PurposeAcross Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, (referred to as Asia) approximately 30–53 million individuals of the 151 million employed suffer from allergic rhinitis (AR) and urticaria. It is estimated that approximately 90% of patients with these allergic conditions are insufficiently treated, impacting the socioeconomic burden in terms of absence from work and decreased productivity. This study aims to estimate the socioeconomic burden of allergies in Asia and the cost savings that their adequate management can provide. Due to the limited availability of regional data, this study focused AR and urticaria in selected countries.MethodsPublished literature, information from statistical bureaus, clinician surveys and extrapolation of selected data from the European Union were used to determine the socioeconomic costs of AR and urticaria.ResultsMany patients in Asia suffer from perennial allergies and experience symptoms of AR and urticaria for up to 298 days per year. An estimate of the indirect costs of patients insufficiently treated for AR and urticaria amounts to USD 105.4 billion a year, which equates to USD 1,137–2,195 per patient due to absenteeism and presenteeism. Adherence to guideline-approved treatment can lead to estimated savings of up to USD 104 billion.ConclusionsThe current study suggests that within Asia, the socioeconomic impact of AR and urticaria is similar to that seen in the European Union in spite of the lower wages in Asia. This is due to the mainly perennial allergens prevailing in Asia, whereas the sensitization patterns observed in the European Union are dominated by seasonal exposure to pollen. These results underline the need for governmental initiatives to increase public awareness on the prevention and treatment of these and other allergic diseases as well as greater research funding and large-scale studies to reduce their growing socioeconomic burden in coming years.

Background Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or pattern hair loss, is a common disorder in both Asian men and women. There are several guidelines for the treatment of AGA which are suitable for Caucasian patients; however,

BackgroundAllergic diseases are on the rise in many parts of the world, including the Asia–Pacific (APAC) region. Second-generation antihistamines are the first-line treatment option in the management of allergic rhinitis and urticaria. International guidelines describe the management of these conditions; however, clinicians perceive the additional need to tailor treatment according to patient profiles. This study serves as a consensus of experts from several countries in APAC (Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), which aims to describe the unmet needs, practical considerations, challenges, and key decision factors when determining optimal second-generation antihistamines for patients with allergic rhinitis and/or urticaria.MethodsSpecialists from allergology, dermatology, and otorhinolaryngology were surveyed on practical considerations and key decision points when treating patients with allergic rhinitis and/or urticaria.ResultsClinicians felt the need for additional tools for diagnosis of these diseases and a single drug with all preferred features of an antihistamine. Challenges in treatment include lack of clinician and patient awareness and compliance, financial constraints, and treatment for special patient populations such as those with concomitant disease. Selection of optimal second-generation antihistamines depends on many factors, particularly drug safety and efficacy, impact on psychomotor abilities, and sedation. Country-specific considerations include drug availability and cost-effectiveness. Survey results reveal bilastine as a preferred choice due to its high efficacy and safety, suitability for special patient populations, and the lack of sedative effects.ConclusionsCompliance to the international guidelines is present among allergists, dermatologists and otorhinolaryngologists; however, this is lower amongst general practitioners (GPs). To increase awareness, allergy education programs targeted at GPs and patients may be beneficial. Updates to the existing international guidelines are suggested in APAC to reflect appropriate management for different patient profiles and varying symptoms of allergic rhinitis and urticaria.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12948-017-0074-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Leprosy is a skin disease that accounts for serious deformities and disabilities, leading to stigmatization and psychosocial suffering. It is included in "The Neglected Tropical Diseases". Not surprisingly, its management is increasingly reported as a function of Dermatology Departments, with a strong community-orientated bias. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of leprosy is crucial in the control of leprosy. Its management requires a multidisciplinary team of skilled physicians, laboratory staff, and nurses. All members of the health sectors should remain vigilant to combat this battle against leprosy.

Objective: Zinc deficiency is the most common micronutrient abnormality seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Depletion of CD4 cells is a hallmark of HIV infection. The study aims to determine the association between whole blood zinc levels and CD4 cell count and stage of HIV infection among patients in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines. Methods: Sixty-five newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients of the institution were recruited. Demographic profile, whole blood zinc levels, CD4 cell count level, HIV disease stage, and presence of any dermatologic manifestations were noted. Prevalence of zinc deficiency and correlation between whole blood zinc levels and CD4 cell count were determined. The data were analyzed by chi-square and pearson correlation analysis. Results: Among the 65 patients, overall zinc deficiency was noted at 33.8%. Low CD4 count and HIV disease stage IV participants had the highest percentage of zinc deficiency at 54.6% and 50%, respectively. A correlation coefficient at r = 0.3364 was noted between whole blood zinc levels and CD4 cell count (P = 0.006). Twenty-nine patients presented with dermatologic manifestations, with 10 patients being zinc deficient. Conclusion: A weak positive correlation was seen between zinc levels and CD4 count. There is an increasing frequency of zinc level deficiency with a higher HIV disease stage. Dermatologic manifestations of HIV may be present in both patients with normal and deficient zinc levels.