Efficacy of Azole Antifungal in Treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor

AIM: Compare itraconazole alone, fluconazole combined with ketoconazole and ketoconazole in the treatment of patients with pityriasis versicolor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 240 pityriasis versicolor patients (confirmed with KOH and culture) were classified into 3 groups: Fluconazole 300 mg a week and 2% ketoconazole foam twice a week for 2 weeks (Category I), Itraconazole 200 mg daily for one week (category II); Ketoconazole 2% foam daily for 2 weeks (Category 3). Clinical (colour of macule, scale, pruritus) and mycological assessment were done after 4 weeks of therapy. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of treatment, clinical cure was observed in 62.4% (Category I), 36.3% (Category II) and 37.5% (Category III). CONCLUSION: It was reported in our study that the most effective regimen for PV patients is fluconazole 300 mg per week combined with ketoconazole 2% twice a week for 2 weeks

Distribution of Malassezia Species from Scales of Patient with Pityriasis Versicolor by Culture in Vietnam

BACKGROUND: The detection of pathogenic fungus is an important step and key to assessing the sensitivity of the antifungal drugs, and therefore choosing an effective treatment method. AIM: To identify Malassezia species from scales of a patient with pityriasis versicolor. METHODS: Three hundred patients with pityriasis versicolor who were positive with direct examination, were isolated by culture. RESULTS: Identification of Malassezia species by culture: the growth rate was 90.3%; the detection rate was 97.0%, including 11 species: M. globosa (42.4%), M. dermatitis (17.3%), M. furfur (14.4%). M. globosa was the most prevalent species in the 20-29 group 36.5%, in hyphae and yeast cells (42.2%). CONCLUSION: M. globosa is the main cause of pityriasis versicolor in Vietnam

Successful Treatment of Freckles by Alex Trivantage Laser Wavelight 755 nm in Vietnamese Patients

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Alex Trivantage laser wavelength 755 nm (ATL) in the treatment of freckles at Hanoi Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, Vietnam. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 30 patients with freckles were treated by ATL (Alex Trivantage-Candela Co America) with spots size 3 mm, wavelength 755 mm, and energy 5-6 j/cm2. All the patients were treated 2 times with 4-weeks interval. The results were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. The colour of the lesions was evaluated by using Von-Luchan’s chromatic scale and Visia® complex analysis system. Brown spot index (BSI) was calculated by the VISA complexion analysis system devices. The data was analysed by SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: After 2 times of treatment, the lesion colour of all of the patients had been improved. The good and very good levels of improvement were noted in 63.3% of patients; there was 26.7% of them had partial improvement. Brown spots index was significantly improved (39.13 ± 20.66 before and 54.23 ± 16.78 after treatment; p < 0.001). Hyperpigmentation was noted in 6.7% of patients. CONCLUSION: freckles have been improved by treatment with Alex trivantage laser wavelength 755 nm with safety

Efficacy of Oral Low-Dose Isotretinoin in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris in Vietnam

BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin is an effective therapy for acne. However, isotretinoin can induce hyperhomocysteinemia and decreased serum folic acid level, which may be a risk for cardiovascular disease and thrombosis, as well as psychoses. Besides, many recent types of research emphasise the safety and effects of the low dose isotretinoin therapy. AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of the low-dose isotretinoin on the plasma homocysteine and serum folic acid level in the Vietnamese population. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study to evaluate the effectiveness of the low-dose therapy on the plasma homocysteine and serum folic acid level of 52 acne patients after 6-8-week treatment at University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. Patients had moderate-severe acne with the prolonged course, and most of them had a scar. RESULTS: With a low dose of oral isotretinoin (0.37 ± 0.11 mg/kg/day), after 6-8-week treatment, patients dropped the severity of disease, increased the plasma homocysteine level and decreased the serum folic acid level with significant differences in comparison to those before treatment. However, these changes do not exceed the normal range. CONCLUSION: In overall, low dose isotretinoin treatment had effectiveness in decrease the severity of disease and no increasing the plasma homocysteine level as well as the serum folic acid level

Successful Treatment of Intralesional Triamcilonon Acetonide Injection in Keloid Patients

AIM: Evaluation the effect of intralesional corticosteroid injection on keloid, at the National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology from 1/2009 to 12/2009. METHODS: A group of 65 patients with keloid were randomly assigned into three groups. In the studied group, 33 patients were intralesionally injected 7.5 mg/1 cm2 of TCA. In the control group, TAC 32 patients were intralesionally injected 15 mg/1 cm2 of TCA. The result was evaluated basing on the criteria of Henderson (1998) and El-Tonsy (1996). RESULTS: In comparison between 2 groups, good to excellent improvement in the studied group was statistically higher than the control group (90.7% versus 68.7%; p < 0.05). After each injection, the thickness of the scar was reduced 1.24 ± 0.53 mm in the studied group and 0.81 ± 0.39 mm in the control group. The disappearance of pain and itching after treatment were 86.6% and 95.5% in the studied group and 78.1% and 80% in the control group (p > 0.05). Ulceration, acne and troublesome with menstrual cycles were sometimes were noted more frequently in the control group than in the studied group. CONCLUSION: Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection had a good result, and 7.5 mg/1 cm2 scar is the best dose for treatment of keloid

Successful Treatment of Intralesional Triamcilonon Acetonide Injection in Keloid Patients

AIM: Evaluation the effect of intralesional corticosteroid injection on keloid, at the National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology from 1/2009 to 12/2009. METHODS: A group of 65 patients with keloid were randomly assigned into three groups. In the studied group, 33 patients were intralesionally injected 7.5 mg/1 cm2 of TCA. In the control group, TAC 32 patients were intralesionally injected 15 mg/1 cm2 of TCA. The result was evaluated basing on the criteria of Henderson (1998) and El-Tonsy (1996). RESULTS: In comparison between 2 groups, good to excellent improvement in the studied group was statistically higher than the control group (90.7% versus 68.7%; p < 0.05). After each injection, the thickness of the scar was reduced 1.24 ± 0.53 mm in the studied group and 0.81 ± 0.39 mm in the control group. The disappearance of pain and itching after treatment were 86.6% and 95.5% in the studied group and 78.1% and 80% in the control group (p > 0.05). Ulceration, acne and troublesome with menstrual cycles were sometimes were noted more frequently in the control group than in the studied group. CONCLUSION: Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection had a good result, and 7.5 mg/1 cm2 scar is the best dose for treatment of keloid