Linear porokeratosis (LP) is an epidermal keratinization disorder manifesting in the form of annular plaques with an atrophic center and hyperkeratotic margins. Although rare, LP carries a ...significant risk of skin cancer. Histological examination usually reveals the cornoid lamella, a parakeratosis column visualized in the outer layer of the epidermis. First-line treatment of LP is retinoids. However, the effects of combination therapy of isotretinoin and topical statins on LP are not well-understood. Herein, we attempted treatment with both isotretinoin and 2% cholesterol/atorvastatin ointment, with considerable improvement observed using the former but not the latter. These findings suggest that 2% topical cholesterol/atorvastatin treatment may not carry any additional benefits, even if used alongside retinoids. Further studies are needed to assess the potential effects of statins on LP.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common hair loss condition that impacts both men and women. Age and genetic susceptibility are recognized as potential risk factors for developing AGA. The second to ...fourth digit ratio is a measurement of the length ratios between the index and ring fingers. This ratio has been utilized as a predictor for multiple hyperandrogenism-related medical conditions. More recently, the 2D:4D ratio was investigated as a predictor for AGA. This article will examine the evidence supporting this relationship, discuss its diagnostic implications, and identify potential areas for future research.
Acne vulgaris (AV) is the eighth most common disease in the world. This condition can impair the affected patients' social and psychological functioning and lower their quality of life. In general, ...scar reduction, rather than complete scar removal, is the aim of AV treatment. Dermal abrasion, chemical peeling, laser resurfacing, subcision, punch methods, tissue-improving substances, and dermal fillers are the currently available therapeutic options. In this study, we focused on the rapidly developing field of dermal fillers used alone or in combination with other therapies to reconstruct skin affected by acne scars and to evaluate the improvement of facial appearance after using different types of dermal fillers.
Introduction: Corticophobia constitutes a complex challenge affecting patients and healthcare professionals alike, resulting in suboptimal management and treatment of dermatological conditions. ...Objective: This study aims to investigate corticophobia among physicians in Saudi Arabia and identify associated factors. Methodology: This is a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study that included 700 participants. The sample constituted dermatologists, pediatricians, and family medicine practitioners at different levels (consultants, fellows, and residents) in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via an electronic survey addressing demographic information and corticophobia-related questions. Statistical analysis was performed using Rstudio. Results: A total of 700 participants were included in the data analysis. Dermatologists were the most comfortable prescribing steroids (32%), followed by family medicine physicians (25%), and pediatricians (18%). Pediatricians were the most hesitant to prescribe steroids. Fellows were the most confident in prescribing steroids. Physicians from the northern and western regions were least likely to be hesitant in prescribing steroids. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study reveals that in Saudi Arabia, dermatologists were the most comfortable prescribing topical corticosteroids, with pediatricians being the most hesitant. The findings emphasize the importance of education in addressing corticophobia among healthcare professionals, which could improve treatment adherence and patient outcomes. Further research and targeted educational interventions are necessary to enhance understanding and confidence in prescribing topical corticosteroids among healthcare professionals.
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) negatively affects the quality of life (QoL). However, few studies from Saudi Arabia have assessed the effect AD has on the QoL of pediatric patients.
Objective: To ...determine the psychological impact of AD on pediatric Saudi patients using the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI).
Methods: This cross-sectional was conducted across five tertiary hospitals located across five cities of Saudi Arabia from December 2018 to December 2019. The study included all Saudi patients aged 5-16 years who were diagnosed with AD for at least 6 months prior to visiting the dermatology clinic of the included hospitals. The quality of life in children with AD was assessed using the Arabic version of the CDLQI.
Results: A total of 476 patients were included, of which 67.4% were boys. AD had a very large and extremely large effect on the QoL in 17.4% and 11.3% of the patients, respectively; the QoL of only 5.7% of the patients was not impacted due to AD. The average CDLQI score was not significantly different between males and females (9.7 vs. 9.1, respectively; P = 0.4255). Domains related to symptoms and emotions were affected to a greater extent compared with the remaining domains, while the school domain was the least affected. The correlation between age and CDLQI (r = 0.04, P = 0.52) and between the duration of the disease and CDLQI (r = 0.062, P = 0.18) was not significant.
Conclusions: This study found that AD affects the QoL of a significant proportion of the Saudi pediatric patients, thereby highlighting the need to consider QoL as a measure of treatment success.
Sclerosing lymphangitis is a rare penile lesion characterized by a cord-like, firm swelling at the penile coronal sulcus. It affects males between the ages of 30 and 40 and usually resolves ...spontaneously. Due to the rarity of this condition, we decided to report this case. Herein, we present a case of a 35-year-old male that was evaluated for a painless, cord-like, penile lesion that enlarges during erection, characteristic of sclerosing lymphangitis.
Background: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is a common type of chronic progressive hair loss that affects both males and females. AGA was shown to be associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) in many ...studies; the correlation between the AGA grade and MS, however, is still debatable. Purpose: The objective of the study was to assess the severity of AGA in a sample of patients suffering from this condition and its association with MS. Methods: This case–control study included 319 patients attending a dermatology clinic at a tertiary care hospital. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar were collected from patients' records. Patients with AGA were allocated to the case group and were stratified based on severity using the Ludwig hair loss scale for females and the Norwood scale for males. The control group was composed of patients free of any hair condition. Data were analyzed using version 25 of SPSS. Results: MS was seen in 26.4% and 10.2% in cases and controls, respectively (P < 0.05). In terms of severity, MS was found in 21.6% of Grade I, 30.5% of Grade II, and 42.9% of Grade III patients. Although the findings showed no statistical significance (P > 0.05), the burden of MS was associated with the severity of AGA. Conclusion: Our findings suggest an association between MS and AGA and that burden of MS is associated with the severity of AGA, although the analysis showed no statistical significance. Based on our results, we think that early screening for MS might be beneficial to patients with AGA, as this will encourage early lifestyle modification to hopefully prevent future complications.
Background: According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, nearly 12 million dermatological procedures were performed in 2017, of which more than half were cosmetic surgeries. The Saudi ...population has a positive attitude toward and acceptance of cosmetic surgeries, with a dramatic increase in demand from female patients. Dermatologists are expected to be familiar with several cosmetic procedures, therefore, the quality of residency cosmetic training must be of the highest standards. Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the experience of dermatologists and dermatology residents regarding cosmetic dermatology training in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, online, questionnaire-based study was conducted from March 2020 to July 2020 among 101 dermatologists and dermatology residents (postgraduate years 2, 3, and 4) in Saudi Arabia. Results: Laser surgery was the most performed procedure (65%), followed by botulinum toxin injection (50%). Experience was lacking and additional training was needed for soft-tissue filling (77%) and chemical peels (60%). A large majority (90%) reported not receiving adequate cosmetic procedures training during their residency. Conclusion: The growing demand for cosmetic operations has increased the need for cosmetic dermatological training. Although most trainees were exposed to esthetic dermatology at some point, this exposure appears inadequate. Improving the curriculum in the dermatology residency program for training in cosmetic procedures may be a priority.
