Wood's Lamp Research Articles

Comparison of the effectiveness of blacklight blue lamp and wood lamp in the screening of tinea capitis

Background: Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection of the scalp in children. Most cases are caused by Microsporum canis or Trichophyton mentagrophyte. Wood lamps screen for tinea capitis by detecting green-yellow fluorescence produced by tryptophan metabolites. Because wood lamps are expensive and replacement parts are difficult to find during maintenance, we have developed a blacklight blue lamp device with a similar wavelength that is cheaper than wood lamps. Objective: To evaluate the BLB lamp device for screening tinea capitis by determining the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy compared to fungus culture (gold standard). Materials and methods: One hundred seventy-five patients with suspected tinea capitis were tested using KOH examination, fungal culture, a Wood lamp, and a blacklight blue lamp device. The research data obtained will be used to analyze the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the blacklight blue lamp device by comparing it using various methods. Results: The analysis assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the blacklight blue lamp device, Wood lamp, and KOH preparation when comparing fungal culture as the standard method for diagnosing tinea capitis. The sensitivity was 99.39%, 100%, and 100%, specificity was 100%, 90.91%, and 100%, and accuracy was 99.43%, 99.43%, and 100%, respectively. The p-value for the three methods’ differences was 0.723 for sensitivity, 0.735 for specificity, and 0.676 for accuracy. These results show that the differences between the two methods’ sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The blacklight blue lamp device effectively screened tinea capitis with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy that were not significantly different from the wood lamp. It may be an inexpensive tool used as a substitute in the health service system.

Pathological changes on the skin due to the combined effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and ultraviolet radiation

Introduction. In the National Healthcare Project, one of the key areas is the federal project "Fight against oncological diseases for 2019-2024". The influence of the nature of work activities of workers in contact with industrial carcinogens — polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) significantly increases the risk of skin neoplasms, as evidenced by differences in the frequency of their occurrence among representatives of different labor categories. The leading factor in the development of skin neoplasms is ultraviolet radiation (UV) of the A and B spectrum. There is literature evidence of a possible mutual enhancement of the combined effects of PAHs and UV in the occurrence of skin neoplasms and their malignancy. The study aims to evaluate the role of the combined effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and ultraviolet radiation (UV) in the occurrence of pigmented skin tumors in workers engaged in the construction of highways and highways and in housing and communal services. Materials and methods. During periodic medical examinations (PMEs) in 2022–2024, specialists have examined 140 people who formed 4 study groups. The researchers have conducted a physical examination of skin tumors; examination in the rays of a Wood lamp; dermatoscopy of skin tumors using a Heine Delta 20 dermatoscope. Hyperpigmentation was assessed according to the hyperpigmentation area and severity index (NASI). Results. During the clinical examination, the authors assessed the presence of pigmentation and skin neoplasms (lentigo, ephelides, seborrheic keratomas). The most frequent localizations of pigmentation and skin neoplasms were open areas of the body: face, hands, upper third of the back. At the same time, in asphalt concrete workers — group I, working under the influence of PAHs and solar insolation (spectrum A and B, in the range of 320–400 nm and 280–320 nm), specialists revealed pigmented neoplasms in a larger number of individuals compared with the population control for all skin localizations. The HASI index (in the surveyed groups) showed that the highest rates (24–48) of HASI were observed in a larger number of individuals — 57.1% — from group I (UV+PAHs), compared with groups of individuals (II, III, IV) who do not work under conditions of exposure to solar insolation (spectra A and B, in the range of 320–400 nm and 280–320 nm). The authors noted that the intensity of pigmentation is higher and the lesion area is larger when assessing the foci of hyperpigmentation in the rays of the Wood lamp compared with the clinical examination in all the examined groups. Limitations. The study is limited by the number of subjects examined, corresponding to the design of the study and the time interval of the study. Conclusion. To obtain objective results of the study of the role of the combined effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and ultraviolet irradiation (UV) in the occurrence of pigmented skin tumors, scientists used a method for determining the hyperpigmentation area index and severity index (HASI) in the rays of a Wood's lamp. When comparing the results obtained, experts revealed an increase in the area of hyperpigmentation and its intensity with localization in open areas of the body in workers engaged in the construction of highways and housing and communal services, in contact with the combined effects of carcinogens (PAHs) and ultraviolet irradiation (UV A and B). Further in-depth studies are needed to study the etiopathogenesis of photogenotoxicity depending on the dose-effect ratio. Ethics. The work was performed in accordance with the ethical standard set out in the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association of 1964 (as amended and supplemented in 2013). The authors conducted all the studies after receiving informed consent and a decision of the Local Ethics Committee (extract from Protocol No. 7 dated 10/21/2020).

