Zahrabeigom Moosavi, Alireza Firooz,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2022)
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is still present and we are directly or indirectly affected by it. The skin is one of the organs that has some manifestations not only during the course of the disease, but also long after recovery and also after vaccination. Hair is one of the parts that, like the skin, may show disorders during and after recovery of the infection and also after vaccination. In this issue, we aimed to provide an overview of the effects of COVID-19 and vaccination on hair. We also express the instrumental role of hair in the study of other diseases, including psychological problems.
Kiana Shomali, Atefeh Naeimifar, Saman Ahmadnasrollahi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2022)
Abstract
Alterations in barrier function are associated with a number of skin diseases, including xerosis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Urea, a component of the natural moisturizing factor of the skin, plays an important role in the preservation of skin hydration and integrity. Several studies have investigated the effects of urea in the clinical setting. Here, we summarize the available clinical evidence regarding the effects of urea in the maintenance of healthy skin and management of skin disorders. At lower doses (≤10%),
urea-containing topical formulations act as a skin moisturizer, while at higher concentrations (>10% urea), urea-based preparations exert a keratolytic action. Urea is also useful in combination therapies with anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal drugs, due to its activity as a penetration enhancer.
Seyedalireza Golshani, Zahra Hosseinhashemi, Mohammadmahdi Zarshenas,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2022)
Abstract
Khadab is one of the most important solutions used to beautify and strengthen hair, and Khadab has been used for a long time throughout history. Moreover, putting Khadab has been a long- lasting tradition in the course of history. Also, Iranian medical sources pointed out to the herbs used in Khadab and its role in human health. In this regard, the present study examines Khadab and its place in the history of Islamic civilization.
This is a desk study which is conducted through reviewing the main sources, Hadiths, and written sources of Iranian medicine. Also, various databases such as Magiran, SID, Google Scholar were searched to reach new findings. What is important in this study is putting Khadab during the course of history for adornment and human health. Moreover, diseases were cured through putting Khadab.
Putting Khadab and promoting this act can be effective in improving mental and physical health. Therefore, putting Khadab and its effect on the health of the human body and the herbs used in it need further investigation, as this research can be used to enhance the knowledge of the experts of traditional medicine.
Bahareh Nowruzi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2022)
Abstract
Today, the valuable metabolites of microalgae are widely used in the production of many cosmetic products, as the biomass of algae contains pigments, proteins, essential fatty acids, polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals, all of which are present in both natural foods and cosmetics are used. In fact, these secondary metabolites with anti-blemish and anti-microbial, anti-aging, sunscreen and skin whitening effects can repair and heal the skin and protect the skin from UV damage and prevent inflammation. Existing cosmetics can in many cases be replaced with microalgae-derived cosmetics that are environmentally friendly as well as safe. The effects of microalgae and their derivatives have been tested in various nutritional studies around the world. However, there are very few studies on their cosmetic applications, so in this review article we tried to study several species of microalgae, cultivation methods, use of biomass and bioactive molecules derived from microalgae in the production of anti-aging products, sunscreen and skin whitening in the formulation of cosmetic compounds.
Akram Miraminmohammadi, Minoo Tasbihi, Seyedebrahim Eskandari, Maryam Ahmadi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2022)
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused by different Leishmania species and transmitted by various sand flies. Iran is endemic to both visceral and cutaneous form of the diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological factors of leishmaniasis in patients referred to the Center for Research and Training Skin Disease and Leprosy from 1399-1400. The present study is a cross-sectional study in which every patient with suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis lesion(s) referred to the center during 1399-1400 were included. The results showed a higher number of patients with leishmaniasis are in the age group of 10 to 19 years. Among the mentioned jobs, a higher percentage was assigned to housewives in the affected women and workers in the affected men. According to the results, autumn is the most common season for cutaneous leishmaniasis. The average time from beginning to the diagnosis of leishmaniasis was 1.5-3 months and most patients showed a history of traveling to rural areas. The number of wet type lesions were higher than dry type and most of the lesions were in the hands. Most cases were reported from Isfahan province.
Azin Ayatollahi, Taraneh Yazdanparast, Saman Ahmadnasrollahi, Mahsa Fattahi, Mahdieh Emambakhsh, Alireza Firooz,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Hair loss is one of the most common problems among the skin and hair related diseases. Hair loss can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with appearance.
