4%) had large impact on the quality of life. Erectile dysfunction was seen in 48(19.8%) men and 9(3.7%) had premature ejaculation. A significant effect on dermatology life quality index was found with increasing age (P = 0.007), positive marital status (P = 0.006), history of unprotected sex (P < 0.001), history of recurrences (P = 0.002) and venereophobia. (P = 0.008). LIMITATIONS: The number of women in the study group was less compared to men and we could not ascertain the type of sexual dysfunction in them. CONCLUSION: Non-venereal genital dermatoses are common, more so among men. They have a significant impact on the quality of life of the individual. Recognizing and addressing this problem will help in managing these patients effectively.

Melanogenesis Markers Expression in Premature Graying of Hair: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on mice and aging human hair follicles provide compelling evidence that graying of hair results from premature differentiation of melanocyte stem cells in the niche/bulge. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze whether differentiation of melanocyte stem cells is responsible for premature graying of hair (PGH). METHODS: Twenty-five patients with PGH (n = 25) attending the dermatology department were recruited. Five unpigmented and 5 pigmented hairs were obtained per patient by separating individual follicles after 1 mm punch biopsies. The hairs were dissected at a distance of 2 mm from the bulb to separate the stem cells (upper segment - US) from the melanocytes (lower segment - LS). RNA was extracted from hair follicle US and LS, and expression of GP100, tyrosinase (TYR), and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TYRP1) genes was quantified using Qiagen one-step RT-PCR kit. RESULTS: We found melanogenesis gene expression in both temporary (US) and permanent (LS) segments of unpigmented and pigmented hair follicles. When compared between the US and LS of white hair, the expression of TYR and GP100 was much higher in US than LS, suggestive of melanogenesis in the bulge. Similarly, when compared between white and black US, the expression of all 3 genes was higher in white US than black US, although not statistically significant. LIMITATIONS: Low samples size and lack of data pertaining to the expression of genes at protein level are the limitations of current study. CONCLUSION: Even though this pilot study data yielded key information about the expression of GP100, TYR, and TYRP-1 at the mRNA level, further studies quantifying the expression of these genes at protein level are needed to provide additional clues to further address the results in detail.

Allergens in Hand, Foot, and Hand-Foot Eczema: An Intercomparison by Patch Testing.

BACKGROUND: Hand eczema (HE), foot eczema (FE), and hand-foot eczema (HFE) manifest on exposure to various agents in day-to-day life or in occupations or both. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to identify pattern of allergens causing HE, FE, and HFE and to identify multiple and concurrent contact allergies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was conducted from October 2013 to August 2015 which included 190 patients. Patch test was performed for 78.94% of patients (n = 150). The statistical tests used were descriptive, Cramer's V, and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: The most commonly affected group was HFE (55.8%) followed by HE (22.1%) and FE (22.1%). Allergens showed positivity either singly 56.3% (n = 67) or in combination 43.69% (n = 52). Nickel (41.79%) was the most common allergen in all the three groups followed by potassium dichromate. Late reactions (after day 7) were observed in 17.64% of patients (n = 21). Nickel was observed in 42.85% (n = 9) and paraphenylenediamine was observed in 28.57% of patients (n = 6) with P values of <0.001 and 0.050, respectively. Multiple contact allergies were seen in 44% of patients (n = 52). Concurrent reactions (55.8% [n = 29]), polysensitization (34.6% [n = 18]), and mixed reactions (9.6% [n = 5]) (P value of <0.001) were observed. CONCLUSION: Significant multiple contact allergies including concurrent reactions with nickel sulfate, potassium dichromate, cobalt chloride, and polysensitization were observed. No significant differences in allergen pattern were observed in HE, FE, and HFE. RECOMMENDATION: Day 7 reading is recommended in HFE.

Horn on the Nail: Acquired Ungual Fibrokeratoma.

