Background: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease that causes skin infections around the world through the bite of sand fly. This leads to the formation of cutaneous leishmaniasis and scars on the area that a cosmetically significant. Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intralesional metronidazole (5%) in comparison with intralesionalmeglumineantimonate in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Methods: In the current study 40 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis having upto 3 lesions on either upper limb, lower limb or trunk with a maximum diameter of 3cm in the longest dimension were included in the study and were randomly allocated to either group A (intralesional meglumineantimonate) or group B (intralesional metronidazole). Both treatments were given as intralesional injections on weekly basis, for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed and clinical photographs of the site of treatment were taken on every visit. The response was recorded according to the reduction in the size of the lesion, flattening of the lesion, change in colour, re-epithelialization and disappearance of signs of inflammation. More than 80% improvement to complete resolution of the lesion was considered as a cure. Results: At the end of 12 weeks of treatment 18 out of 20 (90%) patients in treatment group A (intralesional meglumine antimonite) were cured (mean 1.10, SD 0.308), while15 out of 20 (75%) patients responded to the treatment with intralesional metronidazole (mean 1.25, SD 0.444). Although, group A patients had a better cure rate than group B patients but the response to both treatments was found statistically significant and the p-value was 0.0001. Conclusion: This study denoted that cutaneous leishmaniasis best responds to intralesional meglumineantimonate butintralesional metronidazole is found to be a safe and effective alternative treatment for this chronic ailment.

Background: Alopecia areata is a prevalent, immune-mediated disease that targets anagen hair follicles in gentically predisposed individuals. Their are various treatment modalities of different Ecco Ay and safety for treatment of this chronic ailment. Bimatoprost, a prostamide analog have been recognised with the potential of increased hair growth and can be used as an alternative treatment option. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost 0.03% with mometasone furoate 0.1%in the treatment of AA involving eyebrows, scalp and beard. Methods: This was a randomized single-blinded clinical trial done in the Dermatology Outpatient Department of Nishtar Hospital Multan (NHM). The duration of the study was from August 2020 to March 2021. 60 patients with patchy AA having upto 5 patches with a maximum diameter of 5cm in longest dimension involving eyebrows, scalp and beard were included in the study and were randomly assigned to either Group A (topical bimatoprost 0.03% solution twice daily) or Group B (topical mometasone furoate 0.1% cream once daily) for a period of 3 months. Patients were called for assessment monthly (every 4 weeks) and clinical photographs of the site of treatment were taken. Response to the treatment was assessed clinically by subjective improvement of hair growth at the site of hair loss by two physicians as no, mild, moderate and good hair regrowth depending on the percentage of hair re-growth. The data was analyzed through SPSS version 21. Results: At the end of 3 months of treatment, 29 out of 30 (97%) patients of Group B responded to the treatment, while 24 out of 30 (80%) Group A patients responded to the treatment. The response to both treatments was found statistically significant and the p-value was 0.000. Group B treated patients were better in their percentage of hair re-growth, speed of recovery, patient satisfaction and were devoid of any documented side effects. Conclusion: Bimatoprost 0.03% solution (topical), owing to its safety and efficacy represent a better therapeutic option for the treatment of AA involving eyebrows, scalp and beard.