Methods: Patients with androgenetic alopecia who met the eligibility criteria entered the study. Participants were asked to randomly apply a solution of valproic acid 8.3% or a solution of minoxidil 5% on the affected areas according to the treatment protocol (twice a day). Before and 2 months after treatment, the participants were evaluated. The studied indices included the number of hair follicles in the specified area, the number of velus hairs, the number of terminal hairs, the average hair thickness, and the percentage of hairs in the anagen and telogen phases, as well as the skin reactions in the area. Hairs were examined at the beginning of the study and at 2 months after treatment using Foto Finder-trichoscale device.
Results: Two months after treatment compared to baseline in the valproic group, anagen hair count index (P=0.02), general hair count index (P=0.03), and terminl hair count index (P=0.012) showed significant changes. While telogen hair count (P=0.059) and vellus hair count (P=0.097) did not show significant changes. These changes were more significated in minoxidil group.
Conclusion: 8.3% valproic acid solution showed positive effects in increasing the number of hairs and decreasing the percentage of telogen hairs. Due to the delayed mechanism of valproic acid, the duration of treatment with this compound should be considered longer than minoxidil as a positive control.
Seyedesaba Sharifzadeh, Ensieh Lotfali, Nargol Novin, Shayan Norouzi, Farinaz Azizi,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Oral lichen planus is a chronic
muco-cutaneous immunopathological disorder that commonly affects the oral mucosa. Candida albicans is the most common pathogen associated with oral candidiasis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 810 nm low power laser wavelength as an adjuvant in the treatment of
nystatin-resistant C.albicans in patients with oral lichen planus.
Methods: In this experimental study, 5 nystatin-resistant C.albicans were isolated from the oral cavity of patients with ulcerative lichen planus. Drug susceptibility testing was performed based on CLSI-M27-A3 and showed that these isolates were resistant to nystatin. The fungal suspension with a dilution of 0.5 McFarland was exposed to a diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm and a density energy of 20.38 j / cm with a time of 20 seconds. Then the results of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were recorded for each group.
Results: 810 nm laser caused a significant reduction in nystatin-resistant C.albicans colonies (P<0.001). The MIC did not decrease significantly after the exposure.
Conclusion: Laser irradiation reduces the number of nystatin-resistant C.albicans colonies. But this effect does not necessarily change the MIC. Dentists should be aware that in cases of resistant Candida strains, a low-power diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm can play a role in reducing colonies and responding better to standard treatment.
Pedram Noormohammadpour, Amirhooshang Ehsani, Ifa Etesami, Amin Rahmani,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Skin injuries with various causes may lead to legal action. Complaints are referred to specialized authorities such as Razi Hospital, before specialized forensic medicine commission comment. The present study surveyed demography of patients' complaints and initial diagnosis at the time of referral over a period of 6 months.
Methods: In this retrospective study, patients referred for initial visit, from Forensic Medicine Office in the September 2018-March 2019, were examined. The patients' complaints at the time of referral and the clinical diagnosis made at the initial examination were recorded.
Results: A total of 220 patients including 176 women (80%) and 44 men (20%) with a mean age of 34.8 years were included. 42 different complaints were documented, including traumatic hair loss with 91 cases (41.4%) - the most common - followed by complications of laser hair removal with 32 cases (14.6%) and filler injections with 16 cases (7.3%). Scarring from trauma, reaction to chemicals during work or accidental contact, rare injuries from various treatments, and even cases of pediculosis (contamination of the accommodation) or zoster (complaint about care in the treatment center), etc. were observed.
Conclusion: Traumatic hair loss (mainly due to fight) was the most common complaint. Knowing other cases may expand physicians' awareness regarding the wide range of complaints that can be raised and improve the process of some treatment measures.
Houshang Nemati, Mozafar Khazaei, Mehri Nazeri, Maryam Bozorgi,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, influenced by genetic and immune-based factors that is associated with skin inflammation. Aloe vera gel is traditionally used to treat skin diseases including psoriasis.
Methods: In this study, ethanolic extract of aloe vera gel was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in skin-derived A431 cells. First, after preparing the extract and then the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using the extract, their effect on the expression of inflammatory genes as well as their antioxidant properties were investigated.