Acquired ungual fibrokeratomas are uncommon fibrous tissue tumors that are located in the ungual area. They usually presents as asymptomatic, solitary, smooth, dome-shaped, or fingerlike, flesh-colored papules accompanying nail deformities, including a longitudinal groove and trachyonychia. Acquired periungual fibrokeratoma is considered a topographical variant of acquired digital fibrokeratoma; it has a unique "garlic clove" shape. A traumatic origin has been suggested, as acquired ungual fibrokeratomas occur most frequently on the fingers and toes. Herein, we report a case of a 29-year-old man with growth over left little finger, who was treated with surgical excision of the tissue. Histopathological examination confirmed ungual fibrokeratoma. It is a rare variant of digital fibrokeratoma, and so far the first ungual fibrokeratoma to appear de novo on little finger to the best of our knowledge.

Study of mucocutaneous manifestations of HIV and its relation to total lymphocyte count.

INTRODUCTION: HIV is associated with various mucocutaneous manifestations which may be the first pointers toward HIV and can also be prognostic markers for disease progression. This study was done to note the different mucocutaneous lesions present in HIV and their relation to total lymphocyte count (TLC). METHODOLOGY: Three hundred and seventy-nine HIV patients attending the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy were included in the study. They were screened for the presence of any mucocutaneous lesions. TLC in patients presenting with mucocutaneous lesions was done and also CD4 count was done wherever possible. RESULTS: Among 379 patients, 53.8% developed mucocutaneous manifestations. Male: female ratio was 2.2:1. Majority of patients belonged to 20-39 years age group. Among mucocutaneous manifestations, oral candidiasis was the most common, followed by herpes zoster and dermatophytoses. Adverse drug reactions were noted in few. The majority of patients had TLC <1500/mm3 and CD4 <200. CONCLUSION: Mucocutaneous manifestations are common and have varied presentation in HIV/AIDS. Patients with mucocutaneous manifestations were clustered at lower TLC and CD4 count. Like CD4 count, TLC can be considered as a marker for disease progression.

Association of Acanthosis Nigricans and Insulin Resistance in Indian Children and Youth - A HOMA2-IR Based Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The American Diabetes Association includes acanthosis nigricans (AN) as an indicator of diabetes mellitus risk in overweight youth entering puberty. Some argue that AN is not an independent predictor of insulin resistance (IR), when body mass index (BMI) is controlled for. There is a paucity of studies on the association of AN and IR among children and young adults from India. Homeostatic model assessment-IR (HOMA2-IR), a computerized updated model, which is supposed to be superior to HOMA1-IR, has rarely been used for quantification of IR. METHODS: Sixty cases (irrespective of BMI), aged 2-24 years with AN, and 30 age- and sex-matched normal weight controls were included. A thorough clinical examination and grading of AN was done. BMI, fasting glucose levels, and fasting insulin levels were measured for all. HOMA-IR calculator V.2.2.3 was used to calculate IR. Those with HOMA 2-IR >1.8 were considered insulin-resistant. Lifestyle modifications were advised for patients with IR. RESULTS: The mean HOMA2-IR value in cases and controls was 2.422 and 1.322, respectively, which was statistically significant. Overweight and obese cases had 2.5 and 11.25 times higher risk of having IR, respectively, by logistic regression. The association of AN with IR was found to be statistically significant in normal weight cases when compared with controls (P = 0.045). Grade 4 of neck severity (P = 0.007), Grade 3 of neck texture (P = 0.001), and Grade 4 of axillary severity (P = 0.001) of AN were found to be significantly associated with IR. LIMITATIONS: The relatively small sample size may not reflect the accuracy of AN as a marker of IR. CONCLUSION: Acanthosis nigricans is associated with IR in both normal and obese. We propose that all children, adolescents, and youth with AN be screened for IR irrespective of BMI. Early identification and prompt lifestyle interventions may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes later.

