Skin Disease Virus Research Articles

Prediction of lumpy skin disease virus using customized CBAM-DenseNet-attention model

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is an extremely infectious, viral, and chronic skin disease that is caused by the Capripox virus. This viral disease is predominantly found in cows. Mosquitoes and ticks are the primary transmitters for the spread of this virus. Recently, LSDV has been rapidly spreading all over the world, especially in several areas of Pakistan, India, and Iran. Thousands of cows have died due to this infectious virus in Pakistan and early detection of LSDV is needed to avoid further loss. The prediction and classification of LSDV are hindered by the lack of publicly available datasets. Despite a few studies using LSDV datasets, such datasets are often small, which may lead to model overfitting. In this regard, we collect the dataset from several online sources, as well as, collecting images from veterinary farms in different areas of Pakistan. Deep learning has been widely used in the medical field for disease detection and classification. Therefore, this study leverages DenseNet deep learning models for LSDV detection and classification. Experiments are performed using VGG-16, ResNet-50, MobileNet-V2, custom-designed convolutional neural network, and Inception-V3. The DenseNet architecture presents a Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) and Spatial Attention (SA) for the prediction and classification of LSD. Results demonstrate that a 99.11% accuracy can be obtained on the augmented dataset while a 94.23% accuracy can be achieved with the original dataset for chicken pox, monkey pox, and LSDV. Comparison with state-of-the-art studies corroborates the superior performance of the proposed model.

Pathogenicity and phylogenetic analysis of ovine contagious ecthyma virus isolated during a sheeppox outbreak in Morocco

Contagious ecthyma (CE), also known as ORF is a highly contagious zoonotic viral skin disease that affects humans, sheep, goats and other domesticated and wild animals. As reported here-in, the objective of this study was to investigate a suspected outbreak of both sheeppox and ORF diseases in a sheep herd during the winter of 2020 in Northwest Morocco. The affected sheep showed nodules and proliferative scabby skin lesions around the mouth and hairless area of the body. Samples of skin crust were collected for virus identification and isolation. A virus was isolated in Vero cells, lamb testis and heart cells and the cytopathic effect was characterized by cells aggregation, ballooning, and detachment. Initially, the suspensions of skin crust were positive for sheeppox virus (SPPV) by PCR. Subsequent testing of the isolated virus from skin crust of affected animals indicated that the virus was SPPV-negative and ORFV-positive by PCR. Furthermore, nucleotide sequences of the B2L aligned with reference ORFV isolates for genetic analysis. Phylogenetic analyses results confirmed that the isolated virus was ORFV and that the virus was closely related to ORFV strains isolated in Sudan and Malaysia.In conclusion, this study is the first reported detection of ORFV in Morocco, and therefore, poses as an imminent threat to the health of humans, domestic and wild animals.

Outbreak of Contagious Ecthyma in Free-Ranging Iberian Ibex (Capra pyrenaica) in the Montgrí Massif Natural Park, Catalonia, Northeastern Spain.

Contagious ecthyma is a common, worldwide, and highly transmissible viral zoonotic skin disease caused by the orf virus (ORFV). It mainly affects farmed small ruminants, but it has also been described in a broad range of wild and domestic mammals, with Caprinae species most susceptible. Between November 2019 and January 2020, adults, juveniles, yearlings, and kids from an Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) population established in the Montgrí Massif Natural Park (Catalonia, northeastern Spain) were observed with clinical signs and lesions compatible with ORFV infection. The carcass of an adult male with severe disease enabled sample collection for histopathology and molecular studies, confirming ORFV DNA in the skin lesions. Sequence analyses indicated that the ORFV strain detected had high homology (>98%) with strains previously obtained from other European wild ruminant species. The outbreak peaked in December 2019, with an estimated prevalence of 68.97% (95% confidence interval, 53.35-84.59). From February 2020 forward, no individuals with lesions were observed. The yearly counts for population monitoring corroborated the apparently negligible ORFV impact on the ibex population of the Montgrí Natural Park. There are no previous reports of contagious ecthyma in a free-ranging Iberian ibex population.

Clinico-histopathological and molecular detection of small ruminants' papillomaviruses in Iran.

