Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology & Leprology最新文献

Blood donation is an act of benevolence that significantly improves lives and fosters better health outcomes globally. Certain skin diseases and medications make an individual temporarily or permanently ineligible to donate blood. This article aims to elucidate the relationship between skin diseases, medication, and blood donation deferral periods, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and contribute to this life-saving endeavour.

Background Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic autoimmune dermatosis with significant challenges in the treatment of severe cases. Recently, tofacitinib has been a promising cure for moderate to severe AA. Yet, its long-term efficacy and safety in the treatment of alopecia totalis (AT) and alopecia universalis (AU) remain underexplored, and determinants of its effectiveness are poorly understood. Aim To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in AT and AU patients and explore the factors that may influence treatment outcomes. Methods We retrospectively assessed the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in 69 AT and AU patients between January 2020 and June 2024. We also explored risk factors affecting the efficacy of tofacitinib using binary logistic regression analysis. Results After a median treatment of 6 months with tofacitinib, 47.8% (33/69) of patients had a severity of alopecia tool (SALT) score ≤ 20, and 26.1% (18/69) had complete hair regrowth. Patients showed more pronounced SALT score reductions and significant efficacy at weeks 24 and 36, compared to week 12 (P < 0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that younger initial age of AA (odds ratio (OR) = 1.063, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.011-1.117, P = 0.017) and shorter treatment duration (OR = 1.249, 95% CI 1.065-1.465, P = 0.006) were significant risk factors associated with poorer efficacy of tofacitinib. Acneiform rash and folliculitis were the primary adverse effects. Limitation The single-center, retrospective study may be limited by data deficiencies and a small sample size. Conclusion Tofacitinib demonstrated significant efficacy in treating patients with AT and AU within a minimum of 6 months. Severe adverse reactions were not observed. Notably, the age of AA onset and the duration of tofacitinib treatment may be significant factors influencing its therapeutic outcomes.

Background Acne vulgaris is one of the most common cutaneous chronic diseases. The disease itself or the side effects of medications can play a crucial role in the development of sexual dysfunction. Aim Assessment of the occurrence of sexual dysfunction in female patients with acne vulgaris. Methods The study included 82 women diagnosed with acne vulgaris and 133 female controls without skin diseases. The sexual health of the subjects was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) via an online anonymous questionnaire. Additional information regarding patients' medical history was analysed. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the total FSFI score between patients and controls (p > 0.05). Patients had significantly higher scores than controls in the satisfaction domain (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the question about the subjective effect of skin condition on sexual desire and the likelihood of sexual dysfunction in the FSFI (p < 0.05, r = 0.33). Patients using retinoids had a slightly reduced FSFI (p = 0.44), which correlated negatively with retinoid use (p = 0.0428, r = -0.4257). Women receiving oral retinoids had downward trends in the satisfaction and pain domains (p = 0.41 and p = 0.198, respectively). Retinoid treatment was negatively correlated with the overall FSFI lubrication domain score (p = 0.0423, r = -0.4268). In addition, there was also a negative correlation between retinoid therapy and the overall FSFI orgasm domain score (p = 0.0024, r = -0.6014). Limitations The inability to evaluate the severity of acne vulgaris; the relatively small sample size; no matching of cases and controls with respect to age; and the lack of physician-confirmed data regarding the effectiveness of the administered treatment. Conclusions Some female patients with acne vulgaris may be at higher risk of sexual dysfunction. Decreased self-esteem and the general psychological burden of this dermatosis may negatively influence sexual functioning, so it is important to pay attention to this aspect. Patients who need help in this area should be referred to appropriate specialists.

Background Ageing is a degenerative process that affects the entire body. Skin ageing is characterised by a decrease in the levels of collagen, elastin fibre, and hyaluronic acid (HA), resulting in a loss of skin elasticity and hydration. Prior studies suggest that oral collagen supplements can help increase collagen, elastin, and HA levels, ultimately improving skin health. Objective To assess the impact of collagen-based supplements on the signs of skin ageing and determine the effective dosage. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis utilized PubMed, Clinical Key, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies published from 2010 to 2021. It includes ten randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 646 participants. Results The findings indicate that collagen supplements were statistically effective in increasing skin hydration (SMD 1.25 (CI: 0.77-1.74)) and elasticity (SMD 0.61 (CI: 0.21-1.02)). The most commonly administered dose was 4 g/day, with a median dose of 3.5 g/ day. Limitations Most of the studies could not control for weather-related factors. The findings are more applicable to females. Moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 55.5-56.5%) may limit generalisability. The risk of bias was generally unclear, and publication bias could not be assessed due to the small number of studies. Conclusion Oral administration of collagen supplement in a dose ranging from 1-10 g/day was statistically effective in increasing the skin hydration and elasticity.

Background The exact mechanisms underlying the eradication of the human papillomavirus (HPV) by cellular immunity remain obscure. Individuals with treatment-resistant warts frequently have immune deficiencies. Amino-peptidases (ERAP1, ERAP2) of the endoplasmic reticulum are essential for the production of antigenic epitopes that attach to the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I and activate T-lymphocytes or natural killer (NK) cells. Aim To assess ERAP1 and ERAP2 serum concentrations in patients with resistant warts. Methods The current study included 200 subjects. They were split into 2 groups. Group (I) patients had resistant warts (n = 100), and group (II) age- and sex-matched subjects had a history of treated warts with no recurrence (n = 100). Clinical assessment and ERAP1 and ERAP2 serum level determination via ELISA were conducted. Results ERAP1 and ERAP2 levels were significantly lower in group (I) than in group (II) (p < 0.0001 for each). A significant positive relationship was observed between ERAP1 and ERAP2 (p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between ERAP1, ERAP2, the number of warts, and a number of recurrences (p < 0.001). Limitations The small sample size, the lack of measurements of ERAP1 and ERAP2 before and after the treatment, and the exclusion of medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Conclusion The current study findings highlight the potential utility of serum ERAP1 and ERAP2 as novel biomarkers for identifying patients with recalcitrant warts.