Clinical and Dermoscopic Evaluation of Periorbital Melanosis and Its Psychological Impact and Effect on Quality of Life: A Descriptive Study.

Periorbital melanosis (POM) is a poorly defined condition that is becoming an increasing aesthetic concern. With its multifactorial origin, it necessitates a thorough assessment of targeted multimodal treatments. The psychological impact and underlying pathogenesis have been underexplored, as evidenced by the gap between the roughly 100 indexed articles and the 150 million search engine results on treatments for dark circles. This descriptive study aims to explore the clinical and dermoscopic evaluation of POM and its impact on quality of life. This descriptive prospective, tertiary hospital-based study included 250 patients with POM attending the Dermatology Outpatient Department. After obtaining informed consent, patients were subjected to clinical assessment, hematological investigations, and Wood's lamp (by Dermaindia, Chennai, India) examination. The dermatoscopic examination was done using a Dino-Lite video dermatoscope AF4515ZT+WF-20 (AnMo Electronics Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan). Quality of life was measured using the Melasma Quality of Life (MELASQoL) scale, and the psychological impact was assessed using thePerceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire-Dermatology Version (BDDQ-DV). Among 250 patients, 179 (71.6%) were female and 71 (28.4%) were male, with a mean age of 30.53±9.29 years and a disease duration of 6.82±5.04 years. Constitutional POM was the most common type observed in 219 (87.6%) patients. Dermoscopy showed blotches in 166 (66.4%), telangiectasia in 211 (84.4%), and exaggerated skin markings in 17 (6.8%), and no atrophic changes were observed. Mean MELASQoL and PSS scores were 25.63±10.52 and 16.64±3.27, respectively; four (1.6%) patients had body dysmorphic disorder. POM has a complex etiology with multiple underlying mechanisms. Thorough clinical assessment enables accurate diagnosis and a targeted treatment approach. Thus, unnecessary medications and procedures can be avoided by first understanding the underlying pathophysiology. Further studies are warranted in the Indian population with POM, as the skin type, demography, and socioeconomic status are diverse. Various proposed classifications are available but do not cater to the Indian skin type; hence, further research is due.

Melasma: A Clinical and Epidemiological Single-Group Observational Study in the Greek Population.

Melasma is a common acquired disorder of melanogenesis that predominately affects women and presents as hyperpigmented skin lesions mainly located on the face. The study aims to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics and hormonal profiles in melasma patients. One hundred fifty patients were enrolled in this study in a tertiary care hospital. Clinical patterns, pigment depth, disease severity, underlying conditions, and heredity were recorded. Endocrinologic profile and vitamin D levels were assessed. On clinical examination, the condition indicated a centrofacial localization in 74% of the patients. Extra facial melasma was noticed in 10 patients who had centrofacial melasma to begin with. Wood's lamp examination showed the dermal type as the most common. A family history of melasma was noted in 38% of the patients. Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score ranged from 0.3 to 10.8, with a mean score of 4.12 ± 2.06. Pregnancy-induced melasma was reported in 36.1% of the patients. In 17.4% of women, melasma was related to using oral contraceptives. In 22% of patients, mild vitamin D deficiency was detected, while 21% had thyroid disorders. There is a strong correlation between family history and prevalence of melasma. Sun exposure is a major precipitating factor and should be carefully addressed in Mediterranean countries like Greece. However, other factors such as concomitant medication, multiple pregnancies, use of oral contraceptives, thyroid disorders and vitamin D deficiency might precipitate melasma.

Melasma Revisited: National Survey Reveals How Dermatologists Diagnose and Treat This Complex Skin Condition.