Profile of HIV serodiscordant couples in a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: Globally, 36.7 million people are infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Of these 36.7 million people, 2.1 million are in India. Integrated counseling and testing centers are the cornerstones of early access to prevention and support services. The term "serodiscordant couple" refers to a couple where one partner is HIV-positive and the other HIV-negative. AIM: To study the serodiscordance rates in a cohort of people attending integrated counseling and testing center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aretrospective descriptive study of data from integrated counseling and testing center from January 2013 to December 2014 was done. RESULTS: Of the 7489 persons tested, 306 persons were positive for HIV (192 males and 114 females) with a prevalence of 4 percent. Of the 126 couples tested, serodiscordance was found in 46 couples, while 80 couples were seroconcordant. The overall prevalence of HIV serodiscordance was 36.5 percent. Male positive and female negative couples (M+ F-) were 35 (76.0%) and female positive and male negative (F+ M-) were 11 (23.9%). Discordant M+ F- couples were significantly higher than discordant F+ M- couples (P < 0.001). Most participants were aged between 21 and 40 years. The average age of men was 41.91 years and that of women was 34.21 years. The average age difference between life partners was 7.7 years. Significant association was seen between age and gender, as females were found to be younger (P value = 0.001). LIMITATION: Information regarding years of married life, number of sex partners or sexual behavior pre- and post-detection were not collected. Thus, our data present only the magnitude of serodiscordance in a cohort but does not analyze the other predictors of serodiscordance. CONCLUSION: Serodiscordant relationships occur more commonly in India than is presumed. Our study highlights the profile of serodiscordant couples in this part of the country. Effective measures to prevent transmission of HIV within a serodiscordant relationship are necessary steps in halting the HIV epidemic.

P-Value Demystified.

Biomedical research relies on proving (or disproving) a research hypothesis, and P value becomes a cornerstone of "null hypothesis significance testing." P value is the maximum probability of getting the observed outcome by chance. For a statistical test to achieve significance, the error by chance must be less than 5%. The pros are the P value that gives the strength of evidence against the null hypothesis. We can reject a null hypothesis depending on a small P value. However, the value of P is a function of sample size. When the sample size is large, the P value is destined to be small or "significant." P value is condemned by one school of thought who claims that focusing more on P value undermines the generalizability and reproducibility of research. For such a situation, presently, the scientific world is inclined in knowing the effect size, confidence interval, and the descriptive statistics; thus, researchers need to highlight them along with the P value. In spite of all the criticism, it needs to be understood that P value carries paramount importance in "precise" understanding of the estimation of the difference calculated by "null hypothesis significance testing." Choosing the correct test for assessing the significance of the difference is profoundly important. The choice can be arrived by asking oneself three questions, namely, the type of data, whether the data is paired or not, and on the number of study groups (two or more). It is worth mentioning that association between variables, agreement between assessments, time-trend cannot be arrived by calculating the P value alone but needs to highlight the correlation and regression coefficients, odds ratio, relative risk, etc.

Appearance of Verruca Over Linear Verrucous Epidermal Nevus - An Example of Locus Minoris Resistentiae: A Report of Three Cases.

Locus minoris resistentiae (LMR) is a site of the body that offers lesser resistance than the rest of the body to the onset of disease. It can be congenital or acquired. Areas of cutaneous mosaicism such as epidermal nevi can act as congenital LMR, leading to the development of inflammatory skin conditions or skin tumors on these. The occurrence of an infectious condition such as warts over nevi is rare. We report three cases of verrucous epidermal nevi (VENs) with the development of verrruca overlying the nevus later in life. The three patients had VEN on forehead, preauricular, and presternal area, respectively, since birth, with development of a warty lesion overlying these a few months before presenting to us. Skin biopsy and histopathological examination of the linear verrucous lesion were suggestive of VEN with hyperkeratosis, thickened epidermis, and papillomatosis. There was no evidence of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis or increased sebaceous glands in the dermis. Biopsy of the new warty lesion showed findings of verruca in all the patients. With the above findings, a diagnosis of verruca superimposed on linear VEN was made in all the three cases. The warts were removed by electrofulguration. Several acquired skin disorders, including inflammatory dermatoses, adnexal disorders, and neoplasms, have been shown to occur superimposed on epidermal or sebaceous nevus. Ours is probably the first ever description of a wart occurring on VEN.

Antihypertensives in dermatology Part II - Cutaneous adverse reactions to antihypertensives.

Antihypertensive drugs are prescribed frequently and can cause cutaneous adverse reactions. The exact incidence and frequency of these reactions are unknown. Multiple antihypertensive drug consumption has contributed to a substantial increase in the number of cutaneous adverse reactions to them. Thus, there is a need for dermatologists and physicians to be aware of the wide range of available antihypertensives and the type of reactions that can be expected. This review article focuses on the various clinical presentations that have been implicated or associated with them. The diagnosis and management have been discussed in brief.

Antihypertensives in dermatology Part I - Uses of antihypertensives in dermatology.

