Dermatological Signs Research Articles

Comment on Dutta Majumder et al.’s 2019 ‘Ocular Syphilis: An Update’

ABSTRACT The article ‘Ocular Syphilis: An Update (2019)’ provides a thorough review of the challenges in diagnosing ocular syphilis. However, our research on ‘Dermatological and Ocular Manifestations of Syphilis,’ identifies a significant gap in both literature and clinical practice: the lack of recognition of dermatological signs during ophthalmological assessments. Ocular syphilis often mimics other conditions and can remain undiagnosed for months or years. Detecting dermatological signs, such as the characteristic palmar rash of secondary syphilis and extragenital chancres, could prompt earlier investigation and serological testing, reducing unnecessary diagnostic workups and inappropriate management. Early recognition would facilitate timely administration of Penicillin G, helping prevent vision loss, which is often reversible with prompt treatment. We urge Ocular Immunology and Inflammation to highlight the importance of incorporating dermatological assessments in future ocular syphilis publications to improve diagnostic protocols and patient outcomes.

Pachydermoperiostosis: Cosmetic implications in a multi-system genetic condition.

We present the case of a 17-year-old gentleman, initially referred to rheumatology with painful enlargement of his joints, along with prominence of facial features consistent with cutis verticis gyrata. Genetic testing confirmed a diagnosis of pachydermoperiostosis, a rare genetic condition characterised by digital clubbing, long bone periostosis and pachydermia. Our patient exhibited heterozygosity for the SLCO2A1 variant, which is known to confer more prominent skin and bone features than other known underlying mutations. His arthralgia caused significant functional impairment, but moreover there were concerns regarding the psychosocial impact of his cosmetic features, for which there appear to be few available medical therapies. As a multi-system genetic condition, pachydermoperiostosis is also known to be associated with other significant sequelae such as myelofibrosis and gastric ulceration, highlighting the importance of its early detection, which may be aided by the recognition of dermatological signs. In our patient's case, the concurrence of orthostatic hypotension and iron deficiency anaemia were concluded to be a function of restricted dietary intake due to his change in appearance, once again highlighting the cosmetic implications of this condition, and importance of further research into its medical management.

ROLE OF DUSHI VISHA IN SKIN DISEASES: A REVIEW

Background: Dushi Visha is one of the unique Agada Tantra concepts in Ayurveda. Visha is a chemical that vitiates all seven Dhatus and can also be fatal when ingested. Dushi Visha is the term used to describe any poison that comes from Sthavara or Jangama sources, or Kritrima Visha that is kept in the body after being partially expelled or that has temporarily undergone detoxification using anti-poisonous medications, etc. Aim: This study aims to understand the skin diseases caused by Dushi Visha. Material and methods: Reviewed from various Ayurvedic literature, websites, and relevant journals. Result: According to all Acharya, Dushi Visha is a slowacting poison that builds up in our bodies. Because of its low potency, it does not immediately induce illness; instead, chronic disease is brought on by repeated exposure to the toxin. Such collected Visha gives rise to numerous skin illnesses and vitiates Dhatu, especially Rakta Dhatu. Detoxification is the first treatment for Dushi Visha, which Dushivishari Agada Paana then follows. Discussion and conclusion: Skin illnesses are becoming increasingly significant today. The essential elements of life—air, food, and water—are all contaminated. Thus, Dushi Visha can be determined by considering aspects like Viruddhahara, Ahitaahara, cold beverages, specific medications, cosmetics, pesticides, metals, minerals, pollutants, etc. The body retains these cumulative toxins and exhibits many dermatological signs.

Signs in Dermatology: Clinical, Dermoscopic, and Histopathological

Abstract Dermatologic diagnosis depends on the careful observation and documentation of signs, which can be highly pathognomonic for a certain condition. Most of the signs appear either de novo or have to be elicited by the physician. It refers to important physical finding or observation made by the physician when examining the patient. In this article, we have included total 154 signs including clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological signs. We have divided them in 13 groups including signs seen in infectious conditions, vesiculobullous disorders, papulosquamous disorders, dermatitis, connective tissue diseases, and diseases of appendages for the ease of readers.

