Epidemiology of Psoriasis in a Clinic From North India

Clinical and epidemiological data on 782 patients of psoriasis collected from a clinic in north India is presented. Psoriatics accounted for 1.4% of the total dermatology out-patients. There was a male preponderance. Three fourths of the patients had over 50% involvement of the skin surface. Severity of the disease was same in both sexes. Plaque type disease was commonest in over 90%. Family history of psoriasis was present in 7.40/o-, the age of onset was significantly lower in them as compared to the patients without family history. More than half of the' patients did not experience any seasonal variation. Scalp was the first site of involvement followed by legs and arms. Nails, joints and mucosal involvement were seen in 62.2, 9.7 and 2.3% patients respectively. Pruritus was experienced by 63.5% patients.

Methotrexate Therapy For Psoriasis(A Preliminary Report)

Fourteen patients, 9 males and 5 females with chronic severe intractable psoriasis resistant to conventional therapies were treated with methotrexate. Five had psoriatic erythroderma while 9 had extensive disease. Methotrexate therapy given orally in weekly single doses of 20-30 mg was effective in all cases. The side effects observed included nausea and vomiting headache, pain abdomen, diffuse alopecia and loss of appetite.

Colchicine in the treatment of type 2 lepra reaction

Fifteen patients of lepromatous leprosy having type 2 lepra reaction were treated with colchicine. Seven had moderate, five mild and three had severe E.N.L., colchicine was found effective in all mild, six moderate and one case of pustular E.N.L.

Multi-drug therapy in bacilliferous leprosy--two years experience

The data of thirty patients who completed two years of multi-drug therapy (MDT) is analysed in regard to clinical improvement, occurrence of reactions, bacteriological response and compliance to therapy.

Hypohidrotic Ectodermal, Dysplasia with Features of Acanthosis Nigricans and Chronic Candidiasis

Three siblings having hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia are described. In addition to trichodysplasia, odonto- dysplasia and they had acanthosis nigrilcans of the, ano-genitat area and lesions suggestive of candida infection as evidenced by chronic paronychia in the finger and toe-nail folds, and maceration in the groins.The youngest brother also had a cutaneous horn in the sacral region. Eyes showed a small interpalpebral fissure, myopia, dull foveal reflex and a convergent squint. Parents were non consanguinous. There was no demonstrable cell mediated immune defect.

Elevated Levels of Plasma Cortisol in Pityriasis Versicolor

Plasma cortisol levels were estimated in 49 patients having pityriasis versicolor and compared with the values obtained in 50 healthy controls and 23 Patients (matched for age) with dermatological problems other than Pityriasis versicolor. Only healthy patients systemic disease and history of drug intake, were taken for this study. Mean plasma cortisol levels in the patients with pityriasis versicolor, (38.43 + 25.27 ug.dl) were significantly elevated as compared with normal Controls (18,8 + 3.16ug/dl) and dermatological patients without pityriasis versicolor (16.11 + 5.64 ug/dl).

Fabry's Disease

A case of Fabry' disease (angiokeratoma corporis diffusum universale) is reported. Presence of uncommon physical thick lips, large ears and proportion are high - lighted.

Scleromyxocdema

A 27-year-old male having scleromyxoedema is reported. The lesions were moderately pruritic, 2 to 3 mm papules situated over sheets of thickened, waxy skin on the face, neck trunk and extremities. Paraproteinemia was absent, though the bone marrow showed a mild plasma cell hyperplasia.

Treatment of Psoriasis-newer Concepts

Various old and new modalities available for the treatment of psoriasis are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of various preparations are highlighted to help.

Primary Systemic Amiyloidosis with Bullous Lesions

Primary systemic amyloidosis with bullous lesions associated with multiple myeloma is described in an adult patient. The response to therapy with melphalan and prednisolono had been quite encouraging. The patient was well when seen more than 2 years after the initial diagnosis. Details are presented.

Arsenical Hyperkeratosis and Bowen's Disease

An association of arsenical kerotosis and Bowen's disease. in 2 patients is occurring patients is presented. Literature is reviewed briefly.