Mahsa Ghajarzadeh, Shahrbanoo Kheirkhah, Maryam Ghyiasi,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (12-2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Vitiligo is a chronic skin disease which is characterized by depigmented patches due to loss of melanocytes. On contrary of low physical impairment, vitiligo causes a lot of cosmetic problems which can lead to psychological problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and depression in Iranian patients with vitiligo, who were referred to Razi Hospital in 2009 and 2010.
Methods: From January 2009 until January 2010 one hundred vitiligo patients were randomly selected from outpatient clinic of Razi Hospital and asked to answer to the following valid and reliable instruments Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), SF-36 and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
Results: The mean age ± standard deviation of the participants was 28.9±11.5 years and mean scores of BDI,SF-36 and DLQI of all patients were 15.9±11.8, 63.8±19.4 and 8.4±6.9 respectively. There was a significant relationship between DLQI scores and the duration of the disease (r=0.3, P<0.001) while there was no significant relationship between DLQI scores and age (r=0.1, P=0.2).
Conclusion: Evaluation of quality of life and depression in patients with vitiligo and consequences of the disease on patients' lives should be considered.
Mohammad Babamiri, Davoud Ghasemi, Razieh Zare, Mohammad Abasi,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (12-2011)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological and sociological factors influencing cosmetics usage by female students.
Methods: The statistical population comprised 250 female students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Isfahan University were selected using a simple random sampling method and were asked to respond to the research questionnaires. NEO Personality Inventory was used to assess personality characteristics. Sociological factors that were assessed were comprised of body management, media consumption, religiousness, socio-economic status and social acceptance.
Results: There was a significant association between body management, media consumption, religiousness, socio-economic status and social acceptance with cosmetics use. Regression analysis showed that predictive variables were able to predict 41% of attitude toward cosmetics use and body management was the best predictor of it.
Conclusion: Sociological, but not psychological, factors influence cosmetics use by female university students.
Alireza Moradi, Seyyed Jalal Bathaii, Masoud Shojaeian, Ali Neshani, Majid Rahimi, Ehsan Mostafavi,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Head louse, pediculosis capitis, is a major health problem in the world. Head louse infestation is still common in many countries including Iran. It causes serious health problems in many communities particularly among the school-age children. The aim of this study was to determine the major factors in an outbreak of pediculosis capitis in students of Bahar in 2011. Methods: All confirmed and recorded cases that were diagnosed in an outbreak of pediculosis capitis in students of Bahar in Hamedan province in October-December 2011 were included in this study and their demographic and epidemiological data were analyzed.
Results: Among all of the 17722 students in Bahar, 1217 (6.74%) were infested. From these infested students, 98.1% were female, 59.8% resided in urban area and 57.6% were studying in primary schools. Statistically significant relationships were found between head lice infestation, and factors such as sex, residency status and level of education of the students (P<0.05).
Conclusuion: This is the first time that an outbreak of head lice infestation was reported in Bahar city among students. As it is probable that personal and public hygiene by seasonal and nomadic migrant workers was the primary cause of the outbreak providing facilities for workers and upgrading the knowledge of these workers', people and students about the prevention and treatment of infested cases is essential.
Rooh-O-Allah Fadaei, Alireza Firooz,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2012)
Abstract
Clinical practice guidelines are the most important and valid guidelines for treatment of diseases, and are developed through experts consensus on a subject, considering the highest available evidence (systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials). We briefly review the latest evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of two common diseases of acne (provided by European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology) and androgenetic alopecia (provided by German Society of Dermatology).
Mona Malekmohammadi, Hossein A. Tehrani, Nasser Aghdami,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key factor in wound healing. The predominant component of ECM is hyaluronic acid (HA). Recent studies have shown that adipose derived stem cell-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) can increase the expression and synthesis of collagen I, III and fibronectin which are the components of ECM. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ADSC-CM on the expression of HA synthase and degrading genes in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF).Methods: ADSCs were isolated from three liposuction samples and their conditioned medium was collected. Skin biopsies were isolated from six patients and their fibroblasts were isolated. These cells were cultured in 100% of ADSC-CM. Expression of three HA synthase and two hyaluronidase genes were assessed with the use of real time PCR, with ELISA and final amounts of secreted HA were measured in the treated and control groups.
Results: Gene expression of two HA synthase genes HAS1 and HAS2 were upregulated in treated samples compared to the control group. The expression of one hyaluronidase gene, HYAL2, was downregulated in them. Final amount of HA was increased in the treated samples.