Results: The use of different concentrations of aloe vera extract caused a relative increase in EGFR and Nrf2 expression levels and decreased expression of NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-6 inflammatory genes in A431 skin cells. But the effect of synthesized nanoparticles was greater than aloe vera extract in altering the expression of signaling and inflammatory genes.
Conclusion: The synthesized extracts and nanoparticles had antioxidant properties and also reduced the expression of inflammatory genes in cells. However, the effect of nanoparticles was much greater than that of extracts in reducing inflammatory genes.
Elahe Nazari, Kambiz Kamyab Hesari, Sahar Montazeri, Nazanin Mansourzadeh, Vida Feizi, Hossein Mortazavi, Alireza Ghanadan, Nafiseh Esmaeli,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is represented as a gold standard method in diagnosis of autoimmune blistering dermatoses. Normal saline, liquid nitrogen and michel’ solution are a widely accepted media for preserving biopsy samples of skin or mucosa before DIF examination. Occasionally clinicians put the biopsy specimen taken for DIF in formalin 10%, occasionally clinicians ordered DIF retrogradely and only a paraffin-embedded biopsy specimen exposed to formalin 10% is available. To determine the diagnostic value of DIF when it was performed on biopsy samples of skin or mucosa exposed to formalin 10% in comparison to the same biopsy samples exposed to normal saline.
Methods: In 74 patients (38 immunobullous and 23 chronic dermatitis), which the latter served as the normal controls, 2 perilesional punch biopsy of skin or mucosa were done, one put in formalin 10% and fixed in paraffin and one put in normal saline, and DIF was done on both samples.
Results: DIF sensitivity and specificity was with IgG 31.5% and 100% in pemphigus and 15.36% and 93.44% in BP, with C3 39.47% and 100% in pemphigus and 7.69% and 91.80% in BP, respectively.
Conclusion: DIF on specimens exposed to formalin 10% in comparison to specimens exposed to normal saline is less sensitive but approximately as specific as it is in the diagnosis of pemphigus and BP patients and especially can be useful in pemphigus patients when only a formalin exposed samples is available.
Hamideh Herizchighadim,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has led to many mortalities since the beginning of 2020. As there was no previous experience, no specific therapy was used, except for gloves, masks, special clothes, and antiseptics. So various pharmacologic and
non-pharmacological treatments were tried. World Health Organization published therapeutic protocols in the first weeks of the pandemic that has been changed over months. As there are constant and variable signs and symptoms in different patients in different countries, therapeutic modalities and drugs are various too. Some of these drugs have been used for viral and nonviral diseases, including Tamiflu (that has been used in the treatment of influenza), Ribavirin (an effective drug in hepatitis C infection), immunoglobulin (that has been used in the treatment of various disorders like Stevens-Johnson syndrome), hydroxychloroquine (for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and other rheumatologic disorders), azithromycin (that is used for upper respiratory tract infections, acne, etc.). On the other hand, consuming spices such as ginger and turmeric, vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin D, and zinc supplements have been suggested. Over months, treatment complications, including side effects of drugs and protective equipment appeared. Complications included a broad spectrum of pruritus and nonspecific rash to Stevens-Johnson syndrome and angioedema. Aggravation and recurrence of dermatitis due to the use of protective equipment and antiseptics have been observed. Increasing knowledge about treatment complications will result in early diagnosis and management and obviously decreasing mortality rates and costs.
This article is a review of common cutaneous side effects of therapeutic modalities and preventive methods in COVID-19.
Pedram Noormohammadpour,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Portwine stains (PWS) lesions are one of the most common childhood vascular malformations that gradually increase in color and thickness without treatment and have profound devastating psychological effects on the child. For this reason, and also because the lesions become resistant to treatment over time, early treatment of these lesions is very important. pulsed dye laser (PDL) is currently the treatment of choice for these lesions. In almost all aspects of the treatment of these lesions with PDL laser, disagreement and sometimes contradictory data are found among various studies. These include the uncertainty of the optimal number of treatment sessions, the appropriate age to start treatment, the optimal parameters to start treatment with and possible methods to increase the effectiveness of PDL, possible treatment side effects and how to deal with them, as well as using different methods to reduce patient discomfort during treatment. The present article collects and reviews existing studies in this field.
