11 research outputs found
Parthenium dermatitis in a HIV patient
Parthenium dermatitis is a distressing problem in India. Both type 1 (immediate and late phase reaction) and type 4 hypersensitivity phenomenon play a role in pathogenesis. We prick tested the patient after administering various drugs to assess the best agent to prevent late phase reaction
Fractional-targeted phototherapy
Targeted ultraviolet B phototherapy is used in the treatment for localized variants of psoriasis. We present two cases in which we compared the efficacy of lite spot and lite brush in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo
Antiphospholipid syndrome in dermatology: An update
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by the presence of
antiphospholipid antibodies, recurrent thrombosis, and fetal loss.
Antiphospholipid antibodies are a family of autoantibodies that
recognize various combinations of phospholipids, phospholipid-binding
proteins, or both. APS can occur in the absence of underlying or
associated disease (primary APS) or in combination with other diseases
(secondary APS). The exact pathogenic mechanism by which these
antibodies cause thrombosis is not known; however, several hypotheses,
such as activation of platelet and endothelial cells and interference
with the coagulation system, have been proposed. Diagnosis is based on
the presence of at least one clinical and laboratory criterion each,
according to International Consensus Statement on preliminary
classification criteria. However, APS can be diagnosed in individuals
even in the absence of some of the classification criteria. Clinical
manifestations involve different organs and systems such as the blood
vessels, central nervous system, skin, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract,
heart, and placenta. The unifying mechanism of all these manifestations
is thrombosis, either arterial or venous. Skin manifestations are
varied and although not included in the diagnostic criteria, may be the
presenting feature of this syndrome. Therefore all dermatologists
should investigate the possibility of APS when cutaneous findings are
related to venous or arterial thrombosis. The risk of thrombosis cannot
be predicted, and therefore treatment is not initiated until a
thrombotic event occurs. Indefinite anticoagulation is prescribed once
a thrombotic event occurs. Prognosis depends on the severity of the
clinical manifestations and so, knowledge of the presentation of this
disease is important for early detection and prompt treatment to
prevent life-threatening consequences of this catastrophic disease
process
Update on photoprotection
Photoprotection by sunscreens, clothing and glasses are important to protect the skin against the detrimental effects of sun exposure. In order to achieve complete protection, topical strategies must shield against the range of solar wavelengths ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B, infrared radiation that can damage the skin. To provide the necessary broad spectrum coverage, combinations of chemical and physical UV filters along with molecules that are capable of interfering with and/or preventing the deleterious effects of sunlight are discussed in this review