Nevus Lipomatosus Cutaneous Superficialis of Hoffmann and Zurhelle: a rare cutaneous hamartoma.

Nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis (NLCS) is a rare idiopathic cutaneous hamartoma characterized by ectopic clusters of mature adipose tissues in dermis. It is classified into two types. Classical type presenting as multiple lesions with onset at birth or within third decade of life and solitary type with onset between third to sixth decade of life. Here we present a case of 45 years female with adult onset, asymptomatic, grouped, skin colored, soft sessile growth in zosteriform pattern on left buttock. We here intend to report rare case of classical Nevus Lipomatosus Cutaneous Superficialis.

Comparative Efficacy of Fexofenadine Versus Levocetrizine Versus Desloratadine via 1% Histamine Wheal Suppression Test.

Background Urticaria and allergic dermatoses remains a great challenge to treating dermatologist. Histamine is the major mediator in such disorders. Antihistamines as levocetrizine, fexofenadine and desloratadine are often used to treat such conditions. Ability of antihistamines to suppress the allergic response helps to evaluate the efficacy of the medicine. Objective To compare the efficacy of levocetrizine versus fexofenadine versus desloratadine in suppressing histamine induced wheals in adults. Method One hundred and two healthy adult volunteers completed the study. Subjects were randomized into 3 groups using an envelope method. First group received fexofenadine (N=36), second group received levocetrizine (N =37), and third group received desloratadine (N=29). Pretesting was performed by skin prick test with histamine 1% (positive control) and normal saline (negative control). Wheal size was recorded before and after the treatment (at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 24 hours). Result At 30 minutes and 1 hour fexofenadine showed statistically significant wheal suppression than levocetrizine and desloratadine (p=0.0016). However by 2 and 4 hours all three antihistamines; fexofenadine, levocetirizine and desloratadine showed significant suppression of wheal. Whereas at 24 hours desloratadine showed greater wheal suppression than levocetrizine and fexofenadine (p= 0.014). Conclusion The results of the present study showed that fexofenadine presented early onset of action but longer suppression of wheal size was seen with desloratadine as compared to other antihistamines. These potentials could be employed in clinical aspects; depending upon the response needed.

Long Pulsed Nd:YAG Lasers in the Management of Cutaneous Warts.

Background Despite multiple treatment options, there is no consensus on a particular treatment modality in warts. Previous studies have reported safety and efficacy of long-pulsed Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, with clearance rates higher than those achieved with other therapies. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of warts in Nepal. Objective To assess the efficacy of Long pulsed Nd:YAG in the management of verruca vulgaris. Method Fourty cases of common warts over hands and feet were enrolled in the study. Patients with less than 10 lesions were chosen. Up to three sessions of 1064 nm Long pulse Nd:YAG treatment were done, at the interval of one month. No concomitant topical or other treatment was done. Result Out of the 40 patients, four patients were lost to follow up. Among 36 patients, eight patients (22%) achieved clearance of warts in single session, while 12 (33%) patients and six patients (16%) improved after second and third sessions of laser respectively. Hence, we observed 72% clearance rate after three sessions of lasers. Adverse effects were pain during treatment and scarring in few patients. Conclusion Long pulse Nd:YAG is effective in the treatment of verruca. However, pain and tissue damage are the limitations. Hence, we suggest that Long Pulsed Nd:YAG lasers are effective in recalcitrant cutaneous and palmoplantar warts.