Ensieh Lotfali, Adel Shirani, Sina Molavizade, Sa’adat Shojaei,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Onychomycosis is a nail infection caused by dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte molds and yeasts. The nail involvement is a feature of psoriasis, although skin manifestations are the most principal findings in psoriasis. Onychomycosis and psoriasis are both common disorders in communities. It is possible that in some patients these two diseases are present at the same time. A review was performed using the keywords including nail psoriasis, onychomycoses, dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte molds and yeasts in valid medical databases, such as PubMed, Google scholar, Scopus and Science direct. Articles that were most relevant to the purpose of the study were selected and studied. We investigated the incidence and pathogenic function of fungal agents in causing fungal infections in psoriasis nails.
Pegah Abbasi, Maryam Peymani, Dariush Farhud, Hamidreza Mahmoudi, Kamran Ghaedi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the high global incidence of skin cancer and the high mortality rate caused by melanoma, it is important to identify the genes involved in this disease and predict effective drugs. Therefore, in this study, we have identified and investigated the expression level of effective and key genes in melanoma metastasis, as well as investigating their diagnostic potential as biological markers and finding effective drugs on the expression of these genes.
Methods: In this study, we have used 46 cancer samples without metastasis and 12 cancer samples with metastasis from the GEO database and from the GSE15605 study with 74 samples including 16 normal samples. Gene expression profile in this study was generated by GPL570 platform containing 54675 probes. The latest GPL570 annotation file has been downloaded and initial processing was done.
Results: The results showed that the expression level of candidate genes in metastasis samples had a significant change compared to normal samples. The results of analysing the data related to candidate genes in this study indicated that the drugs Glucosamine, Ad-E2F-1 plus Doxorubicn, GSI, Torcetrapib, Ribavirin and NSC319726 could be effective on the expression of MYH10, SPRR3 and TOP2A genes, respectively. On the other hand, the results from the drug bank database revealed that various drugs such as Amsacrine, Dexrazoxane, Valrubicin, Teniposide can have an inhibitory role on the TOP2A gene.
Conclusion: GEO database was used to identify key genes in melanoma metastasis and DRUGBANK was used to identify drugs that affect the expression of these genes.
Ensieh Lotfali, Mahsa Fattahi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Oral candidiasis is a common opportunistic disease of oral cavity particularly in neonates because of Candida overgrowth. Colonization of infant’s oral mucosa with Candida species is the primary stage for invasive candidiasis. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of risk factors and oral candidiasis.
Methods: specimens were obtained from 70 infants who were suspected of having candidiasis, using the swabs samples were taken from the cheek, mucosa, tongue and palate surfaces. Specimens were assessed by routine mycological and molecular approaches. Results were statistically analyzed using the SPSS v16 software
Results: From 70 infants, 50 species of Candida were isolated. The results showed that the incidence of oral candidiasis in infants was pointedly associated to type of delivery (normal/ cesarean), mode of nourishing (breast milk, milk powder, both of them), use of antibiotic medications, and use of milk flask. There was no significant relationship among pacifier and age.
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between the incidence of oral candidiasis in newborns with type of delivery, breastfeeding, no use of milk jars and antibiotic use. Therefore, the presence of candida in the vagina of the pregnant mothers can cause the baby to develop candidiasis during birth.
Seyedebrahim Eskandari, Ali Khamesipour, Alireza Firooz, Minoo Tasbihi, Akram Miraminmohammadi, Khadijeh Tavakoli, Maryam Ahmadi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies and is one of the endemic diseases of Iran. With the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic worldwide, the virus will interface with endemic infectious diseases in different regions. In this study, coronavirus disease was evaluated in patients with a history of leishmaniasis referred to the Center of Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy.
Methods: A total of 91 patients with a history of leishmaniasis were studied for possible SARS-CoV-2 infection. The number of patients referred to the Center of Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy during the coronavirus epidemic was also compared with the same period before the epidemic
Results: A total of 60% of patients with leishmaniasis
did not report coronavirus disease. Twenty-one percent of cases had a mild corona disease, 13% had a moderate and 3% had severe corona disease. Only a single death was reported in corona patients with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The number of referrals before the beginning of the corona epidemic was twice as high as during the epidemic.