Dyskeratosis congenita associated with a novel missense variant in TERT: Approach for the dermatologists

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a telomeropathy presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges across multiple specialties; yet, subtle dermatological signs enable early detection, altering patient prognosis. A specific DC genetic sequencing was performed according to the clinical criteria of our patient in study. Subsequently, cross-checked information in the main genetic databases was carried out. Additionally, an extensive review of the literature was made to organize the main dermatological aspects in DC. We report a novel variant of DC. Additionally, we share 10 useful and practical messages for dermatologists and any specialist caring for this group of patients.

Medidas de resultados comunicados por el paciente para evaluar la dermatitis atópica

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that affects up to 20% of children and 10% of adults worldwide. Due to the high burden of dermatological signs and symptoms, atopic dermatitis has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and their families. In the absence of objective measures to accurately assess severity and symptom burden, patient-reported outcome measures are essential to monitor the impact and progression of the disease, as well as the efficacy of treatments. Although there are currently no standardised guidelines for their use in clinical practice, there are some initiatives, such as the Harmonise Outcome Measures for Eczema and Vivir con Dermatitis Atópica, that can provide guidance. As healthcare systems move towards value-based healthcare models, patient-reported measures are becoming increasingly important for incorporating the patient perspective and improving the quality of healthcare services. The use of these measures can help monitor disease activity and guide treatment decisions. This article discusses the impact of atopic dermatitis and describes the patient-reported outcome measures commonly used in atopic dermatitis and the recommendations of the initiatives that have selected a core set of measures to best assess atopic dermatitis in clinical practice. Considering the recommendations of these initiatives and based on our experience in clinical practice, we propose the use of the Dermatology Life Quality Index to assess the impact of the disease on quality of life, the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure to assess symptom severity, and the Numerical Rating Scale or the Visual Analogue Scale to measure itch intensity. To systematize the administration of these measures and to integrate them into hospital information systems and medical records, we emphasise the importance of telemedicine platforms that allow the electronic administration of these instruments.

Correlation Between the Type of Psoriasis and the Pattern of Arthritis Among Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: A Single-center Cross-sectional Study

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory condition linked to psoriasis. According to studies, there is little correlation between arthritic patterns and PsA. Objective: To find relationships between psoriasis symptoms and PsA arthritis patterns. Methods: 100 PsA patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at Baghdad Teaching Hospital from December 2021 to June 2022, using CASPAR criteria. We gathered thorough demographic and clinical information, examined arthritis patterns, classified them into five kinds, and evaluated eight types and sites of psoriasis. Disease activity was measured using clinical and psoriasis indicators. Results: a weak negative connection among 100 individuals with psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and distal interphalangeal (DIP) arthropathy. Erythrodermic psoriasis and spondylitis (with or without sacroiliitis) showed a slight positive connection. There was also a slight positive association between scalp psoriasis and DIP arthropathy. A comparable positive and weak relationship was found between polyarthritis and age, as well as polyarthritis and psoriatic arthritis disease activity. In contrast, asymmetrical oligoarthritis and PsA disease activity had a modest negative connection. Furthermore, enthesitis and DIP arthritis showed a weak negative connection. Body mass index and spondylitis (with or without sacroiliitis) showed a positive and weak correlation. The most significant finding was a modestly favorable relationship between skin psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis disease activity. Conclusions: There are weak but significant associations between particular psoriasis types and locales and arthritis patterns in PsA patients. These findings point to the possibility of developing individualized therapeutic regimens for PsA that take into account both dermatological and rheumatological signs.