Conclusion: The expression and synthesis of HA can be increased by the stimulatory effect of growth factors present in ADSC-CM. Thus, secretomes of ADSCs could play a crucial role in wound healing by up-regulating the production of ECM’s components in HDFs.
Amir Hooshang Ehsani, Mahbobeh Sadat Hosseyni, Amir Reza Hanifnia,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Alopecia areata is a non-scarring hair disorder. Trace elements imbalance (like zinc) has been reported as its triggering factor. In this study we compared serum zinc level in alopecia areata patients with normal values.Methods: Twenty-three female and 19 male patients with alopecia areata were recruited and their serum zinc levels were assessed using absorption spectrometery. Chi squared, t and ANOVA tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Sixteen patients with more extensive and prolonged disease, had serum zinc level lower than normal (70 µg/dL). The means of serum zinc levels in patients and normal population were 81.88 µg/dL and 83.5 µg/dL, respectively. This difference was not significant (P=0.668). The means of serum zinc level in different types of alopecia areata were not significantly different (P>0.05). There was an association between serum zinc level and disease duration (P=0.022).
Conclusion: Patients with more severe forms of alopecia areata had lower serum zinc level than other forms of the disease.
Akram Ansar, Vali-O-Allah Hosseinpoor, Abbas Zamanian, Mahmood Farshchian,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory biomarker and its level increases in serum of psoriatic patients. Its level is also associated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score.Methods: CRP serum levels in patients with psoriasis were measured before and after treatment with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and the data were analyzed in relation the PASI score improvement.
Results: Baseline CRP levels among psoriatic patients were higher than normal. These levels decreased significantly after treatment. At the beginning of the study, patients with higher levels of CRP also had more extensive and severe skin involvement. Highest decrease in CRP was observed in patients who responded better to the treatment and acheived higher PASI 75%. There was an association between baseline PASI scores and CRP levels.
Conclusion: Patients with moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis had systemic inflammation too, which was demonstrated by having higher levels of CRP. Skin disease activity also was associated with higher levels of CRP. Phototherapy healed the psoriatic skin lesions and also reduced inflammation and decreased CRP levels.
Mahmood Farshchian, Akram Ansar, Saadat Torabian, Seyed Mostafa Ghasemzadeh,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In addition to the age and immune suppression, several risk factors for herpes zoster have been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the family history of herpes zoster as a risk factor for this disease.Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Farshchian hospital, Hamedan, Iran. The cases were patients with confirmed diagnosis of herpes zoster. The controls were chosen from individuals with minor or chronic dermatologic diseases or their companions, who had no history of herpes zoster. Immune deficiency was the main exclusion criteria. Information was asked using special questionnaires administered by blinded investigators. Data were analyzed using chi squared test. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated to compare proportions in two groups.
Results: Case and control groups included 217 and 200 participants, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation of ages in case and control groups were 49.08±15.59 and 49.96±15.54 years, respectively (P=0.936). 53.5% of cases and 54.5% of controls were women (P=0.845). The frequency of herpes zoster in first-degree relatives in cases and controls was 65/217 (30%) and 16/200 (8%) respectively (OR [95%CI] = 4.91 [2.73-8.85]). Positive history for second degree relatives was 36 (16.6%) and 8 (4%) in cases and controls, respectively (OR [95%CI] = 4.77 [2.16-10.54]). This proportion for at least one relatives was 101 (46.6%) and 24 (12%) in cases and controls, respectively (OR [95%CI] = 6.26 [3.79-10.36]).
Conclusion: This study suggests that positive family history is a risk factor for herpes zoster.
Farzad Jalilian, Mohammad Ahmadpanah, Mehrdad Karimi, Iraj Salehi, Ali Asghar Vahidinia, Shohre Emdadi,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: High consumption of cosmetic products may result in several health problems. Cosmetics use among Iranian girls and women is common, so identifying factors affecting cosmetic use seems necessary. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and reasons for cosmetic products use among female university students.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 540 female university students of Hamedan universities, which were recruited according to a random sampling method. The data gathering tool was a self-reporting questionnaire.
Results: Lipstick (62.2%), mascara (50.9%) and liner (43.3%), were the most commonly used products among students. Feeling beautiful and improved self-confidence were the most common reasons for using cosmetic products.
Conclusion: Considering the findings of this study, it seems that providing educational programs for promotion of self-esteem can be beneficial for preventing unnecessary cosmetic use.