Hypertension is a global health problem. Antihypertensives are the mainstay of treatment for hypertension. Some of them were accidentally found to be useful in alopecias and infantile hemangiomas and have now become standard treatment for these conditions as well. Antihypertensives are also being studied for other dermatological indications, where they have shown promising efficacy. This review focuses on the dermatological indications for antihypertensives, discussing the drugs that have been tried, as well as their efficacy, dosage, duration of therapy, and adverse effects.

Paederus Dermatitis: A Case Series.

Vorderman (1901) was the first to record blisters caused by beetles in medical literature. Blister beetle dermatitis is a cutaneous condition caused by the toxins released by blister beetles. The vesicant chemical in the body fluids of these insects causes an acute irritant contact dermatitis characterized by erythematovesicular lesions associated with burning sensation on exposed parts of the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological patterns of blister beetle dermatitis. We conducted a 1-year (January-December 2014) prospective study of the clinical presentation of Paederus dermatitis noticed in urban and semiurban areas close to paddy fields in the Cauvery Basin, Mysuru, Karnataka. All patients with Paederus dermatitis attending the outpatient department of Department of Dermatology were recruited in the study with a total of 37 patients. Diagnosis was made on detailed history regarding onset of lesions, symptoms, as well as thorough clinical examination of the lesions. The peak time of presentation was June-September, the monsoon season in this part of India. The average duration of lesions at the time of presentation was 2-5 days. All patients had a history of burning and itchy sensation at night followed by full blown lesions the next morning, with the face, neck, and arms being the most common sites. Patients were predominantly males with the age range of 13-55 years. The most common presentations were linear erythematous plaques and erythematovesicles with a "burnt" appearance and a gray necrotic centre. "Kissing" lesions and periorbital involvement were seen in 5 and 6 patients, respectively. Species identification of the Paederus beetles was not done. Paederus dermatitis occurs in tropical regions. Awareness about the morphological patterns of the condition will prevent misdiagnosis. Simple preventive measures can be undertaken based on the behavioral pattern of this nocturnal beetle.

Clinico-epidemiological Study and Quality of Life Assessment in Melasma.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is one of the most common and distressing pigmentary disorders presenting to dermatology clinics. The precise cause of melasma remains unknown. It is notably difficult to treat and has a tendency to relapse. Its population prevalence varies according to ethnic composition, skin phototype, and intensity of sun exposure. Due to its frequent facial involvement, the disease has an impact on the quality of life of patients. AIMS: To study the clinico-epidemiological pattern, dermascopy, wood's lamp findings and the quality of life in patients with melasma. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Observational/descriptive study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with melasma were screened. History, clinical examination, Wood's lamp examination (WLE) and dermoscopy were done. Severity of melasma was assessed by the calculating melasma area severity index (MASI) score. Quality of Life (QOL) was assessed using MELASQOL scale with a standard structured questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive, Chi-square test and contingency coefficient analysis. RESULTS: In 140 cases of melasma, 95 (67.9%) were females and 45 (32%) were males. Common age group affected was 31-40 years (65%). Majority were unskilled workers with average sun exposure of more than 4 hours (44%). Family history was observed in 18% cases. Malar type (68%) was the most common pattern observed. Mean MASI score was 5.7. WLE showed dermal type in 69% cases. Common findings on dermoscopy were reticular pigment network with perifollicular sparing and color varying from light to dark brown. Mean MELASQOL score was 28.28, with most patients reporting embarrassment and frustration. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that melasma has a significant negative effect on QOL because though asymptomatic it is disfiguring affecting self-esteem. Dermoscopic examination did not help in differentiating the type of melasma.

Bowenoid papulosis of the genitalia successfully treated with topical tazarotene: a report of two cases.

Bowenoid papulosis is a rare condition of the genital area caused by human papilloma virus. Clinically, it resembles viral wart and histopathologically Bowen's disease. We herein report two male patients presenting with multiple flat papules on the penis and scrotum. The second patient was HIV-positive. Histopathology showed features of bowenoid papulosis. Both the patients were treated with topical tazarotene gel 0.05%. Lesions cleared within 2 weeks in both the patients.Second patient had recurrences that cleared after retreatment with tazarotene.