Melasma is a chronic condition characterized by dark patches on the facial skin. It has a known female gender dominancy, and women usually think of melasma as being a serious cosmetic problem. Treatment of melasma can be seriously challenging, thus, dermatologists may employ different approaches for melasma. This study aimed to investigate how dermatologists diagnose and treat patients with melasma and to present the general characteristics of patients with melasma. A survey was conducted using Google Forms targeting dermatologists in Turkiye. A total of 199 dermatologists (142 females/57 males) participated in the study. Most of the participants (52.3%) were residents. Majority gender of the patients was female and most common age range of patients with melasma was 30-40 years. Mixed melasma was the most common type (57.4%). Malar region was the most frequent location (58.6%). Wood's lamp examination was used by 25.6% of the participants. Topical treatment was the first-line choice for melasma therapy (95%), with Kligman's formula being the most used topical agent (69.8%). Oral therapy was not used by 70.8% of the participants. Tranexamic acid was the first choice for oral treatment (23.4%). Only 24.9% of the dermatologists used laser/light therapy, and Q-switched Nd-YAG laser was the most preferred device (58%). The most common recurrence rate was 41%-60% (45.9%). The findings of the current study investigating the melasma management in Turkiye revealed a female predominance and peak prevalence in the 30-40 years age group. Kligman's formula is the preferred topical treatment, whereas oral tranexamic acid remains underutilized. Recurrence rates are high, highlighting the need for preventative strategies. This study emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches and ongoing research for effective melasma management.

Establishing Consensus for Mohs Micrographic Surgical Techniques in the Treatment of Melanoma in Situ for Future Clinical Trials: A Modified Delphi Study.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a promising treatment modality for melanoma in situ (MIS). However, variations in surgical technique limit the generalizability of existing data and may impede future study of MMS in clinical trials. A modified Delphi method was selected to establish consensus on optimal MMS techniques for treating MIS in future clinical trials. The Delphi method was selected due to the limited current data, the wide range of techniques used in the field, and the intention to establish a standardized technique for future clinical trials. A literature review and interviews with experienced MMS surgeons were performed to identify dimensions of the MMS technique for MIS that (1) likely impacted costs or outcomes of the procedure, and (2) showed significant variability between surgeons. A total of 8 dimensions of technical variation were selected. The Delphi process consisted of 2 rounds of voting and commentary, during which 44 expert Mohs surgeons across the United States rated their agreement with specific recommendations using a Likert scale. Five of eight recommendations achieved consensus in Round 1. All 3 of the remaining recommendations achieved consensus in Round 2. Techniques achieving consensus in Round 1 included the use of a starting peripheral margin of ≤5 mm, application of immunohistochemistry, frozen tissue processing, and resecting to the depth of subcutaneous fat. Consensus on the use of Wood's lamp, dermatoscope, and negative tissue controls was established in Round 2. This study generated 8 consensus recommendations intended to offer guidance for Mohs surgeons treating MIS. The adoption of these recommendations will promote standardization to facilitate comparisons of aggregate data in multicenter clinical trials.

A prospective analysis of the distribution of diseases of the oral mucosa in the “pre-covid” and COVID-19 periods

Over the past decades, cases of diseases of the oral mucosa (MSM) and the red border of the lips (RLB) have become significantly more frequent, and the severity of the course of diseases has increased markedly. Some diseases of SOP are prone to relapses, their treatment is not always successful. These diseases often lead to serious complications, including malignant ones. The outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus infection was also one of the reasons that influenced the increase in the volume and variety of manifestations of MSM diseases. The purpose. To study the structure of MSM diseases in the “pre-epidemic” period and against the background of the pandemic of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19. Material and methods. The research was conducted on the basis of the therapeutic and prophylactic department of the clinic of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. As part of the consultation, 988 patients with various diseases of MSM were examined from 2018 to 2022. The most common nosological forms of MSM diseases were identified. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 – patients examined during the “pre-covid” period and group 2 – patients examined during the COVID-19 pandemic. All patients underwent the generally accepted methods of examination in the clinic (collection of complaints, anamnesis, examination of the litter, palpation). According to the indications, the presence of galvanism phenomena in the mouth (in the presence of orthopedic structures) was determined, bacterioscopic examination was performed and, in some cases, mainly for differential diagnosis, cytological examination and examination of the mucous membrane in the rays of a Wood lamp. Results and discussion. Analyzing the data obtained, we concluded that the overall increase in the number of patients who applied for MSM diseases in 2020-2022 increased the number of young patients aged 20 to 35 years. In the structure of diseases, the number of patients with such diseases as lichen planus (RLP), desquamative glossitis and glossalgia has increased. In the structure of dental lesions, cases of combined pathology of MSM diseases have become more frequent. Conclusions. In the complex of diagnostic studies of patients with MSM disease on the background of a coronavirus infection, in addition to a standard examination, it is necessary to introduce a general clinical examination by specialists such as a gastroenterologist, immunologist, neurologist, psychotherapist, dermatologist and others. Based on the etiology and clinic of MSM diseases in this category of patients, in addition to the prescribed generally accepted treatment regimens, it is necessary to prescribe drugs with effects on the autonomic and central nervous systems, as well as drugs that restore the intestinal and oral microflora.

