New treatment for Nail Psoriasis

This is an extremely promising research article on the role of Tazarotene ointment, in the treatment of nail psoriasis. It is a shame that this article is in Spanish and might not be widely read. Nail psoriasis is often very difficult to treat, though calcipotriol/ betamethasone ointment can be quite helpful. Often one has to […]

Tea Tree oil in dermatology

A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology Interesting review article that has referenced a few research papers that I wasn’t aware of, showing that tea tree oil can be helpful for would healing and skin diseases like acne and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Watch this space!!   Abstract Tea tree oil (TTO) is an […]

New treatment for Uremic itch (pruritus)

Use of Pregabalin in the Management of Chronic Uremic Pruritus Quite an interesting article, which i am sure will be a boon to sufferers of Uremic itch (if the study data does translate into real life).  Often research data does not always correlate with real life experience and therefore it would be interesting to see […]

Corticosteroids for Alopecia Areata

This is an important and interesting negative study which confirms that the prognosis is poor for diffuse alopecia areata and that treatment options are limited. We do need to find a more effective therapeutic modality for this dreadful and devastating disease. Luckily for localised alopecia areata, the treatment options and prognosis are excellent.   Original […]

Nipple dermatitis/ Nipple pain: The commonest cause of stopping breast feeding

Excellent article that highlights the common problems mother’s face while breast feeding. There is not enough counselling/ support available for breast feeding mothers around the world, to prepare them for the problems post-pregnancy. Nipple pain caused by poor infant latching technique is the commonest problem mother’s face. This is often under recognised and mother’s around […]

Increasing the awareness of Vitiligo: Nital, A must watch film

I have heard rave reviews about this film showcasing the plight of a vitligo sufferer. I am glad that the IJDVL has taken it upon itself to promote the film and am looking forward to the release of the English version of ‘Nital’.   Director’s Note… Nital means transparent…..Crystal clear…. Nital, which literally means transparent…one […]

Paradoxical effect of infliximab in a patient with hidradenitis suppurativa

What a shame that such a promising treatment (infliximab) for hidradenitis, might paradoxically make facial acne worse. Not sure which is the betterof the evils i.e. acne or hidradenitis But thankfully this is a rare side effects and most patients catually have an excellent result. Article first published online: 5 SEP 2012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2012.01471.x © 2012 […]

New treatment option for facial warts.

Interesting new treatment option for facial warts. However, I am not sure it is any better than simple cautery which is safe and effective. More importantly it is cheap and easy to perform. We need further placebo controlled trials to evaluate this new device that the authors are promoting.   Successful clearance of facial common […]

Hydroxychloroquine in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This study confirms the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, showing that it can even influence autoantibody titres. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug but is an excellent treatment option for cutaneous lupus.   J Rheumatol. 2012 Aug 1. [Epub ahead of print] Hydroxychloroquine Use Is Associated with Lower Odds of Persistently Positive Antiphospholipid Antibodies and/or Lupus […]