Papilloma DNA viruses are one of the viruses that cause skin lesions in ruminants. The clinical, histopathological and molecular characteristics of cutaneous papilloma in ruminants in Iran are to be investigated in this study. Samples were collected from 19 small ruminants (5 sheep and 14 goats) with various papillomatosis lesions. The samples taken were studied with histopathological and molecular techniques. In clinical terms, the lesions appeared in different sizes, ranging from 0.5 to 11cm, and the cauliflower exophytic masses appeared in other parts of the animal's body. In the limbs, most papilloma lesions have been seen (42.1%). In histopathological examination, perinuclear vacuolation epidermal granule layer with various degrees of hypergranulosis, hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, orthokeratosis and parakeratosis were seen. Moreover, all the suspected samples were positive for papillomavirus using the polymerase chain reaction technique. Although the prevalence of papillomaviruses in Iranian sheep and goats is low, it seems necessary to distinguish them from other viral skin diseases, such as cutaneous contagious ecthyma, using molecular techniques and histopathology.

Use of a local anaesthetic and antiseptic wound formulation for the treatment of lambs naturally infected with Orf virus

Contagious ecthyma (CE) is a worldwide highly contagious zoonotic viral skin disease of sheep and goats. Treatment for Orf virus (ORFV) infection usually involves topical and oral antibiotics. An anaesthetic and antiseptic topical gel (Multisolfen® or Tri-Solfen®; MS®, Medical Ethics, Australia) has been documented as an efficacious therapy for lesions from mucosal and epithelial viral infections in ruminants. The present study tested a new treatment protocol of MS® for CE therapy on-farm in 150 lambs naturally infected with ORFV. Lambs were divided into three cohorts of 50 lambs each (C, D and E). Cohort C was treated with MS® 3 times with an interval of 3 days between treatments, cohort D was treated daily with hypochlorous acid, whilst cohort E served as untreated controls. The lambs were examined clinically every two days, weight measured weekly, with whole blood and sterile swabs from ORFV lesions collected for haematological analysis and specific ORFV PCR. Cohort C presented fewer lambs displaying ORFV-associated lesions than other cohorts at different times of the experiment. Further, lesions treated with MS® were milder compared with other cohorts. However, following cessation of therapy, most of the lambs again developed ORFV-associated lesions. No differences between cohorts were observed in weight, haematological and PCR results. These findings suggest that topical treatment with MS® is effective for CE in field conditions, especially in the first stages of the clinical course, although treatment with MS® may need to be extended a minimum of 4 weeks.

Buffalopox: An emerging cutaneous disease in humans.

Buffalopox virus (BPXV) infection is an under-recognized zoonotic disease associated with recently reported outbreaks in humans in South Asia. It is frequently isolated from skin lesions in cattle and buffalos, and can be transmitted to humans by direct contact with the skin of infected animals and fomites. Very little data exist to inform treatment guidelines. We present a case report of a 50-year-old male with this rare but emerging disease. As outbreaks of viral skin disease such as buffalopox become more common, it is essential for dermatologists to be familiar with their cutaneous manifestations.

Animal and their products used for treatment and prevention of disease practiced by traditional healers in Jimma Arjo district, East Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is one of the countries with richest fauna used for medicinal purpose. The Jimma Arjo community has knowledge and practice of utilizing this medicinal animal for treatment of human and animal ailments. The objective of this research is to assess animals and their products used for treatment of human and animal ailment METHODS: A cross-sectional ethnozoological survey was conducted using a semi structured questionnaire among purposively selected traditional healers resided in Jimma Arjo district. The data collected was entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet and analysed using SPSS statistical software. Fidelity level (FL), use value and informant consensus factor was determined. A total of 33 animal species was found to be used for treating 40 human ailments and different livestock disease confirmed by 36 informants of different ages, sexes and educational backgrounds. The majority of animals (63.63%) were mammals followed by birds (15.15%). Most of the respondents were male, married and aged 55 years and above. Most of the healers learn ethnozoological practice from the father (36.11%) followed by mother (19.44%). The traditional practice is accepted by (72.22%) of the community where 61.11% of the healers are not willing to transfer their knowledge to other. For most of the healers, the reason to practice traditional healing was for treating one's own family or animals (41.67%). The FL was found 100% for honey from Apis mellifera and Trigona spp. for asthma, Cynopterus sphinx for viral skin disease and Crocuta crocuta for bad sprit treatment. In this study, honey from A. mellifera, Hystrix cristata and Sus scrofa domesticus were reported to cure different ailments. This study indicated wide use of medicinal animals and their products which could be used as an alternative and complementary medicine or a basis for in developing new drugs because the existing drugs especially antimicrobials are under threat due to the development of resistance by microbes.