Luz de Wood en dermatosis inflamatorias, autoinmunes, infecciones y cáncer cutáneo

Wood's light (WL) is a useful, economical and easy-to-learn diagnostic tool. Despite its advantages, the use of LW among dermatologists is limited. In porokeratosis, the “diamond necklace” sign has been described, corresponding to the white fluorescence of the hyperkeratotic scale. Subclinical morphea lesions are seen as well-defined dark macules. Among the pigmentary disorders, the bluish fluorescence of vitiligo, the increased contrast of epidermal melasma, and the follicular-centered red fluorescence of progressive macular hypomelanosis stand out. Regarding skin infections, erythrasma presents a coral red fluorescence; tinea versicolor, yellow-green fluorescence; Pseudomonas aeuriginosa, green fluorescence; and scabies, blue-white fluorescence in the acarine grooves. In skin cancer, LW has been used to delimit the surgical margins of both lentigo maligna and non-melanoma skin cancer, with variable results.

Comparison of platelet-rich plasma efficacy with and without photoactivation in melasma: A randomized double-blind study.

Photoactivation has been suggested to enhance the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in conditions other than dermatological diseases. To evaluate the efficacy of photoactivated PRP (P-PRP) treatment for melasma by comparing it with non-photoactivated, classical PRP (C-PRP). The study consisted of 38 female patients diagnosed with melasma between April 2022 and May 2023. The patients were randomized into the P-PRP and C-PRP groups. Three sessions of P-PRP or C-PRP were applied to the patients at 2-week intervals. The Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) and Melasma Quality of Life Index (MELASQoL) scores were compared before and 2 weeks after treatment. The median age was 38 years, and the median disease duration was 60 months. Clinically, 94.7% of the cases were centrofacial and 5.3% were malar. According to Wood's lamp examination, 55.3% of the cases were epidermal, 13.2% were dermal, and 31.6% were mixed-type. The median pre- and post-treatment scores were 14.5 and 9, respectively, for MASI and 36.5 and 17, respectively, for MELASQoL. The post-treatment MASI and MELASQoL scores of both groups significantly decreased (p < 0.001 for both). However, the intergroup difference was not significant. When all patients were evaluated together a moderate, positive, and significant relationship was detected between PRP and the pre- and post-treatment MASI and MELASQoL scores (r = 0.494 and p = 0.002). No side effects associated with PRP were observed. PRP is an effective and safe treatment method for melasma. Further studies are needed to evaluate the contribution of photoactivation to PRP treatment in melasma.

A prospective study evaluating the adhesive tape impression for the diagnosis of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats.

Potential contagion and zoonotic risk make rapid diagnosis of dermatophytosis important amongst companion animals. To compare the adhesive tape impression (ATI), trichogram, Wood's lamp (WL) examination and fungal culture for diagnosis of dermatophytosis, and the ATI and trichogram for ease of use. Five dogs and 15 cats with consistent lesions, history and at least two positive dermatophyte test results. After WL examination, one representative lesion per patient was sampled for ATI, trichogram and fungal culture. Microscopic detection of fungal elements on ATI and trichogram were objectively and subjectively compared. The ability of all tests to correctly detect dermatophytosis, and the ability of ATI and trichogram to detect fungal elements in >20 high-powered fields (HPF) were compared using Fisher's exact tests. ATI, trichogram, fungal culture and WL were positive in 100% (20 of 20), 90% (18 of 20), 95% (19 of 20) and 65% (13 of 20) of patients, respectively, with a significant difference between WL and ATI (p = 0.0499). Fungal culture revealed Microsporum. canis (n = 16), Nannizzia gypsea (n = 1), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n = 1) and T. rubrum (n = 1). Fungal elements were detected in >20 HPF more frequently with ATI (18 of 20) than trichogram (11 of 20) (p = 0.017), and detection required careful scanning to distinguish from background debris more often with trichogram. Fungal elements were located with neutrophil clusters and keratinocyte rafts in addition to abnormal hair fragments more frequently on ATI. ATI had the highest ability to correctly diagnose dermatophytosis, and increased ease of detecting fungal elements compared to trichogram.