Clinical Outcome of Autologous Serum Therapy in Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life in chronic idiopathic urticaria is hampered as efficacy of H1-antihistamines is limited. Autologous serum containing tolerance-generating anti-idiotype antibodies is a novel and cost-effective therapy. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of autologous serum therapy (AST) among chronic urticaria patients with autologous skin prick test positive and negative status. METHODS: Untreated 102 patients of chronic urticaria were enrolled in a non-randomized interventional study. Patients were categorized into two groups based on autologous serum skin prick test as test positive (ASST +) and test negative (ASST -). Patients were then treated with intramuscular injection of 0.05ml per kg body weight of autologous serum weekly for 10 weeks. Urticaria activity scoring (UAS) tool was used for quantification of the symptoms. Weekly recording of UAS (range: 0-42) was made before the therapy (baseline) and during the therapy for 10 weeks. RESULTS: Significant improvement with AST in the mean UAS was noted from baseline to 10 weeks in both the group of patients (14.6 ± 6.3 and 10.2 ± 5.1 for ASST+ group ; 16.9 ± 7.8 and 8.6 ± 4.8 for ASST- group; at baseline and 10 weeks, respectively (p-value for both <0.05)). However no statistical significance was found while comparing the efficacy of the therapy against ASST + and ASST - Groups (p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of autologous skin prick test results, autologous serum therapy showed significant improvement in patients with chornic idiopathic urticaria. AST can, thus, be an effective treatment modality for it.

Clinico-etiological Profile of Melasma among Female Health Workers in a Tertiary Care Center of Central Nepal - A Cross Sectional Study.

Background Melasma is an acquired symmetrical dyschromia with profound psychosocial impacts. It is a common pigmentary disorder with less clear etiology and limited management options. There are limited data regarding melasma in our scenario. Objective To evaluate the clinico-etiological profile of melasma, among the female health workers (FHW) in a tertiary health center. Method This is a single center, cross-sectional, descriptive study involving female health workers with or without melasma. A total of 198 female health workers were evaluated at Dhulikhel hospital Kathmandu university hospital for clinic-etiological profile of melasma in January 2017. Video-dermatoscopy was used for the clinical diagnosis of melasma. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for assessment. Risk factor assessment of etiological agents as sun exposure, hormonal medication, photo aggravating drugs, stressors as night duty were evaluated. Result The point prevalence of melasma among female health workers 20.7% (n=41). The mean age of respondents was 26.2 ± 3.23 years with duration of disease process 3.6 ± 2.5 years. Centro-facial pattern was the commonest clinical type (53.7%) and video-dermatoscopy revealed mixed pattern as the commonest (56.1%) pigment deposition pattern. Among 132 female health workers doing night duty on regular basis, 23 had melasma while 66 female health workers not doing night duty, 18 had melasma (p = 0.10). Whereas while comparing hours of night duty per week among respondents with melasma (n=23) and without melasma (n=18) were 23.72±10.08 hours and 17.8±4.77 hours respectively (p=0.02). Conclusion The present study reveals higher prevalence of melasma among female health workers having more stressors as night duty.

Lichen Planus Pigmentosus: A study for association of Thyroid Dysfunction.

Background Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) is considered a chronic and progressive variant of lichen planus. Although pigmentation occurs in the sun exposed areas, the etiology remains unknown and there are no appropriate treatment guidelines. Association with thyroid disorder has been described in various disorders of pigmentation. Objective The objective of this study was to find the association between LPP and thyroid dysfunction. Method A total of 54 clinically diagnosed cases of LPP and 54 age and sex matched healthy control volunteers were included in this case control study. Thyroid function test and thyroid peroxidase antibody were analysed to determine the probable association between thyroid diseases and LPP. Result Seventeen (31.7%) patients had biochemical evidence of hypothyroidism and 3 had hyperthyroidism among the diseased group. Among the control group two persons were tested positive for hypothyroidism (c2 = 0.34; p <0.05). Similarly, the levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody in the LPP patients were found to be significantly higher than those of controls (p <0.05). Conclusion Thyroid disorder was found to be an associated factor in LPP. Hence, we recommend routine thyroid function tests in patients with LPP. Further research is warranted among large number of patients to elucidate the exact association.

Photo-onycholysis Following Two Weeks of Doxycycline.

Photo-onycholysis is a form of phototoxic reaction characterized by spontaneous separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. It usually follows drug intake and tetracycline is a well-known culprit. We present a case of 19 years gentleman who developed this rare side effect following two weeks of ingestion of doxycycline.

Combination Topical PUVAsol with Methotrexate Versus Methotrexate in the Treatment of Palmoplantar Psoriasis.