Viral skin diseases in odontocete cetaceans: gross, histopathological, and molecular characterization of selected pathogens.

Fifty-five skin lesions from 31 stranded cetaceans along the Canary coasts (2011-2021) were submitted to macroscopic, histological, and molecular analyses to confirm infection by cetacean poxvirus, herpesvirus and cetacean morbillivirus. They were macroscopically categorized into eight categories with respective subcategories according to their color, shape, size, and consistency. Cetacean poxvirus was detected in 54.54% of the skin lesions through real-time and conventional PCRs based on the DNA polymerase gene. Additionally, herpesvirus and morbillivirus were currently detected from 43.63 and 1.82% of the cutaneous lesions, respectively. Coinfection of poxvirus and herpesvirus was detected in nine of them (16.36%), which makes the present study the first to report coinfection by both pathogens in skin lesions in cetaceans. A plausible approach to histopathological characterization of poxvirus-and herpesvirus-positive skin lesions was established. Hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, ballooning degeneration, and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in vacuolized keratinocytes through the stratum spinosum were common findings in poxvirus skin lesions. Alphaherpesvirus was associated with a prominent acanthotic epidermis, moderate necrosis, multifocal dyskeratosis, and irregular keratinocytes with both cellular and nuclei pleomorphism. The common histopathological findings of both pathogens were observed in coinfection lesions. However, those associated with herpesvirus were considerably more remarkable. Relationships between molecular and microscopic findings were observed for the lesions that showed tattoo-like and tortuous patterns. Further multidisciplinary diagnostic studies of infected skin lesions are needed to understand the epidemiology of these emerging infectious diseases.

Umbilicated vesicles and multiple pustules on the genital area in a man

Umbilicated vesicles and multiple pustules on the genital area in a man

Prevalence and burden of skin diseases among the elderly in Singapore: a 15-year clinical cohort study.

Populations around the world are rapidly ageing. The profile of skin diseases in the elderly is likely to present unique demands on the healthcare system. To provide current data on the burden of skin diseases in Singaporean patients and identify differences in the pattern of skin diseases between elderly patients and the rest of the population. This was a retrospective cohort study of 858 117 patients who attended the National Skin Centre between 2004 and 2018. Prevalence was calculated by grouping International Classification of Diseases codes into different categories of skin conditions based on Global Burden of Disease and American Academy of Dermatology classifications. Years lost to disability (YLDs) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated to report the morbidity and mortality of skin diseases. Differences of each skin condition between age groups were compared. The three most prevalent dermatoses across all age groups were dermatitis (33.3%), acne vulgaris (8.3%) and viral skin diseases (7.5%). The top three most common skin conditions among the elderly were dermatitis (37.7%), viral skin diseases (6.2%) and fungal skin diseases (4.3%). Decubitus ulcers, keratinocyte carcinomas and scabies represented a significant proportion of YLD per 100 000 in the elderly (P < 0.001). Malignant melanomas, keratinocyte carcinomas, cellulitis, pyoderma and decubitus ulcers contributed to high DALYs in patients aged 70-80 years. Aligning health systems with specific healthcare needs will reduce the disproportionately high burden of skin disease observed in the elderly.

Epidemiology of dermatologic disease in Palau: a cross-sectional study in the national public and community health service.

Dermatologic disease is a neglected public health challenge that disproportionately affects resource-poor settings. Globally, dermatologic disease contributes the fourth highest burden of nonfatal disability with the most acute impact in the Oceanic region, including the Republic of Palau. Efforts to address the dermatologic health inequality are hindered without the necessary epidemiologic evidence to guide health policy in the resource-poor setting of Palau. We conducted a 4-year cross-sectional study of all Dermatology Service patients in the Belau National Hospital and outreach community health centers from 2015 to 2018. No other specialized dermatology service was available. Skin disease was classified by both diagnosis and Global Burden of Disease criteria and analyzed by age, gender, region, and surrounding Oceanic nations. The study enrolled 494 patients comprising 179 males and 315 females between 2015 and 2018. The most prevalent diseases were eczema (48.8%), superficial fungal infection (24.5%), and pruritus (22.7%). The neglected tropical disease of scabies was detected in four patients. Males were significantly more likely to present with cellulitis, keratinocyte carcinoma, stasis dermatitis, wounds, marine-related dermatitis, viral skin disease, tinea faciei, verruca, and xerosis and females with melasma and hyperpigmentation. This study presents the first primary epidemiologic data describing the prevalence of dermatologic disease in the Palauan adult population. The significant burden of disease in Palau compared with other Oceanic nations validates ongoing dermatology services and informs public health implications for resource allocation and disease management to achieve health equality in the resource-poor nation.

Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety of Immunotherapy of Warts with Intralesional Versus Subcutaneous MMR Vaccine: An Open Label Randomized, Parallel Group, Clinical Trial.

Common wart, also known as verruca vulgaris is characterized by focal proliferation of keratinocytes caused by multiple strains of human papilloma virus (HPV). Conventional treatments like chemical cautery, cryotherapy, electro-cautery, etc often fail to cure verruca satisfactorily. The present work was a randomized, parallel-group, non-inferiority clinical trial with an objective of comparing the effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous MMR versus intralesional MMR vaccine in the treatment of multiple warts.Method:Consenting patients of both sexes of 18-65 years age, who have viral warts and did not receive anti-wart treatment in the last 4 weeks and devoid of any active bacterial or viral skin diseases were included in the study.Interventions:Eligible patients were randomized into either group A (receiving 0.3 ml of intralesional MMR) or group B (receiving 0.5 ml of subcutaneous MMR). A total of three injections were administered at two weeks interval.Outcome Measure:The response was considered complete if there was disappearance of the wart(s) and return of the normal skin markings, partial if the wart(s) was regression in size by 50-99% and no response if there was be 0-49% decrease in wart size.Results:Thirty patients were recruited in each group; 5 of group A and 3 of group B were lost to follow up. Modified intention to treat analysis was performed, so, the last observation of such patients was carried forward and all 60 participants were analysed. Number of warts and size of the largest wart were declined significantly (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001 respectively) in both the treatment arms. No significant difference between two groups were seen. Complete clearance including distant lesions was achieved in 22 patients; 12 (48%) in group A and 10 (37.04%) in group B, but the final outcome at the end of the study showed no significant difference between the two t groups. (P = 0.64).Adverse Events:Only one patient had developed mild fever with tender, enlarged parotid gland after first injection of subcutaneous MMR which resolved within two weeks.Conclusion:Efficacy and safety profile of Subcutaneous and intralesional MMR were almost same. Both can be considered as safe and cost effective treatment of warts while the subcutaneous route may be easier to administer.

Application Progress of Cotton Patch Moxibustion in Dermatology

Cotton moxibustion is a traditional therapy originated from Chinese folk. It uses absorbent cotton as the heat source. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it has the functions of antipyretic and penetrating pathogens, dispelling the lungs and relieving the surface, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, dispelling stasis and dredging collaterals, and dampness convergence. It has good clinical efficacy in refractory skin diseases such as viral skin diseases, chronic inflammatory skin diseases, and neuroparesthesia skin diseases. This article summarizes the application of cotton-tipped moxibustion in dermatology, and provides some theoretical basis for the development and application of cotton-tipped moxibustion.

Molecular detection and characterization of Orf virus from goats in Egypt.

Background:Orf is a highly contagious viral skin disease in sheep and goats caused by Orf virus (ORFV) in the genus Parapoxvirus. Although sheep and goats are considered an essential food resource, particularly in Africa, ORFV infection represents an increasing challenge to animal productivity causing high economic losses.Aim:This study aimed to detect and characterize the ORFV in suspected clinically diseased goats in two neighboring Egyptian governorates, Al-Sharkia and Ismailia, flocks during April 2020 and July 2021by using PCR and phylogenetic analysis of partial B2L sequence.he present study indicate the necessity for establishing normal heart values in conscious and anaesthetized individuals.Methods:Kids from two Egyptian governorates showed the clinical picture of ORFV infection. Samples were collected (n = 15) from two different flocks during April 2020 and July 2021. PCR was carried out to detect the ORFV by targeting a highly conserved sequence within ORFV (B2L) gene. To determine the phylogenetic relationship with other ORFV strains, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed.Results: ORFV infection was confirmed in 12 samples of oral scabs (80%) by PCR targeting a highly conserved sequence within B2L gene. Sequencing of DNA products was performed and obtained sequences revealed 100% identity at the nucleotide level. Two ORFVs, one from each outbreak showed 98.2% nucleotide identity with a previous Egyptian ORFV (KP984529) whereas our isolates showed higher nucleotide identities, 99.1% and 98.7% with ORFV strains from neighboring countries, Sudan and Ethiopia, respectively. The phylogenetic tree grouped isolates into two main clusters, cluster I included isolates of this study and foreign ones mainly from China, India, and Sudan. Interestingly, the vaccine strains of ORF used in different countries were grouped in cluster II with previous Egyptian isolate (KP984529), Ethiopian and Israeli ORFV isolates.Conclusion:Molecular characterization of B2L gene of ORFV isolates revealed higher sequence identities and more close genetic relationships with other ORFV strains circulating in neighboring countries than with the Egyptian isolates. These findings provide an insight into the genetic diversity of field ORFV isolates circulating in goats in the Egyptian governorates.