New Insights Concerning Phytophotodermatitis Induced by Phototoxic Plants.

The present review explores the underlying mechanisms of phytophotodermatitis, a non-immunologic skin reaction triggered by certain plants followed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation emitted by sunlight. Recent research has advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of phytophotodermatitis, highlighting the interaction between plant-derived photosensitizing compounds (e.g., furanocoumarins and psoralens) and ultraviolet light leading to skin damage (e.g., erythema, fluid blisters, edema, and hyperpigmentation), identifying these compounds as key contributors to the phototoxic reactions causing phytophotodermatitis. Progress in understanding the molecular pathways involved in the skin's response to these compounds has opened avenues for identifying potential therapeutic targets suitable for the management and prevention of this condition. The review emphasizes the importance of identifying the most common phototoxic plant families (e.g., Apiaceae, Rutaceae, and Moraceae) and plant species (e.g., Heracleum mantegazzianum, Ruta graveolens, Ficus carica, and Pastinaca sativa), as well as the specific phytochemical compounds responsible for inducing phytophototoxicity (e.g., limes containing furocoumarin have been linked to lime-induced photodermatitis), underscoring the significance of recognizing the dangerous plant sources. Moreover, the most used approaches and tests for accurate diagnosis such as patch testing, Wood's lamp examination, or skin biopsy are presented. Additionally, preventive measures such as adequate clothing (e.g., long-sleeved garments and gloves) and treatment strategies based on the current knowledge of phytophotodermatitis including topical and systemic therapies are discussed. Overall, the review consolidates recent findings in the field, covering a diverse array of phototoxic compounds in plants, the mechanisms by which they trigger skin reactions, and the implications for clinical management. By synthesizing these insights, we provide a comprehensive understanding of phytophotodermatitis, providing valuable information for both healthcare professionals and researchers working to address this condition.

Computer-Aided Assessment of Repigmentation Rates in Vitiligo Patients: Implications for Treatment Efficacy - A Retrospective Study

Precise evaluation of repigmentation in vitiligo patients is crucial for monitoring treatment efficacy and enhancing patient satisfaction. This study aimed to develop a computer-aided system for assessing repigmentation rates in vitiligo patients, providing valuable insights for clinical practice. A retrospective study was conducted at the Dermatology Department of Shenzhen People's Hospital between June 2019 and November 2022. Pre- and post-treatment images of vitiligo lesions under Wood's lamp were collected, involving 833 participants stratified by sex, age, and pigmentation patterns. Our results demonstrated that the ‘marginal’ pigmentation pattern exhibited a higher repigmentation rate of 72% compared to the ‘central non-follicular’ pattern at 45%. Males had a slightly higher average repigmentation rate of 0.37 in comparison to females at 0.33. Among age groups, individuals aged 0-20 years showed the highest average repigmentation rate at 0.41, while the oldest age group (61-80 years) displayed the lowest rate at 0.25. Analysis of multiple visits identified the ‘marginal’ pattern as the most prevalent (60%), with a mean repigmentation rate of 40%. This study introduced a computational system for evaluating vitiligo repigmentation rates, enhancing our comprehension of patient responses, ultimately contributing to enhanced clinical care.

Need a Wood Lamp Alternative? Grab Your Smartphone.

The Wood lamp is an effective diagnostic tool for skin conditions such as vitiligo, erythrasma, and scabies. However, it can be an expensive and cumbersome tool or may be unavailable in some settings. Smartphone applications that simulate UV light may be helpful in these instances.

Dermoscopy In Vitiligo : An Activity Assessment Tool ?

Vitiligo is the most frequent cause of depigmentation worldwide. It is a clinical diagnosis.Disease activity is a key parameter to consider when indicating treatment. Assessing vitiligo activity was longtime based on clinical evaluation and Wood lamp. Recently, dermoscopy is considered an adjunct tool , not only to exclude other clinically simulating hypopigmentary conditions, but also to acess disease activity [1]. The aim of our study is to investigate the dermoscopic features of vitiligo at different stages of disease activity.