Feline leishmaniasis in an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil: Clinical aspects, coinfections, molecular detection, and serological study of a new recombinant protein

Infection and clinical cases of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum in cats have been increasingly reported in several countries, including Brazil. In this study, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunochromatographic test (ICT) based on a recombinant antigen (rKDDR-plus) to detect anti-Leishmania antibodies in cats from an animal shelter in northeastern Brazil. We compared the results with an ELISA using L. infantum crude antigen (ELISA-CA). We also investigated the presence of Leishmania DNA in blood or ocular conjunctival samples as well as the association between Leishmania PCR positivity and serological positivity to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Toxoplasma gondii. Concerning serological assays, a higher positivity was detected using the ICT-rKDDR-plus (7.5%; 7/93) as compared to ELISA-rKDDR-plus (5.4%; 5/93) and ELISA-CA (4.3%; 4/93). Upon PCR testing, 52.7% (49/93) of the ocular conjunctival swabs and 48.3% (44/91) of the blood samples were positive. Together, PCR and serological testing revealed overall positivities of 73.1% (68/93) and 12.9% (12/93), respectively. Among PCR-positive samples, 45.5% (31/68) showed co-infection with FIV, 17.6% (12/68) with FeLV, and 82.3% (56/68) with T. gondii. More than half of the PCR-positive cats showed at least one clinical sign suggestive of leishmaniasis (58.8%; 40/68) and dermatological signs were the most frequent ones (45.5%; 31/68). Both tests employing the recombinant antigen rKDDR-plus (i.e., ICT-rKDDR-plus and ELISA-rKDDR-plus) detected more positive cats than the ELISA-CA but presented low overall accuracy. PCR testing using either blood or ocular conjunctival samples detected much more positive cats than serological tests.

The Real-World Effectiveness and Tolerability of a Soothing Cream Containing the Postbiotic Aquaphilus dolomiae Extract-G2 for Skin Healing.

In vitro and pre-marketing clinical data have shown the healing properties of a postbiotic extract from Aquaphilus dolomiae (ADE-G2). The effectiveness and tolerability of an ADE-G2-based cream were therefore evaluated for the management of minor skin impairment and wound healing in a large population of subjects in routine clinical practice. A real-world, international, pre-post comparative study was conducted in infants, children, and adults with various types of superficial skin impairment who used the study product daily for around 3weeks according to their dermatologist's advice. Immediate and follow-up changes in dermatologic signs and symptoms were assessed through clinical scoring. User satisfaction, overall product effectiveness, and tolerability were also evaluated. Analyses were performed in the whole study population and in subject subgroups according to skin impairment type and age. Overall, 1317subjects (83.1% adults, 72.0% female) were included. Dermatologists reported effectiveness and "good" or "very good" tolerability of the cream in 93.8% (1221/1302) and 98.5% (1278/1297) of subjects, respectively. Immediate symptom relief after the first application was reported by 88.3% (849/962) of subjects. After several weeks of regular use (16.7 ± 11.6days), dermatologic signs and symptoms significantly improved in the whole study population and in the subgroups, with mean decreases in severity scores ranging from -34.5% to -92.5% (p < 0.0001). The smallest improvements were found in subjects with oncologic treatment-related skin impairment. At study end, most users (> 95%) were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the cream and found that skin healing was rapid and of good quality. The ADE-G2-based cream proved to be effective and well tolerated in real-life conditions for the management of minor skin impairment in a large and varied cohort of subjects. This product, used as a standalone or adjunctive regimen, can help accelerate the healing of various types of superficial skin impairment.

