Linear and Whorled Nevoid Hypermelanosis - A Case of Pigmentary Mosaicism.

Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis is a rare skin pigmentation disorder, characterized by linear streaks and whorls of hyperpigmented macules along Blaschko's lines. Lesions are commonly restricted to the trunk, neck, and extremities, sparing the face, palms, soles, and mucosae. Associated with this, certain cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, and developmental anomalies have been reported in the literature. Herein, we present a rare case of linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis involving the face, with musculoskeletal, genital, aural, and ocular abnormalities.

Randomized questionnaire based cross-sectional research study on awareness of sexually transmitted diseases amongst the general population between those who completed their high school education and those who have not.

INTRODUCTION: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a very important health challenge for adolescents. Educational level, especially sex education in school, prevents the adolescents falling prey to these diseases. OBJECTIVE: To compare the awareness of STDs among general population with below and above high school qualification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A simple randomized, cross-sectional, questionnaire based study on the awareness of STDs on out-patients and in-patients of Saveetha Medical College and Hospital of 6 months duration was conducted. About 150 subjects participated in the study. RESULTS: About 77.8% of those who completed schooling had good awareness of STDs. Statistical analysis had shown the formal education to high school level is statistically significantP= 0.0068 (P < 0.05) in people falling prey to the STDs. CONCLUSION: The initiation of formal education about sex education at the school level can improve the present status and lead to better prevention of STDs.

Randomized Questionnaire Based Case-Control Research Study on Evaluation of Sexual Function in Indian Patients Taking Oral Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia.

INTRODUCTION: Finasteride is one of the most common drugs used in androgenetic alopecia. The literature discusses the sexual side effects of the drug; however, in practice there is little evidence to support this. The aim of the present study was to investigate the sexual dysfunction in patients taking finasteride 1 mg for androgenetic alopecia. METHODS: A questionnaire, based on the International Index of Erectile Function, was given to approximately 586 patients with androgenetic alopecia who were being treated with finasteride 1 mg for an average of 16 weeks. These patients were compared to an age-related control group who were attending the Dermatology Out Patients Department for various other skin ailments not related to hair disorders. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the results showed no significant difference in the scores between patients taking finasteride and the control group. CONCLUSION: Analysis showed no significant difference in sex-related problems with that of patients taking finasteride and age matched controls, suggesting that sex-related issues are not a side effect of finasteride.

Kikuchi's disease: an uncommon cause of cervical lymphadenopathy.

Kikuchi Fujimoto's disease is a benign self limiting disorder presenting with localised cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, weight loss and night sweats. It is a rare disease with worldwide distribution but commonly reported from Asia. It is diagnosed by excision biopsy of the lymph nodes. Clinical features suggest a viral aetiology though not proven. It is often misdiagnosed as either systemic lupus erythematosus or malignant lymphoma. Better understanding as well as high clinical suspicion would aid in the diagnosis of the disease. Treatment is mainly symptomatic, with non-steroidal analgesics and antipyretics. Corticosteroids are rarely indicated. Although patients show a spontaneous recovery in 1-4 months, a follow-up of several years would be required to study the development of SLE in these patients.

Blister beetle dermatitis.

Blister beetle dermatitis or paederus dermatitis is an irritant contact dermatitis due to accidental crush of insects belonging to paederus family on the skin. The characteristic features of blister beetle dermatitis are linear erythematous itchy vesicles over the exposed parts of body and kissing lesions. This condition is commonly seen during or after rainy season. The treatment is removal of irritant by gentle washing and topical steroids. It is often misdiagnosed and causes significant morbidity among the rural population.