Examination of the Topical Effect of the Combination of Plantago ovata and Vinegar on the Improvement of Rural Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Lesions.

Background: The present study aimed at investigating the topical effect of the combination of Plantago ovata and vinegar on the improvement of rural cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions. Materials and Methods: The present randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial was performed on 42 patients with rural skin leishmaniasis. In the case group, in addition to injecting glucantime into the lesion according to the latest national instructions, a combination of P. ovata and vinegar was applied topically twice a day for 8 weeks. In the control group, only glucantime injection into the lesion was performed for 8 weeks according to the latest national guidelines. At the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks after the intervention, the lesion area and improvement were evaluated and recorded. Results: The results of the present study indicated the lesion area in the case group with the mean of 0.35 ± 0.39 cm and 0.18 ± 0.27 cm in the 8th and 12th weeks, respectively was significantly less than that of the control group with the mean of 0.64 ± 0.78 cm and 0.56 ± 0.44, respectively (P < 0.05). Twelve weeks after the intervention, 84.1% of the lesions in the case group and 65.9% of the lesions in the control group were completely improved (P < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the improvement of leishmaniasis lesion with the topical application of the combination of P. ovata and vinegar was significantly more than that of the control group in the 8th and 12th weeks after the intervention.

Comparison of patient satisfaction with diode laser treatment of female hirsutism: low fluence or high fluence?

The optimal fluence for treating hirsutism with the diode laser has not been elucidated. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the satisfaction and side effects of patients who have been treated with two diode laser therapy techniques: high-fluence and low-fluence. In this cross-sectional study, the medical records of 182 patients referred to Yazd Laser center were collected. Various side effects of laser therapy were assessed, and the satisfaction rate of the patients was evaluated at three points: after the first session, at the end of the treatment course, and six months after the end of the treatment. The satisfaction level after the first session of the laser treatment was higher with the low-fluence technique (P-value<0.001). The satisfaction level at the end of treatment was the same in the two groups (P-value = 0.394). However, six months after the treatment, satisfaction level was significantly higher with the low-fluence technique (P-value = 0.005). The rate of complications, such as burn and pain, was higher in the high-fluence group, while the number of treatment sessions was lower with the high-fluence technique. The low-fluence method of laser therapy has fewer complications associated with greater patient satisfaction.

Prevalence of vitiligo among type 2 diabetic patients in an Iranian population.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is one of many diseases that can be found with diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients have a high incidence of vitiligo compared to the general population. This study assesses prevalence of vitiligo in type 2 diabetic patients in Iran. METHODS: One thousand one hundred type 2 diabetic patients and 1100 healthy adults were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Patients were evaluated for vitiligo by a dermatologist both clinically and by Wood's lamp. Data were analyzed using SPSS. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between groups with respect to presence of vitiligo; 4.9% of diabetic patients had vitiligo versus 1.8% of control group (P = 0.001). In the female group with diabetes, 5.8% had vitiligo, and in male diabetic patients, 3.9% had vitiligo (P = 0.057). In the control group, 1.8% of females and 1.8% of males had vitiligo that was equal. CONCLUSION: Vitiligo and diabetes may have a causal relationship. Vitiligo may coexist with type 2 diabetes. Therefore it is reasonable to investigate each patient periodically.