Potential impact of viral skin diseases and other viral infections on the incidence and severity of COVID-19 in renal transplant patients

Background: COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients is usually characterized by more severe disease course and is often associated with life-threatening complications. Identification of additional factors that may affect the risk and severity of the new coronavirus infection could have a significant impact on choosing a management strategy for renal graft recipients.&#x0D; Aim: To evaluate the possibility of cross-immunity between skin manifestations of viral etiology and COVID-19.&#x0D; Materials and methods: From May 2020 to February 2021 we examined 180 renal graft recipients with a history of transplantation from 2 months to 26.5 years. All patients were categorized into two groups: group I (n=68), those who had confirmed moderate or severe COVID-19 disease and group II (n=112), those without any history of clinical manifestations of the new coronavirus infection (including those with potentially asymptomatic disease). During the study period which lasted for 71 months on average (range, 2 to 318 months), laboratory workup was performed in all patients (on average, twice): dermatological examination and detection of serum antibodies to herpes simplex virus 1, 2, cytomegalovirus, human papilloma virus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus, SARS-CoV-2.&#x0D; Results: In recipients with HPV-associated skin manifestations, the incidence of COVID-19 was significantly lower than in recipients who did not have them 30.4% (34/112) and 50% (34/68), respectively (p=0.011). The incidence of new coronavirus infection did not differ in the groups of patients with cutaneous manifestations caused by herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2, and without them. Among recipients with Epstein-Barr virus seropositivity, there were significantly fewer cases of COVID-19 compared to seronegative patients 26.2% (28/107) and 54.8% (40/73), respectively (p=0.0002).&#x0D; Conclusion: HPV-associated dermal manifestations or serum Epstein-Barr virus-seropositivity in renal graft recipients is associated with lower incidence of moderate and severe COVID-19. Further studies are needed to confirm the possibility of cross-immunity against SARS-CoV-2 with other infections.

Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Wart Unresponsive to Cryotherapy with Acupuncture and Moxibustion: A Case Report

Objectives: Plantar wart is a common viral skin disease caused by human papillomavirus infection and poses a therapeutic challenge in the paediatric patient population. Acupuncture and moxibustion are effective treatments for a wide range of skin conditions.Case report: This study presents the case of a 9-year-old girl for whom complete resolution of recalcitrant warts was achieved with acupuncture and moxibustion treatment.Results: After 20-week treatment, the wart lesions and pain were completely resolved. At the 6-month follow-up, the lesions remained fully resolved.Conclusion: This result suggests that acupuncture and moxibustion could be effective therapeutic strategies for plantar warts.

Seasonal and gender variation in skin disease: A cross-sectional study of 3120 patients at Razi hospital

Objective: We aimed to determine the prevalence of different skin diseases and their seasonal variations at the Razi dermatology hospital from 2019 to 2020.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we obtained data from the medical records of 3120 patients visiting the dermatology clinic of Razi hospital. The prevalence of skin diseases was evaluated using meteorologically defined seasons. We looked for significant equally distributed results during each season.Results: During all seasons, women were referred to our clinic more frequently than men. Some diseases demonstrated significant seasonality with a peak during the winter, including acne, eczema, wart, seborrheic dermatitis, nevus, vitiligo, lentigo, and dermatophytosis. Atopic dermatitis was more frequent during the spring and winter compared with other seasons (p < .05). Actinic keratosis and lichen planus showed a significant seasonal trend with a peak during the summer (p < .05). Infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal skin diseases, were more frequent during the winter than the summer (p = .001).Conclusion: This study provides an overview of the seasonal distribution of dermatology visits at our referral hospital, which will aid in developing better policies to prevent and manage skin disorders in outpatient visits.