Background Non-pustular palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) is chronic and disabling dermatosis. Topical psoralen and solar ultraviolet - A therapy (PUVAsol) is efficacious and safe therapy in psoriasis management. Objective To study the efficacy and adverse clinical effect profile of topical PUVAsol along with methotrexate in PPP. Method This is a prospective, randomized, clinical trial conducted among 54 patients with moderate to severe PPP. Patients were grouped into two categories. Group I was treated with weekly oral methotrexate only while group II had additional soak PUVAsol therapy twice weekly for a total of three months. Modified palmoplantar psoriasis area severity index (mPPPASI) score was used for quantification of severity. Patients were followed up monthly for the efficacy and adverse clinical event profile for 3 months; additionally patients were followed up monthly for next three months for assessment of relapse. Result The mean age of patients with PPP was found to be 38.7 ± 13 years and male: female ratio was 1.1:1. In comparison to group I patients, statistically significant improvement was observed among group II patients in the third month follow up (p= 0.039). Fifteen patients (35%) achieved mPPPASI 75 during the treatment period. No significant difference was noted among the mPPPASI score during relapse assessment. Eleven (29%) patients had evidence of relapse (mPPPASI more than 25% of baseline) during follow up period. No statistically significant adverse clinical events were noted. Conclusion Topical PUVAsol is an efficacious, safe and cost effective modality in moderate to severe PPP. It could be employed in rotational or maintenance therapy of psoriasis.

Diseases in Disaster: Post-Earthquake Dermatoses, Nepal 2015.

Nepal experienced a devastating earthquake measuring 7.8 Richter scale on 25th April 2015. Although the heightened effects were secondary to trauma, the indirect effects were also of prime importance. We came across different dermatoses, directly or indirectly secondary to earthquake. We here present an audit of the cutaneous effects following four months of the major shock presenting to a tertiary care center of central Nepal. A total of 7326 patients presented to the dermatology department over a period of four months following the major shock. Among them a total of 3833 patients (52.32%) had direct or indirect dermatoses following earthquake.

Hormonal profile and efficacy of long pulse Nd-YAG laser in treatment of hirsutism.

BACKGROUND: Hormones, particularly androgens play a vital role in hair growth, differentiation and distribution. Hirsutism is a common entity among Nepalese population with skin types III, IV and V. Long pulsed lasers are commonly used for hair removal. METHODS: This is a prospective analytical study done in Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, Kavre, Nepal from November 2010 to November 2011. Patients were first subjected to hormonal evaluation. Androgens, their tropic hormones, insulin resistance markers and endocrine components were measured and compared. Subjects were then categorized into two groups according to androgen levels: group A (n=30) with significantly high androgen (total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) or elevated luteinizing hormone: follicle stimulating hormone ratio, consistent with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and group B (n=30). Adrenal tumour was ruled out in all patients. All patients received long pulse Nd-YAG laser (50J/cm²; 50 msec pulse duration) therapy at four weeks interval to achieve at least 50% hair reduction. RESULTS: Among group A patients, average 8.1 treatment sessions were required for substantial hair reduction, whereas, average 5.7 sessions produced similar results in group B patients (p-value <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high androgen level and elevated LH: FSH ratio requires more treatment sessions for hair removal with long pulsed ND-YAG laser than patients with normal or low hormone level.

Q-Switched Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser therapy for pigmented skin lesions: efficacy and safety.