Pouran Layegh, Hesamolddin Saeedian, Mahnaz Banihashemei, Habibollah Esmaeilee, Akram Momenzadeh,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Oral isotretinoin is the only drug that is effective on almost all factors involved in the pathogenesis of acne. Although several studies have been conducted on side effects of this drug, few studies have been conducted on Iranian patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate common clinical and laboratory side effects of this drug in patients with nodulo-cystic acne in Mashhad, Iran.Methods: One-hundred nodulo-cystic acne patients without previous history of hematologic, renal or hepatic diseases and with negative pregnancy tests (in female patients) were enrolled to this study. Patients were treated with standard regimen of oral isotretinoin with a cumulative dose of 120 mg/kg for a treatment course. Demographic data of each patient and results of baseline laboratory tests including serum lipids profile, liver function tests and cell blood counts were recorded.Laboratory tests and the clinical side effects were assessed every two months.
Results: All patients completed treatment course. The most common side effects were cheilitis (87%), dry skin (71%), various types of dermatitis (37%), epistaxis (21%), arthralgias and myalgias (21%). All side effects were mild and treatment discontinuation was not necessary in any case. Although some changes were observed in serum lipid profiles and liver function tests, but these changes were within normal range.
Conclusion: Treatment with oral isotretinoinis associated with few complications in patients with nodulo-cystic acne, but the possibility of serious side effects should always be considered.
Seyed Amin Ayetollahi Mosavi, Hossein Safizadeh, Sanaz Hadizadeh,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that cause infection in the skin, hair and nails. Dermatophytic infections are one of the important health problems in the world that related to social and economic life of communities.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all suspected patients in the medical mycology laboratory of Afzalipoor Faculty in Kerman from March 2007 to March 2011. For each patient after obtaining the detailed history, direct smear, staining and culture on specific media were performed.
Results: Out of 1800 referred cases, 166 patients were positive for dermatophytosis. The highest prevalence of infection was in the under 10 years old (28.31%), men and women were also involved equally. The most common agents of the cutaneous infection were Trichophyton mentagrophytes (45.78%) and T. verrucosum (18.1%). The most common infections were tinea manuum (35.54%), tinea capitis (16.87), and the least common one was tinea faciei (4.82%).
Conclusion: It is necessary to increase the level of community health in order to prevent this dermatophytosis.
Hossein Kavoussi, Mansour Rezaei, Danyal Isapour, Seyyed Reza Seyyed Mohammad Doulabi,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of malignancy that rarely causes death but results in cosmetic problems and is associated with high treatment cost. Clinical characteristics of this cancer are related to the host and environmental factors. Theses factors are specific for each area and may change over the time. The aim of this study was to find clinical characteristics of BCC in Kermanshah city.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 119 histopathologically documented BCC cases in Haj Dayi skin clinic in Kermanshah in 2009. Demographic data of patients and characteristics of the lesions including their number, location, size and clinical type were recorded. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and chi squared tests.
Results: The patients had a total number of 171 BCC lesions. Nodular type encompassed 158 (92.4%) lesions and was the most common clinical form. Pigmented subtype included one third of lesions and was significantly more common in male patients with moderate brown skin and following radiotherapy (P<0.05). The nose was the most common area of involvement and actinic keratosis was the most common associated skin lesion.
Conclusion: In this study, the most common clinical and pathological type of BCC was nodular type. It was observed in old patients, those with outdoor jobs and was associated with actinic keratosis. Educational and screening programs for prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and appropriate treatment for high-risk individuals are suggested.
Azra Mohammadpanah, Hassan Yaghoobi, Rahim Yusefi,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The cosmetic surgery is a method to create a feeling of ideal self through which one’s pain of being undesirable or lack of self-love is removed. This multidimensional concept depends on many factors such as personality traits and defensive styles of people. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between personality traits and defensive styles in the candidates of the cosmetic surgery.
Methods: In this cross-sectional research, which was designed to assess correlations between personality traits and defensive stydles the questionnaires wwere implemented to each individual. With available sampling, 80 patients referred to the cosmetic and skin clinics of the city of Yazd for cosmetic surgery were asked to voluntarily participate in this research and complete questionairres. 80 patients, who were not seeking for cosmetic surgery, were chosen from the same clinics as the control group.
