<p><strong>Background: </strong>Due to the high transmission ability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, front-line healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a greater risk of contracting the infection during the management of COVID patients. As a result, prevention measures against COVID-19 disease transmission like personal protective equipment (PPE) and frequent hand washing have become a necessity. While these measures are effective against COVID-19 transmission, they have negative implications as well, one of which is their detrimental effects on the skin. The objective of the study was to understand the prevalence and pattern of cutaneous manifestations among HCWs caring for COVID patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive study on HCWs caring for COVID-19 patients was conducted at a designated COVID hospital from September to October 2020. Data on protective measures taken and cutaneous examination findings were recorded and analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 310 HCWs in this study, 137 HCWs (44.19%) had skin rash. The highest incidence of cutaneous manifestations was seen among nurses (48.33%), followed by doctors (42.29%) and support staff (33.33%). Hand eczema (43.80%) was the most common manifestation, followed by acne (22.63%), hair fall (18.98%), sweat dermatitis (11.68%), pressure dermatitis (10.22%), irritant contact dermatitis (7.30%). Seborrhea capitis, pruritus, xerosis, hyperpigmentation, urticaria, tinea corporis, and eczema over legs were the other cutaneous manifestations seen in this study.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Nearly half of the HCWs in this study had cutaneous manifestations. Hence, there is a need to educate the HCWs regarding best practices for the prevention of skin damage caused by PPE and frequent hand wash.</p>

DISCUSSIONNevus lipomatosus superficialis is a rare skin malformation characterized by the presence of ectopic mature adipose tissue in the dermis. 1,2 The proportion of the fatty tissue varies from 10-50% of the dermis. 3 Clinically, it is classified into the classical Hoffmann- ABSTRACTNevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis is a rare benign local malformation of the skin characterized by ectopic adipocytes in the dermis. It presents as either a classical type known as Hoffman-Zurhelle or the solitary type. We report a case of the classical type with multiple soft, non-tender, cerebriform, skin-colored papules and nodules over the lower back in a 16 years old female.

BACKGROUND Workers in a construction site may be exposed to various hazardous substances, physical agents, poor hygienic living conditions and harsh environmental factors. It is associated with plethora of health risks and increased risk of various dermatological conditions is one such phenomenon which needs evaluation. We did this study to assess the prevalence and pattern of skin diseases among migrant construction workers. METHODS The current study was a community based cross-sectional study. Group of construction workers working in a single cluster were selected by convenient sampling. Data collection was done from March to September 2019. All the migrant construction workers, who were available onsite were screened by a team of qualified dermatologists and diagnosis of skin diseases was made using clinical skills and lab facilities. Descriptive analysis was carried out by mean and standard deviation (SD) for quantitative variables, and frequency and proportion for categorical variables. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS statistical software version 21. RESULTS A total of 833 construction workers were screened. There was a high male preponderance, with male to female ratio of 7.42:1. The overall prevalence of any dermatological morbidity was 36.2 %. Infective skin diseases contributed to 61.56 % of the dermatological morbidity. Among infective conditions, fungal infections (65.5 %) were the most common infective dermatoses. Mite infestation (scabies) was found in 46 (23.35 %) workers. The common bacterial infections observed were furuncle and folliculitis in 7 (3.55 %) subjects each. Sycosis barbae was seen in 2 (1.02 %) subjects. Viral infections like herpes and molluscum contagiosum have contributed to the minor portion of the dermatological morbidity. One subject was found to have Hansen’s disease. Allergic contact dermatitis (29.27 %), photodermatitis (14.63 %), miliaria (12.20 %), hand eczema (9.76 %) and irritant contact dermatitis (7.32 %) were the common non-infective skin conditions affecting the study population. CONCLUSIONS There is high burden of dermatological morbidity among construction workers. Majority of the skin conditions were infective in nature. Poor literacy levels, overcrowded living conditions and poor personal hygienic practices were the possible risk factors. KEYWORDS Dermatological Morbidities, Construction Workers, Prevalence

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common cause of hair loss in women characterized by a diffuse reduction in hair density over the crown and frontal scalp with retention of the frontal hairline. The underlying pathophysiology is multifactorial. There are no universally agreed treatment guidelines available. The objective of the study was to understand the diagnosis and treatment pattern of female pattern hair loss and the role of minoxidil topical formulation and its combination in the management of FPHL.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>Predesigned questionnaire on FPHL was prepared based on review of literature and was filled by 80 consultant dermatologists. Recorded data was statistically analyzed.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>Common age of onset of FPHL was between 20 to 30 years. Majority (96.25%) have reported FPHL in association with psychological morbidity. The most preferred treatment in mild and severe FPHL was minoxidil 5% and platelet rich plasma (PRP) plus minoxidil respectively. Most dermatologists (47.5%) treated with minoxidil for over 6 months. Majority (27.5%) reported flaking as the most common side effect with minoxidil followed by dryness, scalp irritation and itching. Majority (27.5%) observed that long treatment duration was contributing to non-compliance followed by medication cost and side effects. Majority of the dermatologists (90%) felt the need for treatment guidelines in the current Indian scenario.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Minoxidil was the most common preferred treatment for mild and severe FPHL. PRP is the most common choice of combination therapy with minoxidil. Minimizing side effects, patient education and universal treatment guidelines can help manage FPHL better.  </p>