Indian Dermatology Online Journal最新文献

Background: Kumkum and bindi are applied on the forehead as a custom. Allergic reactions develop in some due to the allergens present in kumkum and bindi adhesive. It is unlikely to subside unless the exposure to the allergens is completely discontinued, which is difficult for women, due to social and religious obligations in certain communities.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of indigenously prepared kumkum, bindi stickers, and annatto seed powder when used as alternatives in patients with bindi and kumkum dermatitis.

Patients and methods: A comparative study was conducted on adult patients of both sexes with kumkum and bindi dermatitis. Fifteen patients in each group were allotted based on simple random sampling. Group kumkum patients were given kumkum prepared by boiled, dried turmeric powder mixed with sodium bicarbonate and fresh lime juice to obtain a scarlet red mixture. Group stick bindi patients were given bindi prepared with red-colored craft paper cut into circular discs with adhesive paste. Group annatto patients were given annatto seed powder. Follow-up was performed in the second and fourth weeks to observe for the development of the reaction.

Results: Among 45 patients, 42 did not develop any reaction to the given compounds. One patient in group annatto and two in group kumkum developed mild reactions. The development of reaction to the given compounds between the groups was statistically insignificant ( P = 0.18). The difference between all three groups in terms of patient satisfaction was statistically insignificant ( P = 0.31).

Limitations: The period of 4 weeks was not sufficient in all cases, as the sensitization phase may be longer. We do recommend a follow-up for a longer period, and we also need to develop a more acceptable form of our products.

Conclusion: The alternatives were cosmetically acceptable and did not cause any reaction in the majority of the patients. All the alternatives were promising, safe, and cost-effective to be given as an alternative in patients with bindi and kumkum dermatitis.

Background: Uremic pruritus is a common, debilitating symptom experienced by chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Aim and objective: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy in managing uremic pruritus.

Patients and methods: This descriptive study was conducted from April 2021 to October 2022 among 56 clinically diagnosed CKD patients with uremic pruritus, aged between 18 and 70 years, and undergoing hemodialysis. Patients received NB-UVB phototherapy twice weekly, with an initial dose of 300 mJ/cm² and increments of 10% per sitting. Treatment response was documented using a visual analogue scale (VAS), with a 50% reduction in pruritus considered an adequate therapeutic response.

Results: Mean age of patients was 49.7 ± 5.6 years, with male predominance (58.9%). Mean duration of itching was 10.9 ± 4.9 months. The most common skin lesion was xerosis (67.8%). The mean VAS score reduced significantly from 8.48 at baseline to 4.76 at the end of week 8. A significant negative correlation was observed between UVB dose and VAS score at week 8, indicating that VAS score decreased with increasing UVB dose. Laboratory parameters before and after NB-UVB therapy revealed no significant differences.

Limitations: This study has several limitations, including the absence of a control group and a small sample size (n = 56). Follow-up was limited to 8 weeks only. All patients had Fitzpatrick skin phototypes V or VI, limiting applicability to lighter-skinned populations. While a medication history was obtained, complete subclassification of all drugs was not performed. Systematic serological screening for autoimmune conditions was not conducted, and biopsy-proven CKD etiology was not available for all patients.

Conclusion: Phototherapy with NB-UVB light is effective in reducing pruritus among patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis, with no significant side effects observed during the treatment period.