Erythrasma of the Vulva: An Invisible Dermatosis.

Erythrasma is a prevalent superficial bacterial infection typically caused by Corynebacteria species and preferentially affecting intertriginous sites including axillary, interdigital, and inguinal skin folds. However, erythrasma of the vulva is uncommon, with only 2 cases previously reported. Although erythrasma can be diagnosed clinically using Woods lamp examination, it may not always be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with persistent vulvar pruritus. We report 12 cases of vulvar erythrasma identified by histopathology, with a review of clinical and histologic features. The mean patient age was 60.1yr and the mean patient BMI was 30.5. Five of 12 patients presented with pruritic rash. The time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 9mo in 1 case, >18mo in 4 cases, and unknown in the remaining cases. The characteristic histologic features were compact orthokeratosis and mild perivascular chronic inflammation. In all 12 cases, Periodic Acid-Schiff-diastase (PAS-D) staining highlighted intracorneal filamentous rods which were not readily appreciable on H&E. After the diagnosis of erythrasma, 4 patients were treated with topical lincomycin, of whom 3 had clinical improvement in symptoms. One patient was treated with topical macrolide antibiotic and also reported improvement in symptoms. Consideration of erythrasma on the differential for patients presenting with vulvar rash and pruritus may shorten the time to diagnosis and treatment, minimize patient discomfort, and reduce the scope and cost of diagnostic testing.

Os documentos do palimpsesto de Santa Sofia di Benevento (século XI) estudados através da técnica de “imagem multiespectral”

Although the palimpsests codes are not longer a rarity, the rescripti documents are still very rare. It was the practice of reusing parchments already written, then erased and subjected to a particular treatment, for the purpose of recycling for the preparation of a new document. The study in question examines the parchments of Santa Sofia di Benevento and the conspicuous dossier consisting of documents concerning the monastery of Sant’Angelo di Ariano. The membranes examined for this study are twenty-two (twenty-one have double palimpsests, while one is triple), for a total of forty-five documents, all relating to the eleventh century. The new multispectral imaging technique has allowed the identification of new occurrences relating to the sofiano parchment background, through the experimentation of multispectral digital photography and the digital manipulation of dissected images, able to bring out, in their clarity, the traces of the writings no longer visible either to the naked eye, or through the classic use of the Wood Lamp; this new photographic technique allows the isolation and separation of one or more levels of writing.

Characterization of a Novel Species of Legionella Isolated from a Healthcare Facility: Legionella resiliens sp. nov.

Two Legionella-like isolates, 8cVS16T and 9fVS26, were isolated from a water distribution system (WDS) in a healthcare facility. Cells were Gram- and Ziehl Neelsen-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile, and exhibited a blue-white fluorescence under Wood's lamp at 365 nm. The strains grew in a range of 32-37 °C on BCYE with L-cysteine (Cys+), GVPC, and MWY agar medium, with a positive reaction for oxidase, catalase, and gelatinase. The dominant fatty acids were summed features 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c) (27.7%), C16:0 iso (17.5%), and C16:0 (16.3%), and Q13 as the major ubiquinone. The mip and rpoB gene sequences showed a similarity of 96.7% and 92.4%, with L. anisa (ATCC 35292T). The whole genomes sequencing (WGS) performed displayed a GC content of 38.21 mol% for both. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) analysis demonstrated the separation of the two strains from the phylogenetically most related L. anisa (ATCC 35292T), with ≤43% DNA-DNA relatedness. The Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) between the two strains and L. anisa (ATCC 35292T) was 90.74%, confirming that the two isolates represent a novel species of the genus Legionella. The name proposed for this species is Legionella resiliens sp. nov., with 8cVS16T (=DSM 114356T = CCUG 76627T) as the type strain.

Dermoscopic Perspective of Pityriasis Versicolor in a Cross-Sectional Study.

