Journal Issue: Volume: 22 No. 1 (2024)
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Volume
Number
Issue Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN 2091-0231 eISSN 2091-167X
Journal Volume
Articles
Premature Graying of Hair
(Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON), 2024) Bastakoti, Shreya; Upashna, Timothy
Abstract:
Premature Graying of hair (PGH) is a common and psychologically distressing condition of the hair. It is seen as being aggravated by various triggering factors. But the pathogenesis and the treatment options are still under study and limited. Thus, proper and extensive research seems to be needed.
A Kaleidoscopic Navigation Through Different Shades of Colors in Dermoscopy
(Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON), 2024) Ankad, Balachandra S; A Adya, Keshavmurthy
Abstract:
Dermoscopy has traveled a long way from its initial application limited to tumoral dermatology, especially melanocytic tumors, to its indispensable role in general dermatology as well as in procedural dermatology. Dermoscopy primarily serves as a diagnostic tool by virtue of its ability to visualize skin surfaces and sub-surface structures in a magnified and illuminated manner. Colors are critical and significant in dermoscopy. They are imparted by different chromophores in skin tissue. Hence, recognition of diverse colors and their variations is of paramount importance in the analysis of a dermoscopic image. In this review, we describe the various colors observed in dermoscopy, emphasizing the same in order to interpret them appropriately for an accurate diagnosis.
Vitamin D and Skin: An Review and Update Authors
(Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON), 2024) Aryal, Eliz; Bhari, Jyoti
Abstract:
Vitamin D was recognized for its pivotal role in bone formation, but it is now recognized for its impact on the optimal functioning of various tissues throughout the body, including the brain, heart, muscles, immune system, and skin. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble prohormone steroid with endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine functions. Vitamin D receptors and the enzymes that can convert 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] into the active form, 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)D], have been identified in numerous cells throughout the body, including the skin. Vitamin D analogs are widely acknowledged for effective treatment of psoriasis vulgaris due to their anti-proliferative and pro-differentiating impact on keratinocytes. Beyond this, emerging roles for vitamin D in skin health include immunomodulatory and anti-apoptotic effects, suggesting potential applications in conditions like atopic dermatitis and infections including verucca vulgaris. Epidemiological studies have linked low vitamin D levels to autoimmune diseases like vitiligo, leading to the use of topical vitamin D in its treatment. Recent evidence also suggests that cutaneous vitamin D synthesis may contribute to preventing skin malignancies, and oral supplementation may reduce cancer mortality. Its role in the pathogenesis of various dermatological diseases has not been an exception and has been extensively studied in recent years. In this review, we will shed light on roles of vitamin D in various skin disorders.
A Cross-sectional Study on Patients' Perspective Towards Dermatology Outpatient Services from a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal
(Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON), 2024) Pandey, Prajwal; Shah, Raju; Rani, Swati
Abstract:
Introduction: Patient-centered care has received greater prominence in recent years, and it is paramount to assess the patient’s satisfaction to improve the quality of healthcare services. The present study is aimed at understanding the patients’ perspectives regarding dermatology outpatient services offered at a tertiary care center to determine the areas for improvement for better patient satisfaction.
Objective: This study is intended to understand the patients’ perspectives regarding a typical dermatology OPD setup and to identify the areas for improvement in a tertiary center in Nepal.
Materials and Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a content-validated, pre-tested, standardized, and translated questionnaire. All the patients who visited the outpatient department of Dermatology tertiary care center during the month of April 2022 and were willing to participate in the study were included.
Result: A total of 157 patients participated in the survey. The majority of the participants were males (56.7%) and belonged to urban domiciles (80.9%). Nearly 42% of the subjects were seeking dermatology consultation for the first time, and 68.2% responded that the duration of consultation was sufficient. The details of symptoms, clinical results, and medication were clearly understood by 89.8%, 82.2%, and 73.9% of the subjects, respectively. Maintenance of privacy was reported by 76.4% of the participants. However, 25.5% of the subjects reported a waiting time of ≥4 hours for consultation, and 34.4% suggested the need for more manpower.
Conclusion: The majority of the patients had a high degree of satisfaction. The areas of improvement include the adoption of technology-based appointment booking system, ensuring a good waiting ambience, increasing manpower, and reducing waiting time for consultations.
Comparison of Safety Of Oral Ivermectin with Topical Permethrin in the Treatment of Scabies: A Comparative Study
(Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON), 2024) Tripathee, Rishab Dev; Sitaula, Seema; Kharel, Sanjeev
Abstract:
Introduction: The mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis is the cause of scabies, a skin illness. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves permethrin cream (5%) for the treatment of scabies and is also recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as first-line topical therapy for scabies. Oral ivermectin, a novel antiparasitic agent that has been extensively used for several parasitic infections and can be used as an alternative approach for the treatment of scabies. This comparative study aimed to describe the adverse effects of ivermectin and permethrin and their comparison.
Objective: To compare the safety outcomes of ivermectin and permethrin for the use of scabies.
Methods: This is the prospective open-labeled randomized and comparative study carried out in the outpatient department of dermatology and venereology at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu. In Group A, patients received oral Ivermectin tablets at a dose of 200 μg/kg on day 1 before breakfast, and in Group B, patients received topical Permethrin 5% cream to be applied all over the body below the neck at night twice a week apart.
Results: This study included 93 patients who met the inclusion criteria, with 45 patients belonging to the Ivermectin group and 48 patients belonging to the Permethrin group. In the ivermectin group, the most common side effect reported was nausea, followed by abdominal discomfort and headache. In the Permethrin group, the most common side effect was a burning sensation on the skin after application of the drug, followed by irritation and erythema, which were present in 3.2% and 2.2% of patients, respectively. The difference in overall side effects between the two groups was statistically not significant. (p=0.682)
Conclusion: Our study concludes that a single dose of oral Ivermectin given at a dose of 200 micrograms/kg is comparable to Permethrin cream 5% used twice a week in terms of safety standards. Neither drug caused any life-threatening adverse reactions in the patients.