BACKGROUND Acne vulgaris is a self-limiting disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that is seen primarily in adolescents. Acne therapy aims at reduction of sebum production, correcting the abnormal ductal keratinisation, reducing the colony of propionic bacterium acnes and preventing the release of inflammatory mediators that are basically responsible for the pathogenesis of acne. MATERIALS AND METHODS The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of topical adapalene 0.1% cream and topical tazarotene 0.1% cream in the treatment of acne vulgaris. One hundred patients of either sex were enrolled and randomly assigned for the above study. The study was prospective, randomized, single blinded controlled clinical trial. Inclusion Criteria-Patients of either sex with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Exclusion Criteria-Pregnant and lactating women, age below 12 years and drug induced Acneiform lesions. Number of comedones, papules and pustules were counted and graded. Clinical photographs of the lesions were taken before commencement of therapy and after completion of therapy. RESULTS By this study we evaluated the gender and age prevalence, precipitating factors for acne and other associated skin conditions with acne. Treatment with topical adapalene showed good improvement (80.3%) than with topical 0.1% tazarotene cream (54.07%). CONCLUSION Patients treated with 0.1% adapalene cream showed excellent response and patients treated with 0.1% tazarotene showed increased side effects and reduced tolerance.

BACKGROUND Syphilis is one of the major sexually transmitted infections, which is showing a raising trend across the globe. The aim of the study is to study the prevalence of syphilis among Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) clinic attendees of a tertiary care hospital of south India. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of one year duration conducted at STI clinic of a government tertiary hospital in South India. Patients who have been diagnosed to have syphilis were analysed with respect to demographic profile and their sexual behaviour pattern. RESULTS 40 were persons diagnosed to have syphilis among a total of 1790 STI clinic attendees. The mean age of patients with syphilis found to be 31 years. Male-to-female ratio is 7:1. 80% of patients with syphilis had higher school level and college level education. Homosexual behaviour pattern was predominant and it was found among 60% of them (p value 0.011). 62.5% of them were alcoholic. Safe sex practices were minimal in spite of knowledge about condom. CONCLUSION There was a raising trend of syphilis among STI clinic attendees during 2016. Early infectious stage of disease is more and was found more commonly among Men Having Sex with Men (MSM).