A sporadic case of epidermodysplasia verruciformis in a young boy

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare disorder that is usually transmitted in an autosomal recessive manner, caused by human papillomavirus which presents with tinea versicolor-like or flat wart-like lesions. It has propensity for malignant transformation, especially squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we present a case of 7 year boy with complaints of asymptomatic hypopigmented macular lesions over the face, neck, and forearms. Histopathology was suggestive of EV and was given oral zinc, advised strict photoprotection

A study of fixed-drug reactions at a rural-based tertiary care center, Gujarat

Context: Adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDRs) are very common due to a wide variety of drugs available in markets. Fixed-drug reaction (FDR) is a type of ACDR that dermatologists are facing frequently nowadays. There is a need to identify various drugs responsible for FDR and to ensure the safety of the patients with proper counseling. Aim and Objective: The aim and objective was to study the demographic details, clinical patterns, and the offending drugs causing FDR. Setting and Design: This was a cross-sectional, observational study. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out from April 2010 to March 2015 in the Department of Dermatology at a rural-based tertiary care center of Gujarat, India, after taking approval from the hospital's research ethical committee. A detailed history taking and thorough clinical examination were done for all the patients having FDR and were recorded in a predesigned pro forma. Analysis was done using frequencies, proportions, and Chi-square test. All the patients were educated regarding ACDRs and given a list of drugs causing FDR to avoid recurrence. Results: A total of 59 patients were studied for FDR among which 32 (54.23%) were males and 27 (45.76%) were females. Fever (20.34%) was the most common illness for which patients had taken the culprit drug. Antimicrobials (26 [44.07%]) were the most common group of drugs causing FDR followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (21 [35.59%]). As a single molecule, diclofenac was the most common drug causing FDR followed by metronidazole 5 (8.47%) and cotrimoxazole, fluconazole, and ciprofloxacin 4 (6.78%) each. The most common complaint following intake of the culprit drug was pigmented patch (31 [52.54%]) followed by blisters (13 [22.03%]). Conclusion: FDR is one of the important ACDRs seen in patients. Antimicrobials are the most common group while diclofenac is the most common drug causing FDR

Clinical profile of androgenic alopecia and its association with cardiovascular risk factors

Context: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a hereditary androgen-dependent disorder, characterized by gradual conversion of terminal hair into miniaturized hair and defined by various patterns. Common age group affected is between 30 and 50 years. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors that include diabetes and prediabetes, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The relationship between androgenic alopecia and MetS is still poorly understood. Aim: The aim was to study the clinical profile of androgenic alopecia and its association with cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study done on men in the age group of 25–40 years. Fifty clinically diagnosed cases with early-onset androgenic alopecia of Norwood Grade III or above and fifty controls without androgenic alopecia were included in the study. Data collected included anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, family history of androgenic alopecia, history of alcohol, smoking; fasting blood sugar, and lipid profile were done. MetS was diagnosed as per the new International Diabetes Federation criteria. Chi-square and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: MetS was seen in 5 (10%) cases and 1 (2%) control (P =0.092). Abdominal obesity, hypertension, and lowered high-density lipoprotein were significantly higher in patients with androgenic alopecia when compared to that of the controls. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was seen in men with early-onset androgenic alopecia. Early screening for MetS and its components may be beneficial in patients with early-onset androgenic alopecia

Verrucous lymphangioma circumscriptum in a child

Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is characterized by dilation of lymphatic vessels in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It presents as asymptomatic vesicles filled with lymphatic fluid giving characteristic frog spawn appearance, but does not progress into warty plaque. LC can also be divided into congenital and acquired form. The common sites are axillary folds, shoulder, upper arm, scrotum, penis, rectum, and vulva. It needs to be differentiated from certain common conditions such as herpes zoster, molluscum contagiosum, hemangioma, verruca vulgaris, and angiokeratoma. Surgical modality is the first choice of treatment. A case of a 5-year-old girl having verrucous plaque on the right knee joint diagnosed as LC is presented here