Availability of guidelines to ensure appropriate care for common skin conditions

British Journal of DermatologyVolume 185, Issue 4 p. e165-e165 Plain Language Summary Availability of guidelines to ensure appropriate care for common skin conditions First published: 04 October 2021 https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.20675AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Linked Article: Haw WY et al. Br J Dermatol 2021; 185:736–744. Skin-related diseases are leading causes of disability and disease burden globally. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), are documents that are developed with the aim of standardizing and improving treatment for patients based on the available evidence. It was unclear how many CPGs were available globally to assist clinicians with recommendations on how best to manage patients with the commonest skin diseases, so this international study set out to investigate this subject. A total of 226 CPGs were found between October 2014 to 2019 for the 12 skin conditions with the greatest disease burden worldwide. The authors looked at which countries had developed these guidelines. They found that the skin cancer melanoma had the highest number of CPGs, followed by eczema and psoriasis. There were fewer recent CPGs for scabies, tinea capitis and viral skin diseases, which are more frequently found in low-income countries. A number of CPGs had restrictions to online access or required a paid subscription; and some were sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. Further studies to evaluate the quality of the CPGs in dermatology, and the development of CPGs for skin diseases that are common in poorer countries are needed. Volume185, Issue4October 2021Pages e165-e165 RelatedInformation

COVID-19流行期间武汉某医院皮肤科门诊患者流行病学特点及疾病谱分析

Objective: To investigate epidemiological characteristics of outpatients and disease spectrum in the dermatology department during the COVID-19 epidemic Methods: A retrospective comparison of outpatient visits, gender, age and disease types in the dermatology department of Wuhan No.1 Hospital was performed between COVID-19 epidemic period (from 23th January 2020 to 15th April 2020) and the same period in 2019. Enumeration data were analyzed by Pearson's chi-square test. Results: During the COVID-19 epidemic, the number of outpatient visits to the dermatology department of the hospital decreased markedly, and the average daily number of outpatient visits (236 visits/day) was only 8.81% of that during the same period in 2019 (2 678 visits/day) ;the ratio of male to female patients was reversed from 1:1.37 in 2019 to 1.16:1 in 2020;the proportions of patients aged 0-6, 7-12, 13-17 and 18-45 years significantly decreased compared with those in 2019 (all P 69 years significantly increased (both P < 0.001). During the COVID-19 epidemic, there were 171 types of skin diseases in the dermatology outpatient department, and the number of disease categories decreased compared with that during the same period in 2019 (442 types) ;the number of patient visits for allergic skin diseases, erythematous papulosquamous skin diseases, viral infectious skin diseases and bacterial infectious skin diseases significantly increased compared with that during the same period in 2019 (all P < 0.001), while the number of patient visits for sebaceous and sweat gland disorders, pigmented skin diseases and physical skin diseases significantly decreased (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: Compared with the same period in 2019, the number of outpatient visits, patient sex ratio, age distribution and disease types in the dermatology department have undergone marked changes during the COVID-19 epidemic, and this study provides a reference for healthcare workers in dermatology department to respond to various epidemics and natural disasters in the future. Copyright © 2021 by the Chinese Medical Association.

A comprehensive review on the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and cutaneous warts, molluscum contagiosum, and recurrent herpes simplex

Viral skin diseases range from simple superficial exanthems to complex systemic diseases, affecting people of all ages. Careful assessment of infectious contacts and immunization status is of considerable importance along with a thorough physical examination. Recent research has linked a deficiency of vitamin D to an increased risk of autoimmune, infectious, and atopic disorders. Intralesional vitamin D3 may be an effective treatment option for warts. Vitamin D3 derivatives are effective for various skin conditions, including psoriasis, transient acantholytic dermatosis, actinic porokeratosis, and keratosis palmaris et plantaris. Vitamin D3 treatment has been shown to decrease chemokine synthesis and monocyte trafficking, as well as to downregulate toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 of monocytes. This suggests an association between TLRs and vitamin-D-mediated innate immunity. The effect of vitamin D derivatives was speculated to be derived from its potential to regulate epidermal cell proliferation and differentiation and to modulate cytokine production. According to some studies gathered here, not only we can use different forms of vitamin D as therapy for viral skin disease, but also there is an important relationship between them. Therefore, we should consider the serum level of vitamin D for better management of these disorders. Also, keeping vitamin D levels within the normal range may be a preventative healthcare strategy.