Conclusion: In these participants, mortality and side effects of COVID-19 were significantly less reported. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the immune system and cutaneous leishmaniasis protection against COVID-19. Various factors can be effective in reducing patients during the epidemic, including not going to medical centers, reducing the number of trips, and observance of health issues.
Fatemeh Yazdani Hamid,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2022)
Abstract
Skin cancers are highly prevalent malignancies that affect millions of people worldwide. These include melanomas and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Melanomas are among the most dangerous cancers, while nonmelanoma skin cancers generally exhibit a more benign clinical pattern; however, they may sometimes be aggressive and metastatic.
Melanomas typically appear in body regions exposed to the sun, although they may also appear in areas that do not usually get sun exposure. Thus, their development is multifactorial, comprising endogenous and exogenous risk factors. The management of skin cancer depends on the type; it is usually based on surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. In this respect, oncological treatments have demonstrated some progress in the last years; however, current therapies still present various disadvantages such as little cell specificity, recurrent relapses, high toxicity, and increased costs. Furthermore, the pursuit of novel medications is expensive, and the authorization for their clinical utilization may take 10-15 years. Thus, repositioning of drugs previously approved and utilized for other diseases has emerged as an excellent alternative. In this mini-review, we aimed to provide an updated overview of drugs’ repurposing to treat skin cancer and discuss future perspectives.
Bahareh Nowruzi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2022)
Abstract
One of the most important functions of the skin is to protect against various stressors. Environmental stimuli such as UV and environmental pollution increase reactive oxygen species and cause wrinkles and skin aging. Skin aging is associated with decreased collagen production and decreased activity of enzymes involved in collagen structure. Moisturizing chemicals increase the skin's ability to retain water, but long-term use can have adverse effects on human skin, such as allergies and even tumorigenic effects. As a result, the use of biological resources, especially photosynthetic organisms such as cyanobacteria, as safe alternatives is increasing. The mechanism by which cyanobacteria respond to ultraviolet radiation is the synthesis of ultraviolet compounds such as mycosporin-like amino acids and scytonemin. In addition, the exopolysaccharides produced by some species that live in extremely dry habitats can be used as moisturizers in cosmetics. In this study, we introduce the potential of cyanobacterial metabolites as alternative sources for sunscreens and moisturizers.
Araz Bazzaz Dilmaghani, Mohammadreza Afsharmoghadam, Farnaz Monajjemzade,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2022)
Abstract
Cosmetics used in the eyes are of special importance due to the sensitivity of this area and the high probability of transmission of different contaminations and its dangers. Thus safety issues should be considered more tightly. Accordingly, this study qualitatively, examines the label claim regarding the contents of several domestic and foreign products available in the Iran`s market. Legal aspects were carried out in accordance with European standards. In this study, 14 samples of eye cosmetic products, including mascara sample, eyeliner sample and pencil sample were examined. After preparing a list of all the components of each sample and presenting them in the tables, each component was evaluate individually according to CosIng site.
Finally the role of components and limitations if any and the range of permissible or unauthorized concentration of each were recorded and discussed. In the studied products, the role of components and their performance in the product were consistent and no prohibited item was identified.
Alireza Firooz, Azin Ayatollahi, Farnaz Valizade, Mansour Nassiri Kashani, Zaghrabeigom Moosavi, Mahsa Fattahi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background: Tinea capitis is the term used for scalp infections caused by dermatophyte fungi. Tinea capitis is common in children and is less common in adults.
Case Report: The case was a 9-year-old girl with itchy patches of alopecia on the. The patient had a cat as a pet. On examination, the patch of hair loss was itchy and the hair shaft was broken and scales were mild. In the examination with Wood's lamp and direct microscopic examination, the ectothrix infection was deagnised. According to the dermatologist's opinion, a terbinafine 50 mg was prescribed daily. However, no significant improvement was observed despite 4 weeks of terbinafine. As a result, the dose of terbinafine treatment was changed from 50 mg to 250 mg per day. After 6 weeks of treatment, the clinical manifestations of the patient improved significantly.
Conclusion: After ringworm is confirmed microscopically, choosing the most appropriate antifungal treatment depends on determining the fungal species by culture. Therefore, when choosing empiric antifungal agent therapy, a dose of 250 mg terbinafine may be a good choice for children.