Results: Patients seeking for cosmetic surgery achieved lower scores in agreeableness trait and used more irrational and immature styles to overcome conflicts. There was a relationship between personality traits and defensive styles of volunteers of the cosmetic surgery, in the sense that the higher the scores in positive personality traits, the higher was the use of mature defensive styles and vice versa.
Conclusion: Motivation for the cosmetic surgery has its roots in a combination of psychological, emotional, and personal factors. Traits and characteristics of volunteers of cosmetic surgery had a direct relation to defensive styles of these people. Therefore, psychological counseling is advised before cosmetic surgery for adjustment of more effective mechanisms.
Mehraban Falahati, Zeinab Ghasemi, Shirin Farehyar, Ebrahim Eskandari, Mahtab Ashrafi, Farzaneh Ahmadi, Gholamhossein Ghaffarpour,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Onychomycosis is the fungal infection of nails. Patient’s immune system has an important role in initiation of onychomycosis. One of the causes of the increased prevalence of onychomycosis is the increasing number of patients with local or general immune system disorders. In hormonal disorders such as diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome and hypothyroidism superficial vascular disorders and individuals with immune deficiency, onychomycosis prevalent. The aim of this study was to investigate onychomycosis in individuals with underlying diseases who referred to Razi hospital in Tehran.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, nail specimens of 250 patients who have nail dystrophy with an underlying disease whom were referred to mycological laboratory of Razi hospital in 2010-11 were evaluated with direct microscopy and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol and cyclohexamide. For differential diagnosis of fungi, complementary tests were used.
Results: Eighty-nine (35.6%) of 250 individuals with underlying diseases and nail dystrophy, were affected with onychomycosis. Among these pateints, 52 (58.4%) cases had yeast infection, 19 (21.3%) had dermatophyte infection, and 18 (20.2%) had saprophyte infection. Diabetes mellitus (37.1%), cardiovascular diseases (14.7%), pemphigus (9%), psoriasis (7.9%), hypothyroidism (6.7%) and chronic eczema (5.6%) were the most common underlying diseases observed in patients with onychomycosis.
Conclusion: Onychomycosis is common in hormonal disorders like diabetes mellitus and hypo-thyroidism superficial vascular disorders and individual who suffer immunodeficiency.
Amir Hooshang Ehsani, Mahboobeh Sadat Hosseyni, Kambiz Kamyab, Masoomeh Rohani Nasab, Amir Reza Hanifnia, Pejman Mobasher, ,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cicatricial alopecia is characterized
by permanent destruction of the pilosebaceous unit, leading to
irreversible hair loss, and has primary and secondary types. Primary type,
based on predominant inflammatory infiltration in histology, is divided to
neutrophilic, lymphocytic and mix types. Decalvans folliculitis, dissecting cellulitis and
acne keloidalis are 3 subtypes of neutrophilic group. In this study frequency
of each subtype and the distribution of age, gender and duration of disease
have been reviewed.
Methods: This retrospective study was performed on patients
with clinical diagnosis of cicatricial alopecia and histologic confirmation
referred to Razi hospital in Tehran in 2005-2009.
Results: Of 135 patients with mean (mean±SD) age of 32±10.6
years, 71.9% were male and 28.1% were female. The diagnoses included decalvans
folliulitis (72.6%) with mean age of 31.89 years, dissecting cellulitis (25.0%)
with mean age of 32.4 years and acne keloidalis (1.5%) with mean age of 52
years. The mean duration of disease was 4.2±3.9 years (4.08 years in male and
4.7 years in female). The mean duration of disease in decalvans folliulitis was
4.7, in dissecting cellulitis was 1.9 and in acne keloidalis was 17.5 years.
Conclusion:
Neutrophilic scarring alopecia is more common in men and in the third decade of
age and the most common type is decalvans folliulitis.
Niloofar Tari, Hamidreza Mahmoodi, Seyyed Hamed Hosseini, Kamran Balighi, Maryam Daneshpazhooh, , , ,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Pruritus is a major symptom of dermatologic
diseases and a common symptom of systemic diseases. Severity of itch cannot be
measured objectively. It’s usually determined to using a Visual Analogue Scale
(VAS). But none of them can determine the effect of pruritus on patients'
quality of life. So in the present study we sought to translate and develop a
validated reliable Farsi version of pruritus specific quality of life
instrument, ItchyQoL.
Methods: ItchyQoL questionnaire was translated to Farsi by
two bilingual people, and then it was back-translated to English by two other
bilinguals. These two questionnaires were matched and revised and the final
Farsi questionnaire was established. Forty four patients with dermatologic
pruritus filled the questionnaire at the baseline and 72 hours later, and the
structural reliability and validity of it was analyzed.