BACKGROUND: Nepalese population with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V has high prevalence of pigmentary disorders and it is a growing cosmetic concern. Q-Switched Neodymium- Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (QS Nd-YAG) laser is an efficacious tool in the treatment of pigment disorders. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the efficacy and safety profile of various pigment disorders. METHODS: A prospective study done in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital from January 2009 to January 2011. Patients undergoing laser for pigmented skin lesions were followed for response and safety profile. We included total 270 patients in the study with various disorders especially nevus, tattoos and melasma. Settings were repeated at 3-4 weeks interval and response was evaluated on clinical basis. Efficacy was then evaluated according to various parameters. RESULTS: For nevus, total 840 treatment sessions had been performed with an average of 6.88 sessions (range 3-11). Nd: YAG laser was very efficacious in removal of blue and black colored tattoos with an average of 7.9 and 9.5 sessions respectively. However, red mixed with blue and or green tattoos were relatively resistant to treatment and required average 10.33 treatment sessions. Melasma and freckles both responded to the therapy but recurrence rate was high. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that QS Nd: YAG laser is an effective modality for pigment disorders among Nepalese population. Nevus and melasma respond well but recurrence rate of melasma is high. Blue tattoos respond well while mixed colored tattoos are quite resistant to Nd: YAG laser alone. Transient pain and temporary hyperpigmentation are common side effects.

Comparative study of effectiveness of oral acyclovir with oral erythromycin in the treatment of Pityriasis rosea.

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis rosea is an acute, self-limiting disease, probably infective in origin, affecting mainly children and young adults, characterized by distinctive skin eruptions and minimal constitutional symptoms. Both oral Erythromycin and oral Acyclovir have been used in its management. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of oral Erythromycin and oral Acyclovir in the treatment of Pityriasis rosea. METHOD: Forty two patients with clinical diagnosis of Pityriasis rosea were enrolled. They were randomized into two groups. One group was given high-dose oral Acyclovir and another group oral Erythromycin in standard dose. The participants were evaluated one, two, four, six and eight weeks and six months after commencement of the study. RESULTS: Forty two patients including 26 males and 16 females completed the study. After 8th week, all patients showed complete response in both the groups. The response to oral Acyclovir compared with that to oral Erythromycin was better and was statistically significant in 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th weeks. CONCLUSION: Although it is a self-limiting disease which resolves within three weeks to three months, this study reveals that both oral Acyclovir and oral Erythromycin are helpful in decreasing the severity and duration of Pityriasis rosea. Moreover, the study also indicates that oral Acyclovir is more effective than oral Erythromycin in reducing the severity and duration of Pityriasis rosea.

Concurrent vitiligo and psoriasis.

Coexistence of vitiligo and psoriasis in a single patient is a rare occurrence. The exact pathogenesis of this coexistence is obscure. Various autoimmune disorders are reported to occur more frequently in patients with both diseases. A case of this interesting coexistence seen on a 26 year old female patient who presented to the dermatology department of Dhulikhel hospital is presented here. She also had hypothyroidism. The possible pathogenesis and literature review of this rare condition is discussed here.

Oral tranexamic acid for the treatment of melasma.

BACKGROUND: Melasma poses a great challenge as its treatment is unsatisfactory and recurrence is high. Treatment of melasma using tranexamic acid (oral, topical or intralesional) is a novel concept. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of oral tranexamic acid with routine topical therapies for the treatment of melasma. METHODS: It is a prospective, interventional, randomized controlled trial conducted among 260 melasma patients. Patients were divided into two groups consisting of 130 patients each. First group (Group A) was given routine treatment measures and oral Tranexamic Acid while second group (Group B) was treated only with routine topical measures. Capsule Tranexamic Acid was prescribed at a dose of 250 mg twice a day for three months and cases were followed for three months. Response was evaluated on the basis of Melasma Assessment Severity Index (MASI). Mean scores between the two groups were then compared. RESULTS: Statistically significant decrease in the mean Melasma Assessment Severity Index from baseline to 8 and 12 weeks was observed among group A patients (11.08±2.91 vs 8.95±2.08 at week 8 and vs. 7.84±2.44 at week 12; p<0.05 for both). While among group B patients the decrease in mean score was significant at 8 weeks and insignificant at 12 weeks follow up (11.60±3.40 vs 9.9±2.61 at 8 weeks and vs. 9.26±3 at 12 weeks; p<0.05 for former but p>0.05 for later). CONCLUSION: Addition of oral tranexamic acid provides rapid and sustained improvement in the treatment of melasma.

