<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Vitiligo, an acquired pigmentary disorder of skin and mucous membrane characterized by well circumscribed depigmented macules that occur secondary to selective destruction of melanocytes. Fractional CO₂ laser system is a recent advancement in the treatment of vitiligo which works on the concept of fractional photo-thermolysis, in which microscopic treatment zones are created which help in increasing the penetration of topically applied agent which indirectly improves drug efficacy.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A comparative study was conducted on 40 patients of stable vitiligo attending OPD, Dept of DVL with fractional CO₂ laser, narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) and topical tacrolimus 0.1% vs NBUVB, topical tacrolimus 0.1% for a duration of 4 months and patients were followed up for 12 weeks post treatment.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Patients on Fractional CO₂ laser in combination with NBUVB and topical tacrolimus 0.1% ointment showed &gt;50% improvement compared with other group, with duration for initiation of pigmentation being comparatively less.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The treatment protocol with CO₂ laser in combination with topical tacrolimus 0.1% cream and NBUVB for stable vitiligo was more effective than NBUVB and topical tacrolimus 0.1% alone and this study demonstrates that adding fractional CO₂ laser improves repigmentation rate of vitiliginous lesions.</p>

INTRODUCTIONPityriasis versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin characterized by, white, brown or fawn colored, superficial lesions. The lesions are usually non inflammatory, covered with thin branny or furfuraceus scales and usually sharply marginated. Pityriasis versicolor caused by the lipophylic yeast Malassezia furfur, is a mild chronic infection of the stratum corneum; which as the name indicates, causes a patchy discoloration of the skin. Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection caused by the polymorphous endogenous yeast Malassezia furfur. Infection typically occurs on the trunk and proximal upper extremities and is characterized by distinctive scaly, coalescent hyperpigmented and/or hypopigmented to erythematous patches. Tinea versicolor is a superficial chronically recurring fungal infection of ABSTRACT Background: Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection caused by the polymorphous endogenous yeast Malassezia furfur. Infection typically occurs on the trunk and proximal upper extremities and is characterized by distinctive scaly, coalescent hyperpigmented and/or hypopigmented to erythematous patches. Tinea versicolor is a superficial chronically recurring fungal infection of the stratum corneum, characterized by scaly, hypo and hyperpigmented irregular macules, usually located on the trunk and proximal extremities caused by pityrosporum orbiculare. Methods: 100 patients of untreated tinea versicolor who attended the outpatient department were selected at random irrespective of their age, socioeconomic status, occupation. A detailed history was taken, regarding the age, sex, religion, occupation, socioeconomic status, residence, duration and course of the disease, site of distribution of lesion and any other associated cutaneous and systemic diseases. Results: The majority patients i.e. 27 (27%) were students and followed by the unskilled workers who comprised 20% of patients. The incidence is quite low in business and official class 3% and 11% respectively. Conclusions: The duration of the disease in 93% of patients was less than 10 years and in 7% the duration was more than 10 years.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Although fungi are worldwide, only few of them are considered pathogenic. The pathogenic fungi may give rise to infections in animals and human beings. Skin infection due to dermatophytes has become a significant health problem of late equally affecting children, adolescents and adults. Depending on the climate and culture, the clinical picture can vary enormously. The objective of the study was to study the clinical and diagnostic spectrum of dermatophytosis at Dermatology OPD of KBNIMS, Kalaburagi.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The present descriptive study was conducted in Dermatology OPD in teaching Hospital of North Karnataka.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Majority of the subjects were from 21 to 40 years age group i.e. 44.58% followed by 36.4% from 0 to 20 years age group. Out of 250 patients, majority were males i.e. 70.4% whereas 29.6% were females. More than half i.e. 174 (69.6%) out of 250 patients were KOH positive. Prevalence of culture positive specimen was found to be 40%. <em>T. cruris</em> (35%) and <em>corporis </em>(32%) were most common infections in our study. 31% of cases <em>T. mentagrophyte</em> was observed as most common isolate on culture..</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In our study, most common dermatophytic infection was <em>T. cruris</em> (35%). Only 40% were culture positive and among which <em>Trichophton mentagrophyte</em> was commonly seen isolate. Low socioeconomic status, overcrowding and compromised personal hygiene with tropical climate are prevalent factors in our study.</p><p> </p>

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Pityriasis rosea (PR) is common, self-limited papulo-squamous dermatosis of unknown origin, which mainly appears in adolescents and young adults (10-35 years). It has a sudden onset, and in its typical presentation, the eruption is proceeded by a solitary patch termed “herald patch”, mainly located on the trunk. The objective of the study was to assess the clinical profile of pityriasis rosea.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The data was collected from patients attending the Department of Dermatology, Basaveshwar Teaching and General Hospital attached to Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Gulbarga. It is a descriptive observational study. A total 79 patients suffering from pityriasis rosea who attended the outpatient department were included in the present study during the period from 2006 to 2007.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of 79 patients studied, majority were from 11-20 years age group 33 (41.8%) followed by 27.8% from 21-30 years age group. The mean age of study population was found to be 21.3±6.4 years. 11% gave history of acne vulgaris, 8% each had history of atopy and drugs. Commonly observed prodromal symptoms were URTI (25.3%) and fever (17.7%). Herald patch was seen on trunk in majority of patients i.e. 36 (61%) followed by 18.6% cases on upper extremity and on neck (8.5%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Our study concludes that pityriasis is common in 11-20 years age group with male predominance having URTI as common prodromal symptom and typical rash.</p>

Keratotic papules of the chin is not frequently encountered in Dermatology practice. To date less than 30 cases have been reported. 1 It occurs on the limited areas of skin receiving prolonged friction and/or pressure by other parts of patient's skin. It was first reported by Padilha-Goncalves in 1977 and named "Traumatic anserine folliculosis" for the stressing aetiologic factor i.e. friction or pressure, the goose skin appearance and follicular location of the lesions. 2 Mehta in 1988 described similar condition in 6 females. 3 Presently, we are presenting a case series of Anserine Folliculosis.