Development and internal validation of diagnostic prediction models using machine-learning algorithms in dogs with hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism can be easily misdiagnosed in dogs, and prediction models can support clinical decision-making, avoiding unnecessary testing and treatment. The aim of this study is to develop and internally validate diagnostic prediction models for hypothyroidism in dogs by applying machine-learning algorithms. A single-institutional cross-sectional study was designed searching the electronic database of a Veterinary Teaching Hospital for dogs tested for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed based on suggestive clinical signs and thyroid function tests. Dogs were excluded if medical records were incomplete or a definitive diagnosis was lacking. Predictors identified after data processing were dermatological signs, alopecia, lethargy, hematocrit, serum concentrations of cholesterol, creatinine, total thyroxine (tT4), and thyrotropin (cTSH). Four models were created by combining clinical signs and clinicopathological variables expressed as quantitative (models 1 and 2) and qualitative variables (models 3 and 4). Models 2 and 4 included tT4 and cTSH, models 1 and 3 did not. Six different algorithms were applied to each model. Internal validation was performed using a 10-fold cross-validation. Apparent performance was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Eighty-two hypothyroid and 233 euthyroid client-owned dogs were included. The best performing algorithms were naive Bayes in model 1 (AUROC = 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83-0.86) and in model 2 (AUROC = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.97-0.99), logistic regression in model 3 (AUROC = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.86-0.89), and random forest in model 4 (AUROC = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.98-0.99). Positive predictive value was 0.76, 0.84, 0.93, and 0.97 in model 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Negative predictive value was 0.89, 0.89, 0.99, and 0.99 in model 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Machine learning-based prediction models were accurate in predicting and quantifying the likelihood of hypothyroidism in dogs based on internal validation performed in a single-institution, but external validation is required to support the clinical applicability of these models.

Clinical risk factors in patients with interstitial lung disease associated with anti-MDA5 autoantibodies

IntroductionThe anti-MDA5-associated autoimmune disease represents a poorly understood entity. The study's objectives were to describe a cohort of interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients who were positive for anti-MDA5 autoantibody and identify clinical risk factors associated with survival. MethodsThis single-center cohort study included ILD patients positive for anti-MDA5 autoantibody. Baseline clinical features were registered, and survival analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with worse survival. ResultsFifty-three ILD-MDA5 positive patients were included; twelve died during follow-up due to rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). Dermatological signs of anti-MDA5 (Gottron papules, Gottron sign, palmar papules, V-neck sign, facial dermatomyositis rashes, and skin ulcers) were strongly associated with death secondary to RP-ILD (HR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.02–13.35). Patients with dermatological signs were younger, had higher anti-MDA5 autoantibodies titers, more frequent inflammatory patterns in HRCT evaluation, and less fibrosis extent in HRCT. ConclusionDermatological manifestation in ILD patients to anti-MDA5 autoantibodies are associated with RP-ILD and short-term fatal outcomes. Dermatological signs may identify a subgroup of ILD-positive to anti-MDA5 patients with a high risk of RP-ILD.

Dermatitis herpetiformis and other forms of wheat sensitivity

Wheat sensitivity is acollective term for several, especially gastrointestinal, diseases that occur as part of ahypersensitivity reaction after wheat consumption. The symptoms, which are mostly similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome, are often accompanied by skin lesions. In addition to celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis, the cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease, wheat sensitivity also includes nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), allergic nickel contact mucositis, wheat allergy, amylase-trypsin inhibitor intolerance, and fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) intolerance. This review article aims to provide an overview of the clinical, especially dermatological and gastrointestinal features of the different forms of wheat sensitivity. Diagnosis and therapeutic management are also discussed. Aselective literature search was carried out with evaluation of our own clinical data. The skin lesions in dermatitis herpetiformis are very disease-specific. In contrast, wheat allergy often shares signs and symptoms with many other diseases. Other forms of wheat sensitivity cause primarily gastrointestinal abnormalities, but extra-intestinal manifestations can also occur. Their diagnosis is often complex and requires cross-disciplinary collaboration with experts in gastroenterology. The therapy consists of awheat- or gluten-free diet. Knowledge of the different and frequently occurring dermatological signs of wheat sensitivity is of great importance, because dermatological manifestations associated with gastrointestinal pathology, intolerance reactions, and allergies appear more and more frequently.

