ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection of the scalp. If left untreated, tinea capitis infection can cause severe inflammatory reactions and the development of kerion. Tinea capitis is effectively treated with oral antifungals, but at present these are not covered under government assistance programs. OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential impact of a limited use code for antifungal therapy in the treatment of childhood tinea capitis. METHOD: Fourteen family physicians practicing in the Jane Finch area were surveyed on their experience treating tinea capitis in this community. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent of surveyed family physicians felt that cost impedes the treatment of tinea capitis in their practice, and 100% felt that a limited use code would have a positive impact on their patients. CONCLUSION: A limited use code for oral antifungal treatments of tinea capitis may provide a simple, cost-effective solution to a major problem impacting children in the Jane Finch area.
Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/economics , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Health Services Accessibility , Tinea Capitis/drug therapy , Tinea Capitis/economics , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Ontario/epidemiology , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Poverty , Socioeconomic Factors , Tinea Capitis/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pityriasis rotunda is a rare cutaneous disorder characterized by scaly, circular, well-demarcated, hypo- or hyperpigmented, fine plaques over the trunk and extremities. OBJECTIVE: We present a case of pityriasis rotunda in a 44-year-old African-Canadian woman who presented to a community dermatology practice in Toronto. RESULTS: Pityriasis rotunda has been well described in Japan, Italy, and South Africa. It is extremely rare in North America, with nine reported cases to date, the majority of which were diagnosed in the United States. CONCLUSION: Pityriasis rotunda is a rare cutaneous disorder associated with systemic disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second report of pityriasis rotunda diagnosed in Canada.
Subject(s)
Pityriasis/diagnosis , Skin/pathology , Adult , Biopsy , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , OntarioABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The cultural practice of skin bleaching is highly prevalent in Africa. Most reported cases of toxic effects of skin-lightening products occur in this region. OBJECTIVE: To describe cases of misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) cosmetic skin-lightening products occurring in Canadian immigrants. METHODS: Two cases of Canadian immigrants with severe complications from OTC skin-bleaching agents were identified in a community-based dermatology practice in Toronto. The case histories were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: A 28-year-old African-Canadian woman developed extensive striae from long-term use of a topical cream containing clobetasol that she had purchased in a Caribbean health food store. A 55-year-old African-Canadian woman developed exogenous ochronosis from the use of a topical bleaching agent she had purchased in Ghana. CONCLUSION: Cosmetic skin lightening with unregulated topical products occurs in Canada. Dermatologists working in Canada need to be aware of this practice to provide appropriate directive care.
