Demodex folliculorum (Trombidiformes: Demodecidae) infestation in medical students with facial dermatoses and healthy groups.

Demodex folliculorum (Simon, 1842) has been associated with various dermatological conditions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Demodex infestation in medical students with facial dermatoses compared with healthy medical students serving as controls. A total of 250 participants were enrolled, including 150 individuals with facial dermatoses and 100 healthy controls. Sampling was performed based on the standardized skin surface biopsy method. Demographic characteristics, specifically gender and age, were not statistically different between the patient and control groups. Among the facial dermatosis patients, 25 out of 150 (16.6%) were found to have Demodex infestation, while only three out of the 100 healthy controls (3%) exhibited infestations. The only identified species was D. folliculorum. The rates of Demodex infestation were significantly higher in the patients compared to the control groups. These findings indicate a higher prevalence of Demodex infestation among medical students with facial dermatosis, particularly in those diagnosed with folliculitis, acne vulgaris, and inflammatory papule, when compared to healthy controls. A better understanding of the relationship between D. folliculorum infestation and these dermatological conditions may lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies in the future.

In search of lost beauty: Experiences of Iranian women with melasma.

BACKGROUND: The skin condition called melasma affects patients' appearance significantly and affects them psychologically and emotionally, besides leading to an impaired body image. AIM: Since access to quality information in different cultural environments is necessary to understand the psychological problems associated with melasma, the aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of 20 Iranian women with melasma. PATIENTS/METHODS: The content analysis method was employed for this study. Twenty participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected through face-to-face in-depth interviews and then transcribed verbatim. RESULTS: After categorizing the initial codes, 14 subthemes were identified, which were classified under five themes-camouflage, seeking treatment, lost beauty, grief, and others' reaction; these were then grouped under a general one, "in search of lost beauty." CONCLUSIONS: Melasma has a tremendous impact on the lives of the women it affects, and therapists should focus on the condition's social and psychological aspects, in addition to treatment.

Effectiveness of booster dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccine in management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a prospective, randomized, triple-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common oral disease. The activation of the immune system by vaccines might reduce the interactions between oral mucosa and microorganisms. AIM: To evaluate the effect of the tetanus-diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccine in management of RAS. DESIGN AND SETTING: This prospective, randomized, triple-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial study was conducted on 70 eligible patients with minor RAS at the dermatology outpatient clinic. METHOD: Finally, a total of 66 participants (48 male, 18 female; mean age: 38.56 ± 10.98 years) completed the study in two groups, one in which colchicine and a single dose of vitamin B6 (placebo group) was treated and one in which colchicine and a single dose of Td vaccine (intervention group) was treated. RESULTS: After six months of follow-up, the patients were evaluated, which revealed significant effects of the Td vaccine on pain intensity, ulcer size, recovery time, and the interval between episodes. At the end of the six month follow-up, 27 patients (81.8%) in the intervention group and 13 patients (39.4%) in the placebo group showed partial or complete recovery, and there was statistically significant difference between the groups (p < .001). Recovery was not significantly associated with sex, education level, marital status and duration of RAS. However, occupation and positive family history of RAS had significant relations with recovery. CONCLUSIONS: A booster dose of Td vaccine had relatively favorable effects on pain intensity and recurrence of RAS, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.