Iranian Journal Of Dermatology
Volume:12 Issue: 4, Winter 2009

Lichen planus pigmentosus, a macular variant of lichen planus, is characterized by slate grey pigmentation and was first seen in the Indian population. We report a case of LPP with a linear distribution. A 27- year-old female presented with asymptomatic dark brown macules from the middle of right calf to the thigh consistent with the pattern of Blaschko’s lines. To the best of our knowledge, there are very rare case reports on LPP with a linear pattern.

Topical antimicrobials, such as clindamycin, are effective in the treatment of acne and azelaic acid, due to the lack of bacterial resistance, could be a useful alternative in topical treatment of acne. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of topical azelaic acid 20% with clindamycin 1% lotion for the treatment of acne. This randomized clinical trial study was performed on 108 patients with mild and moderate acne. Patient were randomly assigned to one of the two groups of treatment with azelaic acid 20% cream (50 patients) or clindamycin 1% lotion (58 patients). The patients were evaluated by grading and lesion counting methods before treatment and one month and two months after the treatment. The mean age of the patients in clindamycin group and azalic acid was 19. 6±3. 9 and 20. 3±4. 5 years, respectively (P=0. 41). The mean score of acne severity decreased after treatment according to grading and lesion counting methods (P<0. 05). Reduction of acne severity score between two group was not significant in second and third visit compared to before treatment (P>0. 05) Result showed that the azelaic acid 20% topical cream was as effective as clindamycin 1% lotion for treating mild to moderate acne.

Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells that can be readily cultured in the laboratory and play a significant role in epithelialmesenchymal interactions, secreting various growth factors and cytokines that have a direct effect on epidermal proliferation, differentiation and formation of extracellular matrix. They have been incorporated into various tissue-engineered and used for a variety of clinical applications, including the treatment of burns, chronic venous ulcers and several other clinical applications in dermatology and plastic surgery. Isolated fibroblasts by the enzymatic process from foreskin were cultivated successively in a culture medium to establish cell banking. Foreskin and the last subcultured cells were checked for HBV, HCV, HIV, HSV I, HSV II, HTLV I, HTLV II, EBV, CMV, Treponema Pallidum, Mycoplasma sp. and Clamydia. The 1st, 5th and 10th subcultured cells were processed for immunocytochemistry studies using a panel of monoclonal antibodies including antibodies to MHC class I & II antigens for ensuring the elimination of superficial cell antigens during cultivation. Subcultured cells were karyotyped to find any chromosomal abnormalities. The best passages were chosen for culturing on silicone sheets provided by the Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute. Evaluation for bacteria and viruses by molecular methods was negative. Karyotyping of cultured fibroblasts after the 10th passage showed some abnormalities. HLA expression was imperceptible in the cells obtained from the 10th sub-culture. The best passages were from 5th to 10th for banking and culturing on silicone sheets. Expression of HLA on fibroblast surfaces was diminished during subculturing. To prevent chromosomal abnormalities in fibroblast passaging, we should select the best colony that is expected to be chromosomally stable with the least antigenicity. In our study, the 5th to 10th sub-cultures were the best cells for the purpose of grafting and acceleration of the wound healing.

The aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate the noble herbal moisturise gel containing Stevia extract. The cosmetic gel formulation was designed by using aqueous extract of Stevia rebaudiana leaves in varied concentrations (2.5% and 5.0%) and evaluated using physiological measurements in comparision with a control placebo gel. The initial physicochemical parameters of formulations SF-I and SF-II, i.e. pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability and stability were examined. Furthermore, both formulations were studied for toxicity and skin irritancy on animal model. This study revealed that the formulation containing 2.5% Stevia extract showed comparatively better stability than other formulations and the control sample. Results showed that there were no toxicity and no skin irritation according to evaluated various parameters when compared to the control formulation. This formulation of Stevia extract could be suggested as a safe and beneficial moisturiser.

Cutaneous drug reaction is a common side effect of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In recent years, a significant increase in cases of cutaneous drug reaction due to AEDs and some changes in its pattern in our department have been noticed. Therefore, we carried out this study to present clinical and paraclinical characteristics of these cases. All records of patients who were hospitalized at our hospital with a diagnosis of cutaneous drug reaction due to anticonvulsant therapy between March 2006 and September 2009 were reviewed. The most common offending drug was lamotrigine. The main indication of anticonvulsant therapy was for idiopathic seizures. The most frequent type of cutaneous reaction was maculopapular and/or erythrodermic rash. Eosinophilia was detected in 56.5% of the patients. Although serious reactions with AEDs are not common, they may be life threatening. So, timely and accurate diagnosis can prevent fatal reactions and affects subsequent anticonvulsant treatment options.

Controversial data concerning the elevation of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme in psoriasis are reported in the literature. In order to verify whether this abnormality exists in Iranian patients, we performed this study. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level was measured in 40 psoriatics. According to clinical forms of psoriasis, patients were further divided into three groups: common plaque type (n=24), pustular psoriasis (n=10) and erythrodermic psoriasis (n=6). Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme shows some increase in patients with psoriasis; the greatest increase in serum angiotensinconverting enzyme level was observed in patients with erythrodermic psoriasis. Our results suggest that angiotensin-converting enzyme may have a role in the aetiopathogenesis of psoriasis but further studies are warranted to evaluate the possible role of this enzyme in psoriasis.

Granuloma faciale (GF) is a rare cutaneous disorder categorized as a localized form of small-vessel vasculitis. Clinically, it manifests as single or multiple well-demarcated red-brown plaques, papules and nodules, nearly always confined to the face. Herein, we report a 39-year-old man with multiple red-brown infiltrated plaques on face and extrafacial lesions on back, shoulders and both arms. Skin biopsy revealed typical histopathological findings of GF. The patient failed to respond to pulsed dye laser but intralesional triamcinolone combined with cryotherapy led to an acceptable response.

Skin tags are skin-colored, asymptomatic, pedunculated lesions located at the neck, axillae or groin. It affects any age, including infants. We report a 60-year-old Iranian woman with a giant pedunculated skin tag on the left thigh for 10 years. It measured 10 cm in length and 7 cm in width, distally.