Results: The questionnaire had internal consistency and
reproducibility. The questionnaire reliability was also analyzed by test-retest
which was significant. Construct validity was analyzed by examining the
relationship between intensity and frequency of itching with the total score in
the three main axis symptoms, which was significant in all except the
dysfunction axis.
Conclusion: The Farsi version of ItchyQoL questionnaire has favorable reliability and validity.
Mahmood Farshchian, Elaheh Soltanie, Leila Moosavee, Hossein Mahjoob, Abbas Zamanian, Haleh Nazerian, ,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory
dermatosis that affects 0.6% to 4.8% of the general population. Our aim was to compare the effect of narrow band UVB
(NB-UVB) on normal flora of cutaneous plaques and normal skin in psoriatic
patients.
Methods: Twenty
psoriatic patients without any contraindication of phototherapy were enrolled
in this study. Samples from psoriatic lesions and adjacent normal skin, before
and after phototherapy with NB-UVB were taken. Patients were treated with
NB-UVB three times weekly until complete remission. Finally, quantity of normal
cutaneous flora on normal and involved skin, before and after treatment was compared.
Results: The mean±SD of
the NB-UVB sessions and the mean cumulative dose were 26.35±4.95 and 2.05±0.57 J/cm2, respectively. The number of Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus and diphtheroids on psoriatic plaques reduced after phototherapy.
Conclusuion:
The quantity of normal cutaneous flora on normal skin is less than psoriatic plaques,
and it reduced on normal and involved skin after phototherapy.
Narges Alizadeh, Rasool Hassanzadeh, Sina Khajeh Jahromi, Mohsen Taherkhani,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2012)
Abstract
Hair loss can be viewed a problem from different perspectives: as a disease, a disorder which affects appearance of an individual, and its psychological effects. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the causes and types of hair loss. This review summarized hair loss evaluation methods with significant emphasis on their clinical aspects. According to relevant literature reviews, the major approaches to hair loss are taking medical history, primary investigations and detailed hair examination. Although several invasive and non-invasive, clinical and paraclinical examinations can be used for hair loss assessment, it is generally accepted that using clinical evaluation methods and physical examinations are more efficient. In conclusion, diagnosing hair loss is complex and sometimes time-consuming process. However, precise hair examination may lead to the suspicion of an endocrine disorder.
Rooh-O-Allah Fadaei, Alireza Firooz,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2012)
Abstract
Clinical practice guidelines are the most important and valid guidelines for treatment of diseases, and are developed through experts consensus on a subject, considering the highest available evidence (systematic reviews, metaanalyses, and randomized controlled trials). We briefly review the latest evidence-based guideline for the treatment of vitiligo provided by European Dermatology Forum.
Farzaneh Zarrinkar, Ali Khamesipour, Akram Miraminmohammadi, Ebrahim Eskandari, Mahmoud Nateghi Rostami, Esmaeil Fallah,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2012)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Leishmanization (LZ) is an effective tool to prevent
cutaneous leishmaniasis. Standardization of Leishmania is
the main drawback of LZ. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of
various preservatives on the infectivity of Leishmania.Methods: L.major harvested
at different stages of growth logarithmic, early and late stationary phases
were frozen using various preservatives of saccharose, glycerol, trehalose,
glucose, sorbitol, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The harvested parasites were
inoculated into BALB/c mice before and after freezing. The infectivity of the
parasites was checked. IFA test was used to assess the rate of metacyclic
parasite.
Results: The ratio of
live Leishmania in different growth stages and various
preservatives were 89.0% to 98.2%. The lesion development in groups of mice
which received Leishmania in sacarose + glycerol or DMSO was started from 3rd
week and at 5th week all the mice showed lesion. The group of mice
which were inoculated with early or late stationary phases in saccharose +
glucose, saccharose + glycerol, glycerol 15% or DMSO showed lesion from 4th
to 5th week and in 100% showed lesions at 8th week. The
rate of metacyclic parasites increases from log phase to early and late
stationary phases.
Conclusion: There was a
correlation between percent of live parasite and the rate of lesion development
in BALB/c mice. Saccharose 22.5% + Glyserol 22.5% were the most appropriate preservative to freeze L. major. IFA
test is used to detect metacyclic Leishmania. A correlation was seen between the rate of
lesion development in BALB/c mice and IFA positivity.