Pityriasis versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection which is usually easily diagnosed with Wood's lamp examination and 10% potassium hydroxide mount. However, these modalities have varying sensitivity and specificity. This study aimed to ascertain the dermoscopic features of pityriasis versicolor lesionally as well as perilesionally using dermoscopy, a non-invasive diagnostic tool. In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients with pityriasis versicolor underwent dermoscopic examination of lesions and 2 cm around lesions, noting lesional and perilesional features. Semi-objective grading of pigmentation, scaling, and vascularity was done. The association between parameters was determined using heat maps and violin plots with Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Lesional analysis was performed since lesions at different sides showed disparate features. A total of 353 lesions from 233 patients (males = 150/233; 64.38% and females = 84/234; 36.05%) were studied. On lesional dermoscopy, pigmentary and scaling abnormalities were universal. 258/353 (73.1%) of lesions showed vascular abnormalities. Perilesionally, scaling (223/353; 63.17%) followed by pigmentation (205/353; 58.07%) and vascular changes (111/353; 31.44%) constituted the most common dermoscopic abnormalities and were noted in 294/353 (83.29%) of lesions overall. Increased disease duration corresponded with increased intensity of perilesional pigmentation alterations, perifollicular (P = 0.04), and follicular scales (P = 0.02). Awareness of dermoscopic features could improve the diagnostic accuracy in doubtful cases of pityriasis versicolor. Vascular findings are common and may point to an underlying inflammatory pathogenesis. Perilesional findings constitute early dermoscopic features of pityriasis versicolor and hint at the need for treatment beyond the confines of lesions. Larger follow-up studies and research into immunopathogenesis may be of further benefit.

A clinical, epidemiological, Wood’s lamp and dermoscopic findings of melasma in females attending tertiary care hospital

Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation typically found on sun-exposed areas, particularly on the face but occasionally on the neck and forearms as well. Despite ongoing research, the exact cause of melasma is still unknown, although it is believed that both genetic factors and exposure to ultraviolet light may contribute to its development. There is a scarcity of studies that assessed the relationship between Wood's lamp and dermoscopic findings in relation to melasma. The current study was conducted to find a correlation and comparison between the observations of Wood's lamp and dermoscopy for melasma. A cross sectional study was carried out among patients with clinical features of melasma attending the outpatient department at multispecialty hospital with a sample size of 200. It was observed that out of 200 cases, mean age group was around 32 years, housewives constituted the majority 72(36%) patients followed by farmers 32(16%); 162(81%) were literate and 38(19%) were illiterate; and 127(63.5%) were using cosmetics and 73(36.5%) were not using any cosmetics; 69 (34.5%) centro-facial melasma, 130(65%) malar and 1(0.5%) with irregular melasma; 137(68.5%) were reticulo-globular, 54(27%) reticular and 9(4.5%) were globular; 10(5%) contrast enhancement, 107(53.5%) only enhancement and 83(41.5%) no enhancement. Facial hypermelanosis has long been a source of distress for patients, with the current trend of valuing physical appearance and fairness in the population only exacerbating this concern. The use of Wood's lamp and subsequently confirmed by dermoscopy has undergone significant development.

In-depth study of Wood's lamp examination combined with reflective confocal laser scanning microscopy for the guidance of vitiligo staging and treatment.

Both Wood's lamp and reflective confidential laser scanning microcopy are helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo. However, there is few research that contains large samples and consistent observations. To analyze the characteristics of Wood's lamp images and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) images of vitiligo lesions and to evaluate their significance in vitiligo staging. We analyzed the characteristics of RCM images, Wood's lamp images, the vitiligo disease activity (VIDA) score, and clinical features to guide vitiligo staging and treatment. The expert consensus based on the clinical features, VIDA score, Wood's lamp findings, and isomorphic response was consistent with the Wood's lamp findings (χ2 = 3.63, p > 0.05) and RCM findings (χ2 = 3.60, p > 0.05) in diagnosing vitiligo and assessing the disease stage. There was a correlation between the three lesion grades based on the Wood's lamp findings and the stage of vitiligo (p < 0.01). Lesions that appeared porcelain white under the Wood's lamp were in the slowly progressive stage; lesions that appeared gray-white or trichromatic under the Wood's lamp were in the rapidly progressive stage; lesions with clear borders under the Wood's lamp needed further analysis by RCM for the stage to be determined; lesions with blurred borders under the Wood's lamp were in the rapidly progressive stage; lesions that were visible under the naked eye and under the Wood's lamp were in the rapidly progressive stage. The study demonstrates a reliable correlation between the findings of RCM (a sophisticated expensive tool) and Wood's lamp examination (a simple, readily available, inexpensive tool) in the assessment of the disease activity of vitiligo lesions.