Dental Management in Children with Incontinencia Pigmenti (Bloch-Sulzberger Syndrome): Case Reports and Literature Review

Introduction: Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP) is a multisystem genodermatosis characterized by cutaneous, neurologic, ophthalmologic, and dental abnormalities. Skin alterations are the main characterestic of IP. They can change and even disappear over time, in contrast, dental ones are permanent and considered as the most frequent extra cutaneous signs. The aim of this work is to present two rare clinical reports of Incontinentia Pigmenti and to adress its frequent orofacial manifestations in the dental litterature. Case Reports: In this paper, we report two clinical cases of incontinencia pigmenti in two female patients, five and nine years old, who were first examined by a dermatologist due to skin changes and then referred to our pediatric dentistry department in la Rabta hospital for oral examination. We managed these cases in collaboration with the pediatric department. We also conducted a research in the following electronic databases: PubMed and google scholar using the following keywords: ("Incontinentia Pigmenti" AND "Child" AND "Tooth Abnormalities”), from 2011 to 2021, to compare dental findings in our patients with literature. Discussion: The most representative dental features of IP are: delayed tooth eruption, agenesis, high arched palate, peg like and malformed teeth, affecting both primary and permanent teeth. Therapeutic management of our patients consisted in the replacement of absent teeth with an aesthetic and functional space maintainer. The assessment of orofacial manifestations in Children with Bloch Sulzberger syndrome indicates that it appears almost exclusively in females and is usually lethal in males. The clinical expression of this disease found in our patients reflects the Data reported in the literature. The latter showed that the presence of symptoms other than skin changes is important if dermatological signs are subtle, which is in accordance with both our patients’ clinical expression. The most relevant finding of this review is the observation that most IP patients with odontological findings had the congenital absence of six or more teeth opposed to our second patient who had only one absent tooth. Conclusions: Incontinencia pigmenti is of a good prognosis but it may affect patients' quality of life hence the importance of knowing this syndrom and its oro-facial characteristics in order to obtain a correct diagnosis and apply an appropriate approach treatment.

P20.03.A PREDICTING THE CLINICAL PHENOTYPE INNF2 RELATED SCHWANNOMATOSIS PATIENTS USING NEW GENETIC SCORES

Abstract BACKGROUND NF2 related Schwannomatosis (NF2 -SCHW MIM # 101000) is a rare autosomal dominant familial cancer syndromes caused by mutations in the NF2 gene, mainly due to NF2 point mutations or intragenic deletions. NF2 patients. In 95% of patients, bilateral vestibular schwannomas are present, but NF2 -SCHW patients can develop other tumors and show ophthalmic and dermatological signs. Several studies established a genotype-phenotype correlations; the UK NF2 Reference Group proposed a Genetic Severity Score (GSS) based on the type and location of NF2 germline variant observed. Catasus et al. after validation of the score in a Spanish cohort suggested a new score based also on a functional assay of Merlin and its downstream pathways (FGSS). Recently Teranish et al. used targeted deep sequencing to predict functional prognosis in those patients. MATERIAL AND methods 70 patients (median age 40) were identified by scanning the electronic NF2-SCHW patient database at Fondazione IRCCS C. Besta, where the patients had undergone full neurological, ophthalmic, and audiological assessment. The median follow-up was 14 yrs. Clinical diagnosis was established following the Updated diagnostic criteria and nomenclature for neurofibromatosis type 2 and schwannomatosis”. All patients underwent NF2, SMARCB1 and LZTR1 mutational screening by NGS and MPLA analysis using blood DNA or the tissue of two different tumors when available.NF2 gene germline pathogenic were found in 45 subjects (64%), in most cases NF2 point mutations, but in 4 cases and whole gene deletions was observed and in 2 a ring NF2 chromosome was identified, in four cases a mosaic NF2-SCH was identified and in 21 (30%) patients no pathogenic variant was found. We assessed NF2-SCHW clinical phenotype in relation to the UK GSS and FGSS to validate their use as clinical and research tools, despite the significant phenotypic variability observed. RESULTS The disease outcome differed significantly depending both on clinicaland genetic factors. Among these factors,” Age of symptom onset” “Truncating”, “Mosaic”, and “whole gene deletion” had the most significant effects on functional disability. Conclusion GSS and FGSS showed significant correlation with several measures, allowing stratification of patients with severe and mild disease but not with moderate phenotype. Furthermore, we provided evidence on correlation between whole NF2 deletion extent and phenotype severity. Large cohorts of NF2-SCHW patients are needed to identify more accurate scores, becoming useful tools for patient management.