Triiodothyronin, thyroxine and thyrotropin in vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a common pigmentary disorder of the skin, affecting individuals globally. Not only is this ailment psychologically incapacitating, it also has a high incidence of autoimmunity, signifying that its manifestations may be the portrayal of dysfunction of immune system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to find out the situations of abnormal thyroid function test (TFT) in vitiligo patients. METHODS: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted at the Dhulikhel Hospital, KUTH, Dhulikhel during November 2008 to January 2011 with the objective to assess the thyroid function tests in vitiligo patients. RESULTS: Total 66 vitiligo patients with male 30 (45%) and female 36 (55%). Total 26 (39.39%) vitiligo patients have been found to have abnormal thyroid function test. Among them 10 had abnormal T3, seven had abnormal T4 and 12 had abnormal TSH level. Thyroid function test were normal in other vitiligo patients. Total seven vitiligo had high level of T3 than normal value, four male and three female. Two had higher level of T4 above 2.0 ng/dl and all were male, while five had abnormally low level of T4 with three male and two female. There were seven vitiligo patient with increased T3 level and three with decreased T3 level, among them six were males and four were females, the age group was ranged from seven to 68 years old. The T4 level were found abnormal in seven vitiligo patients among which five were males and two were females with the age group ranging from 7 to 51 years. CONCLUSIONS: There has been significant association of thyroid disorder in the patient with vitiligo. Therefore, patient with vitiligo need to undergo thyroid function test to rule out the thyroid disorder and prevent from long-term complications.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in a tertiary care centre.

BACKGROUND: The burden of sexually transmitted infections is huge and is disproportionately affecting developing nations. In Nepal, recent available data on sexually transmitted infections are mostly targeted to high risk population. A prevalence study was thus done to explore the pattern of sexually transmitted infection syndromes among general population of Nepal. OBJECTIVES: To highlight the prevalence and changing pattern of sexually transmitted infections among general population. METHODS: A retrospective study. The study was conducted among 145 patients attending Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Dhulikhel Hospital Kathmandu University Hospital, for voluntary counseling and testing from April 2010 to April 2011. Syndromic case management approach was used for the classification and treatment of the patients. RESULTS: 106 patients were suffering from Sexually Transmitted Infections and 2 patients were positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The most common diagnosis was genital viral infections (41.7%). Prevalence was highest among drivers/conductors (26.9%) and migrating workers (23.1%). Age group 20 to 24 years was the maximum sufferers (37%). Unsafe sexual activity (66.7%) was the most potential exposure and majority of the patients were not consistent in using condom. CONCLUSIONS: Genital viral infections constitute the major bulk of sexually transmitted infections. Majority of the patients suffering from sexually transmitted infections were in the age group 20 to 24 years and were mostly drivers, conductors or migrating workers by occupation. In the background of few available baseline data, the results are expected to assist successful target interventions in the near future.

Comparative study of 5 % potassium hydroxide solution versus 0.05% tretinoin cream for Molluscum Contagiosum in children.

BACKGROUND: Molluscum contagiosum is one of the commonest cutaneous viral infections in children. All treatment modalities are associated with substantial pain, tissue destruction, and frequent recurrence. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and side effects of KOH 5% solution with tretinoin 0.05% cream for the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children. METHODS: Fifty patients were randomly divided into 2 groups; 25 each for 5% KOH solution and 0.05% tretinoin cream. The given medication was applied at bed time over molluscum lesions. The assessment of response and side effects were performed weekly for 4 weeks. RESULTS: At the end of 4 weeks, the mean lesion count decreased from 9.48 +/- 3.00 SD to 1.67 +/- 0.58 SD and from 8.35 +/- 2.82 SD to 2.00 +/- 1.00 SD in patients treated with 5% KOH solution and 0.05% tretinoin cream respectively. CONCLUSION: The result of both KOH and tretinoin showed good response, well tolerated by children but between the two, KOH showed fast recovery and most lesions were resolved before 4 week. The side effects could be minimized if applied as stated above. On the other hand, tretinoin showed delayed response and even some of lesion extended beyond 4 week but the side effect were less, and hence can be used in recurrent cases.