BackgroundSkin problems caused by neuropathy and antipathy are common manifestations of diabetes. The most serious about such problem is the diabetic foot, which may lead to eventual ulceration and amputation, and will decrease a patient’s quality of life dramatically.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to assess the level of foot self-care and foot conditions in diabetic patients, and to demonstrate the role of self-care education in diabetic foot care.Patients and MethodsA total of 80 diabetic patients were included in the study, all of whom had referred to "Yazd Diabetic Research Center." The levels of their foot self-care were recorded in pre-test questionnaires, and then all of the patients were visited and educated by a Dermatologist for their foot self-care on a monthly basis, after which their post-test results were recorded through a second administration of the same questionnaire. Eventually, data from the pre and post-test questionnaires were analyzed to identify the possible effects of education.ResultsA total of 80 diabetic patients (34 males, 46 females) with a mean average age of 53.53 ± 10.19 and mean average duration of diabetes 12.42 ± 6.73 years were assessed. A significant increase in foot self-care through education was observed (baseline 27.06 ± 8.77, vs. post education 43.12 ± 8.77; P = 0.0001). After education, foot and nail lesions improved completely in 84% and 62.8%. Moreover, 77.8% of patients had suitable shoes and 79.6% had suitable socks.ConclusionsOur findings showed that foot self-care education could improve knowledge and performance of patients about various foot problems, and was significantly important in preventing ulcers.

BackgroundSkin cancers are the most common cancers around the world. Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is the malignancy of melanocytes that are mainly located in the skin and mucous membranes.ObjectiveThis study tried to evaluate the incidence and mean survival time of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) in Yazd, Iran. It seems that the epidemiology and clinical aspects of CMM in Iran are different from those in other parts of the world; also due to the limited and scattered studies there isn't lot in the literature regarding CMM in Iran.Materials and MethodsThis study used data obtained from the cancer registry center in the province of Yazd for a period of 21 years (1988 – 2008). Population and statistical data were gathered from “National Organization for Civil Registration”. Population-based data were analyzed, focusing on the incidence and mean survival time over this 21 year period.ResultsThe mean incidence rate for CMM in Yazd-Iran between 1988 and 2008 was 0.40 per 100,000 for males and 0.27 per 100,000 for females per year, and the incidence of CMM was relatively constant during this period of time. The mean survival rates for women were better than men (80.5% and 76.3% respectively).ConclusionsCMM in Yazd is a low-incidence skin tumor that shows a relatively fixed incidence between 1988 and 2008, Higher incidences of CMM were found in sun-exposed areas (especially head and neck areas), with more incidence in men. Skin cancers and CMM incidence in Iran is lower than western countries, most probably due to geographical zone, genetic factors, skin type, society-related customs including clothing styles.

Skin cancers are the most common form of cancers in our state, but my students do not have appropriate knowledge and performance levels about this disease. It is therefore proposed that related information should be given to them during continuous and regular educational programs.

Background:Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic disease in developing countries. Although pentamidine orantimonite (Glucantime) has been recommended for cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment by the World Health Organization, there are some concerns too such as high cost, side effects, need for frequent injections, and restricted efficacy. Therefore, different methods have been used for CL treatment so far.Objectives:This study assessed the sensitivity of two parasite agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis: Leishmania major and L. tropica to zinc sulphate in vitro. In the present study, the zinc sulphate effect on urban and rural strains of cutaneous leishmaniasis, viability of old world, in vitro is under investigation.Materials and Methods:The design of the present study was experimental (laboratory-trial) based. Iranian endemic species of L. major and L. tropica were appropriately collected, proliferated, and maintained in the standard culture. Afterward, the proper concentrations of zinc sulphate were provided, sterilized, and added to the cultures containing parasites. In different intervals, parasites were counted by two methods: the slide and cell proliferation ELISA.Results:Both parasite species showed sensitivity to zinc sulphate in vitro and in comparison with the control group, their numbers were reduced. Zinc sulphate (in concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 percent) was added to the cultures containing parasites, and the total number of the live parasites was counted through the slide method (Neubauer slide) every day up to the fifth day. The results were analyzed and found statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the second phase, the counting process was repeated with the addition of zinc sulphate compound with different concentrations (3, 4, 5, and 6 percent) and live parasite numbers were counted by ELISA method after 24 hours. The findings revealed that all the cultures containing zinc sulphate showed a slower growth in comparison to the control group. The mentioned difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Considering the safety of zinc sulphate compound in comparison with Glucantime, there is a possibility of using it in the treatment of CL caused by both species of L. major and L. tropica. It is obvious that more researches are mandatory both in vivo and in vitro to figure out its daily dosage, proper concentration, time and duration, and possible side effects.

BackgroundRecently, the radiation application research center for the atomic energy organization of Yazd (Iran) has developed a hydrogel dressing which was evaluated for quality and safety in 2008. Its efficacy for assisting in the wound healing process was approved for animal use, and its use has proven to be more effective than a related Syrian material.ObjectivesWe have already confirmed the safety and efficacy of Irgel use on mice (1, 2), so this study was conducted in order to further evaluate its effectiveness on human burn wounds, and to compare its efficacy with MaxGel, another hydrogel. A randomized clinical trial study was conducted to compare the efficacy of hydrogel produced by the radiation application research center (Yazd Branch) with MaxGel and routine dressing on burn repair in the Yazd Burn hospital.Materials and MethodsIn this study, 90 patients with second-degree burn injuries who were admitted to the Yazd Burn hospital were randomly divided into three equal groups. In the negative control group, the wounds were covered with sterile vaseline gauze followed by double sterile dry gauze and ultimately bandaged. In the test group, the wounds were covered by an Iranian hydrogel sheet (Irgel) instead of vaseline gauze, while in the positive control group, the wounds were covered by MaxGel instead of Irgel. At each visit (every other day), each dressing was renewed by its respective method and the wound area, pain score, and body temperature were recorded. At the beginning and at the end of the first and second week, five milliliters of venous blood were taken from all patients to evaluate hematologic parameters such as peripheral blood cell count, liver function, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine.ResultsBefore the intervention, the extent of the burns and pain sensations were quite similar among the different groups, but at the second week, the burn areas and pain scores for the Irgel group were significantly less than those of the normal control and the positive control groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBased on our findings, both gels assist in the process of burn wound healing and pain reduction more effectively as compared with routine dressing. However, Irgel had better effects on wound healing and pain relief than MaxGel, which indicates a better quality of Irgel for this particular kind of treatment.