Clinical risk factors in patients with interstitial lung disease associated with anti-MDA5 autoantibodies

IntroductionThe anti-MDA5-associated autoimmune disease represents a poorly understood entity. The study's objectives were to describe a cohort of interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients who were positive for anti-MDA5 autoantibody and identify clinical risk factors associated with survival. MethodsThis single-center cohort study included ILD patients positive for anti-MDA5 autoantibody. Baseline clinical features were registered, and survival analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with worse survival. ResultsFifty-three ILD-MDA5 positive patients were included; twelve died during follow-up due to rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). Dermatological signs of anti-MDA5 (Gottron papules, Gottron sign, palmar papules, V-neck sign, facial dermatomyositis rashes, and skin ulcers) were strongly associated with death secondary to RP-ILD (HR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.02–13.35). Patients with dermatological signs were younger, had higher anti-MDA5 autoantibodies titers, more frequent inflammatory patterns in HRCT evaluation, and less fibrosis extent in HRCT. ConclusionDermatological manifestation in ILD patients to anti-MDA5 autoantibodies are associated with RP-ILD and short-term fatal outcomes. Dermatological signs may identify a subgroup of ILD-positive to anti-MDA5 patients with a high risk of RP-ILD.

Canine amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate atopic dermatitis through regeneration and immunomodulation.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising tool for treating immune disorders. However, the immunomodulatory effects of canine MSCs compared with other commercialized biologics for treating immune disorders have not been well studied. In this study we investigated the characteristics and immunomodulatory effects of canine amnion membrane (cAM)-MSCs. We examined gene expression of immune modulation and T lymphocytes from activated canine peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation. As a result, we confirmed that cAM-MSCs upregulated immune modulation genes (TGF-β1, IDO1 and PTGES2) and suppressed the proliferation capacity of T cells. Moreover, we confirmed the therapeutic effect of cAM-MSCs compared with oclacitinib (OCL), the most commonly used Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, as a treatment for canine atopic dermatitis (AD) using a mouse AD model. As a result, we confirmed that cAM-MSCs with PBS treatment groups (passage 4, 6 and 8) compared with PBS only (PBS) though scores of dermatologic signs, tissue pathologic changes and inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced. In particular, cAM-MSCs were more effective than OCL in the recovery of wound dysfunction, regulation of mast cell activity and expression level of immune modulation protein. Interestingly, subcutaneous injection of cAM-MSCs induced weight recovery, but oral administration of oclacitinib induced weight loss as a side effect. In conclusion, this study suggests that cAM-MSCs can be developed as a safe canine treatment for atopic dermatitis without side effects through effective regeneration and immunomodulation.

Clinical Features and Histopathologic Examination of Lentiginosis Profusa in a Dog

An 5-year-old Yorkshire Terrier dog was presented due to a gradually developing hyperpigmented spot at the ventral abdomen, around lips, interdigital space and paws. The skin lesions appeared 2 years ago and gradually increased the numbers. The skin condition was generally dry on presentation, and several hyperpigmented macules and patches were detected. Except for the hyperpigmented skin lesions, other physical examinations and dermatological examination results were non-remarkable. Based on the history and clinical examination results, the genetic dermatological disease, lentigo was highly suspected. Skin biopsy and histopathologic examination were performed to rule out other pigmentary skin disease including tumor. The histopathologic examination revealed epidermal hyperplasia, melanocytic hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis. The dermatologic signs and histopathologic results were compatible with lentiginosis profusa. Canine lentiginosis profusa predominantly occurs in mature dogs and is generally considered a benign condition. While it is primarily a cosmetic concern, it is essential to distinguish it from other hyperpigmentation-related diseases.

