Results show that spirulina extract (250 mg) plus zinc (2 mg) twice daily for 16 weeks may be useful for the treatment of chronic arsenic poisoning with melanosis and keratosis.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Matlab, Bangladesh, to determine the prevalence of skin lesions (a three-step procedure) associated with arsenic exposure and discuss validity and feasibility in relation to recommended screening algorithms. Cases with skin lesions were identified by screening above 4 years of age (n = 166,934). Trained field teams conducted a careful house-to-house screening and identified 1682 individuals with skin lesions, who were referred to physicians for confirmation. Physicians diagnosed 579 cases as probable and documented all these with digital photographs. Two experts inspected all photographs for consensus agreement that was reached for 504 cases. Using the experts' opinions as reference, the positive predictive value of the physicians' diagnosis was 87% (male = 82% vs. female = 94%; p < 0.01). The physicians had difficulties in separating arsenic-induced keratosis from differential diagnoses, while probability for correct diagnosis was high for arsenic-related pigmentation changes. Including information on current arsenic concentration in drinking water (which was masked at time of skin examination) or urine in the diagnostic algorithm should have increased the number of false negative cases. In the present transition of drinking water sources these markers of current exposure levels provide no information on past exposure. A 2-3 step procedure with house-to-house screening and clinic-based confirmation of arsenic-induced skin lesions is a feasible approach. Information on arsenic concentration in current water sources or in urine should not have improved the precision in the diagnosis. These results may have policy implications for community screening of arsenic-related skin lesions in Bangladesh and elsewhere.

A total number of 40 patients affected with arsenicosis were selected and clinically examined prior to feeding trials. The interrelatedness between improvement respondents following spirulina intake in respect of age, sex, nutrition and social condition of patients exposed to arsenic contaminated water was evidenced. Among sexwise respondents about 62% females showed improvement in comparison to 58.3% males. The spirulina intake caused more improvements in age group 15-35 years (66.66%) than patients of 35 to 55 years (50%). The impact of spirulina improvement showed a different vulnerability of social taboos. It occurred 71.42% in middle class, while in poor class this was 69.29%. The greatly vulnerable poverty related malnourished arsenicosis patients responded to therapy equally as attained by well nourished patients. The overall response revealed that 60% patients showed improvement with spirulina treatment which was statistically highly significant (x2 = 8.64 at P< 0.01). The viability of spirulina to offer health benefits to arsenicosis patients proved considerably satisfactory, because there was significant improvements of general health in all patients who received spirulina during the experimental period. Although 60 to 70% recovery has been recorded with spirulina intake in arsenicosis patients, but it is still interesting to note that the drug assisted remedy from malnutrition and might have boosted up the immune system. The present research study evidenced that arsenic, which induces cellular toxicity, could be prevented by treatment with known supportive treatment, such as spirulina along with other antioxidants. DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v26i1.4228 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2008; 26: 14-21

Fordyce's disease, a rarely found disease of lips has been reported recently in department of Skin and VD, Gonosashthaya Somaj Vittic Medical College Hospital, Savar, Dhaka. Occasionally it may not be possible to identify the cause. The patient presented with identical features of Fordyce's disease and lip biopsy for histopathology showed the features of Fordyce's disease. Then patient was treated with Pimecrolimus cream and improved. Fordyce's disease is an extremely rare disorder. So its cutaneous findings, histopathology and treatments are highlighted here.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 9, No. 2: Jul 2018, P 148-151

Objective: Acne vulgaris is the disease of the teenagers as 90% of them being affected. So many treatment modalities are there -systemic , topical and physical . Among them topical therapy is the main stay of treatment.Our study was to determine the efficacy and safety of combination of erythromycin/benzyl peroxide compared with benzyl peroxide alone in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Conclusion: We conclude that Group A is safer and more effective than that of Group B. So the combination of Benzyl peroxide and erythromycin is better than Benzyl peroxide alone. Method: Patients attended in a Charity