Journal Issue: Volume: 14 No. 1 (2016)
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Volume
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Issue Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
ISSN 2091-0231 eISSN 2091-167X
Journal Volume
Articles
Editorial View
(Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON), 2016) Bhattarai, Sabina
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Newer Aspects in Phototherapy
(Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON), 2016) Sekar, C.S.; Srinivas, C.R.
Abstract:
The concept of phototherapy has undergone a lot of changes in the past 30 years. It started with the emergence of psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) for the treatment of psoriasis. The subsequent evolution of Narrow band UVB therapy, Targeted phototherapy, UVA1 therapy, Home phototherapy and the use of LED lamps have revolutionized the treatment of various skin diseases. This article briefly summarizes the advances made in the last few years in the field of phototherapy.
Keywords: Phototherapy, Excimer laser, Targeted phototherapy, Home phototherapy, Newer lamps
A Questionnaire Based Study on the Concepts of Protein Supplementation in Exfoliative Dermatitis Among Dermatologists
(Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON), 2016) Gangadharan, G.; Criton, S.; Nazeer, M.
Abstract:
Introduction: The impact of exfoliative dermatitis on protein metabolism results in a negative nitrogen balance, but the exact turnover of plasma proteins in this situation is not known. Timely addressing of this metabolic response to exfoliation is crucial in its management.
Objectives: To study the understanding on the concept of protein supplementation in cases of exfoliative dermatitis, among dermatologists.
Material and methods: A cross sectional questionnaire based survey study was conducted among dermatologists who attended annual state conference of IADVL, Kerala chapter. Analysis was based on responses to the questionnaire by 51 practicing dermatologists who had answered and returned the questionnaire, out of the total 84 who were approached for the study. Responses to questions from the interviews were summarized and expressed as numbers and percentages.
Results: Majority (32, 62.7%) of the dermatologists attributes chronicity of illness to the severity of protein loss in exfoliative dermatitis. Though serum albumin level is considered as the criterion for protein supplementation, opinion regarding the frequency of estimation, mode and end point of supplementation varies. The majority (36, 70.6%) of dermatologists regards protein supplementation as mandatory in all cases of exfoliative dermatitis and that it helps in recovery of the condition, irrespective of etiology.
Limitation: The small sample size is an obvious limitation
Conclusion: Lack of a clear consensus and knowledge regarding the turnover of plasma proteins in exfoliative dermatitis and the correction of hypoalbuminemia, is clearly portrayed by our results. Further studies are needed to explore the exact pathophysiology of metabolic response to exfoliation and to fill the gaps in the understanding of the same.
Keywords: Exfoliative dermatitis, Protein loss, Hypoalbuminemia
Common Contact Sensitizers among Patients with Hand Eczema: A Multicenter-Study in Nepal
(Society of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists of Nepal (SODVELON), 2016) Bhattarai, S.; Rijal, A.; Agrawal, S.
Abstract:
Introduction: Allergic contact dermatitis in Nepal is not an uncommon disorder. Patch testing is a well established method of diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis. Patients with contact dermatitis are well known to have impaired quality of life which often leads to frequent dermatological consultations.
Objective: Lack of data from Nepal has prompted us to undertake this study with the aims to know the frequency of allergic contact dermatitis and the commonest contact allergens among the patients with Hand eczema attending the out-patient department of dermatology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital.
Material and Methods: A total of 256 patients were included in the study. Out of them 195 with hand eczema agreed to participate and undergo patch testing. The antigens used included the Indian standard series of patch test allergens approved by Contact and Occupational Dermatoses Forum of India.
Results: Hundred and ten cases (56.4%) were patch test positive (PTP) at 48 as well as 96 hours to at least one allergen. PTP was seen more commonly in females. The most common allergen in females was nickel sulphate followed by cobalt chloride, gentamicin and mercapto mix while males were positive to potassium dichromate, followed by epoxy resin, fragrance mix and nickel sulphate.
Conclusion: Patch testing has proved a useful tool for the detection of allergic contact dermatitis and for identification of contact allergens. When positive reactions correlate with environmental exposure the test usually assists the physician in establishing the cause of dermatitis, hence treating the patients and improving their quality of life.
Keywords: Hand Eczema, Contact Allergen, Patch test