No abstract

The natural history of LP in children was essentially similar to that in adults. Unusual features, such as involvement of the palms and soles and upper eyelids, were observed. Actinic LP, mimicking melasma, as reported in adult women, also seems to occur in children.

Genital herpes, which was considered to be a minor sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the past in developing countries, is rapidly increasing; in contrast, bacterial STDs are declining. This changing trend of various STDs prompted us to analyze our data retrospectively to see whether a similar change is occurring in this part of India as well. The records of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) clinic attendees from January 1977 to December 2000 were analyzed. The demographic profile of patients with genital herpes was also considered for analysis. STDs were diagnosed clinically and by appropriate laboratory tests wherever applicable. VDRL test was done in all patients, and HIV antibody detection was performed from 1987 onwards. The incidences of chancroid, donovanosis, and gonorrhea were 12.2%, 6.3%, and 16.9%, respectively, from January 1977 to December 1985. The figures for the same decreased to 2.5%, 0.9%, and 2.3%, respectively, from January 1993 to December 2000. The decreasing incidence of the above bacterial STDs is statistically significant (p<0.001). However, there was an approximately two-fold increase in the incidence of genital herpes in recent years (20.5%) in comparison to the figures from the late 70s (11.4%). Molluscum contagiosum also showed an upward trend (1% in 1977-85 vs. 9.8% in 1993-2000). Condylomata accuminata remained almost unchanged (21.4% in 1977-85 vs. 20% in 1993-2000). To conclude, a significant increase in the number of viral STDs and a decline in the bacterial diseases were observed in recent years in comparison to the figures from the late 70s. This may be due to awareness of HIV, success of control programs, syndromic management of STDs, and adoption of safer sexual practices, which prevent bacterial STDs more efficiently than viral ones.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a new modality of treatment in the field of dermatology. There are paucity of studies evaluating the effects of PRP in nonscarring alopecia especially alopecia areata (AA). To compare the efficacy and safety of PRP in patchy AA of the scalp in a placebo and active controlled trial. This was a randomized, placebo and active controlled, split scalp study. Fifty patients of patchy AA of the scalp were recruited and allocated to two treatment groups. Left side of the scalp received placebo (intralesional normal saline), right side of the scalp received intralesional PRP in one group and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide in second group. Three treatment sessions were given at 4-week interval and final follow-up was done at 8 weeks later. SALT scoring, dermoscopy were the parameters used to assess the efficacy. The SALT score showed statistically significant improvement from baseline in both the treatment groups (P value <.001). The maximum absolute regrowth was shown by the steroid group followed by PRP followed by placebo group (P value .016).

Addition of psoralen increased the extent of repigmentation due to NBUVB therapy in vitiligo. Further studies are required to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of P-NBUVB.