Herpes Zoster is a common viral disorder, occurs due to reactivation of latent Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) usually in adults or elderly patients, usually confined to a single dermatome. Herpes zoster duplex is a rare but well established entity which is simultaneous, occurring of herpes zoster at two different non contiguous dermatomes, can be unilateralis or bilateralis. Here we are reporting two cases of herpes zoster duplex bilateralis, in case-1 lesions occurs in two different distant dermatomes while in case-2 it appeared in a single dermatome but both sides were involved. Both the patients were healthy immuno-competent male.

Plica neuropathica is a rare scalp condition, which is manifested as a compact mass of scalp hair. Previously, it has been found to be associated with a variety of dermatological disorders. We report a case of 15-year-old female presenting with alopecia areata associated with plica neuropathica.

Introduction: Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which infects the epidermal cell layers leading to their hyperproliferation. The concept of immunotherapy has recently come to light. It acts by mounting delayed cell-mediated and humoral immunity against the HPV in the host. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intralesional PPD versus intralesional vitamin D3 for the management of recalcitrant warts. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized trial was conducted on patients between the ages of 12 and 65 years with two or more recalcitrant extragenital warts. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups, namely, group A (PPD) and group B (vitamin D3). In group A, a purified protein derivative (PPD) of tuberculin was employed without any prior pre-sensitization testing. Each patient in group I received 0.1–0.2 mL of antigen at the base of the largest wart. In group B, the patients received 0.1–0.2 mL in a similar manner. Results: In group A, 39 (78%) patients had complete clearance while, in group B, 38 (76%) had complete clearance in injected warts (p = 0.8). As far as distant warts were concerned, in group A, 35 (70%) had a complete response while, in group B, 29 (48%) had a complete response. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups with a greater degree of clearance in distant warts with the tuberculin PPD (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Both the tuberculin PPD and vitamin D3 are reliable and safe management options for recalcitrant, treatment-resistant, and extensive warts.

Background: Parthenium dermatitis is caused by friable plant extracts of Parthenium hysterophorus and related species. Approximately 40% of cases of plant dermatitis in India are contributed by this single species. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted in the Department of Dermatology of Jhalawar Medical College. Ninety-nine consecutive patch test positive parthenium dermatitis human subjects of age more than 16 and either sex were included. The study period was 11 months between September 2019 and August 2020. Sociodemographic, clinical profile parthenium dermatitis severity score (PDSS) and Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were obtained from each patient. Correlation between PDSS and DLQI was obtained using Pearson's two-tailed coefficients. Results: Our study included 62 men and 37 women (1.67:1). The mean age was 51 ± 10.27 years. Mean duration of disease was 8.47 ± 4.45 years, and mean PDSS was 57.25 ± 17.65, mean DLQI was 17.14 ± 5.56. ABCD with CAD was the most common clinical subtype (45.45%). A significant positive correlation was observed between PDSS and DLQI. Conclusion: In this study, a significant impairment in quality of life (QoL) was observed in patients with higher score of PDSS and increasing duration, emphasizing that the disease needs specialized care including multiple indoor admission at the time of flare-up of disease.

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a common viral disorder with characteristic rashes and pain. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is most common complication of HZ. There may be increased chances of PHN in the presence of various risk factors. AIM: To study the clinical and epidemiological data of HZ and assess the relation between risk factors and developement of PHN. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study cases of HZ attending the outdoor of dermatology department were included irrespective of age and sex. Relevant demographic and clinical findings of all the cases were recorded in a predesigned performa. Cases were followed up for next 6 months for the development of any complication and recorded the same if occurred. Relevant risk factors in cases of PHN were observed, recorded and analysed. RESULTS: 123 cases were included in the study. Most common age group affected was 31-40 years, slightly more common in female sex and commonly occurred in immunocompromised cases. Most common dermatome affected was thoracic. PHN occurred in 23 (18.7%) cases. About 61% of PHN cases were above the age of 50 years and it occurred in 45.45% cases of HZ with ophthalmic involvement. CONCLUSION: HZ is a common disease in the cases attending the dermatology OPD. PHN is most common complication which is more commonly associated with older age, female sex, presence of prodrome, severe rash and pain within 3 days and involvement of ophthalmic division of trigeminal nerve. But ther is no significant relation between occurrence of PHN and antiviral drug treatment.