An Overview of Clinical Manifestations of Dermatological Disorders in Intensive Care Units: What Should Intensivists Be Aware of?

Acute skin failure is rarely the primary diagnosis that necessitates admission to an intensive care unit. Dermatological manifestations in critically ill patients, on the other hand, are relatively common and can be used to make a key diagnosis of an adverse drug reaction or an underlying systemic illness, or they may be caused by factors related to a prolonged stay or invasive procedures. In intensive care units, their classification is based on the aetiopathogenesis of the cutaneous lesion and, in the meantime, distinguishes critical patients. When evaluating dermatological manifestations, several factors must be considered: onset, morphology, distribution, and associated symptoms and signs. This review depicts dermatological signs in critical patients in order to lay out better recognition.

A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Lotion on Facial Skin in Photoaged Healthy Adults.

Background Facial skin has an essential cosmetic function in both men and women, and photoaged skin can affect the quality of life in healthy people.Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) which is also called Indian ginseng hasadaptogenic properties and is used in traditional Indian medicine to maintainbalance, energize, and rejuvenate. Objective This randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study assessed the efficacy and safety of topical application of lotion containing 8% standardized Ashwagandha root extract on improvement of skin parameters in the photoaged facial skin of healthy subjects. Methods Fifty-six healthy men and women aged between 18 and 60 years with Fitzpatrick phototype III-VI skin grade were randomized to receive the topical application (lotion on facial skin) of either Ashwagandha 8% (AG, n=28), or an identical placebo (PL, n=28) for 60 days. The primary outcome was the change from baseline on day 60 in the scores for global physician assessment scoring for the five dermatological signs (skin wrinkles, pores, hydration/moisture, skin brightness/tone, and pigmentation) on facial skin. Secondary outcomes were changes from baseline in the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin index, hydration, and skin elasticity (R2 ratio). Another efficacy outcome was quality of life using the health-specific Short Form Health Survey-12 (SF-12). Safety was assessed using local reactions and adverse events. Three (1 AG, 2 PL) patients were lost to follow-up and per-protocol (PP) data included 53 patients (27 AG, 26 PL). For measurement data, repeated measures analysis of variance(ANOVA) was used to assess treatment effect at different time periods in the PP dataset (n=53). Two groups were compared for differences using a t-test for continuous data or a Mann-Whitney 'U' test for ordinal data. Adverse events were compared between two groups using the chi-square test. Results Greater reduction (p<0.0001) in total physician assessment scores from baseline to day 60 was observed with AG (-74.69%) compared to PL (-48.68%). There was a greater improvement in TEWL, skin hydration, and skin elasticity (R2 ratio) with AG as compared to placebo (p<0.0001). However, the change in melanin index was similar in the two groups at the end of day 60 (p=0.969). The percentage increase in melanin index from baseline to day 60 in the PP dataset was by -2.82% with AG and -1.78% with PL, whereas the percentage reduction in TEWL from baseline to day 60 in the PP dataset was by -15.12% with AG and -8.34% with PL.Similarly, greater percentage improvements were seen with AG as compared to PL for skin hydration (20.66% with AG and 9.5% with PL) and elasticity was assessed by the R2 ratio (16.34% with AG and 3.73% with PL). Adverse events were comparable in the two groups. Conclusions Topical application of a lotion containing Ashwagandha standardized root extract improves the skin condition and quality of life in photoaged healthy individuals. Further studies with different skin types and standard comparators are warranted to substantiate these claims of benefit.

A Compendium of Common Signs in Dermoscopy, Trichoscopy, and Onychoscopy

Epiluminescence microscopy, also known as dermoscopy (or dermatoscopy), is a noninvasive tool which helps in identifying features which may not be visible to the unaided eye. Dermoscopic signs in dermatology, trichology, and onychology are evolving concepts for ease in diagnosis of certain dermatological disorders. Although all these signs have been published in different articles and texts as a scattered information, this article intends to consolidate the pertinent signs and create an easy reference for dermatologists in order to establish prompt diagnosis during their busy schedules.