Asian Journal of Research in Dermatological Science

Reticular Alopecia Areata Associated with Thyroid Dysfunction: A Case Report

Lina Del Valle Alvarez Hurtado, Dayangel Gonzalez, Sandra Carlina Vivas Toro — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that affects a significant number of people worldwide, characterized by sudden and unpredictable hair loss in specific areas of the scalp or body. Among its clinical variants is reticular alopecia areata, a reticulated or network-like pattern that can progress to more severe forms. It also shares genetic and immunological etiology with autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Clinical Case: We report the case of a 31-year-old male patient, Fitzpatrick skin phototype III/VI, with asymmetric dermatosis located on the bilateral scalp, characterized by multiple alopecia plaques with well-defined irregular borders of variable shapes and sizes, some of which converge and adopt a reticular distribution with smooth, shiny skin. Laboratory tests revealed suppressed TSH levels and positive anti-TSH receptor antibodies, consistent with Graves-Basedow disease.

Conclusions: It has been shown that the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases is significantly higher in patients with severe and refractory cases of alopecia areata, so it is important to remember to evaluate thyroid function and perform antithyroid antibodies in patients with moderate to severe clinical variants such as reticular alopecia areata.

Adult-Onset Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis with Secondary Infection: A Comprehensive Therapeutic Approach

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD), a rare autoimmune blistering disorder, causes the accumulation of immunoglobulin A (IgA) throughout the basement membrane zone. Because it can affect both adults and children and sometimes mimics other vesiculobullous disorders, diagnosing the ailment can be difficult. We describe a 42-year-old woman who, for the previous four months, had been suffering from severely itchy vesiculobullous eruptions over her limbs and trunk. A clinical examination revealed tense vesicles and bullae arranged in circular patterns that mimicked the classic "string of pearls" appearance, along with little mucosal involvement. Direct immunofluorescence revealed a subepidermal blister with inflammatory cell infiltration and linear IgA deposition at the dermo epidermal interface, confirming the diagnosis of linear IgA bullous dermatosis. Laboratory tests also revealed evidence of secondary bacterial infection. The patient underwent topical medicine, corticosteroids, targeted antibiotics, and systemic dapsone treatment once glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was ruled out. There was a discernible clinical improvement within two weeks, including a reduction in pruritus and a halt to the formation of new blisters. For the successful treatment of this rare autoimmune blistering illness, this example highlights the importance of early therapeutic intervention and clinicopathological linkage.

Successful Treatment of Chronic Ulcerative Facial Scar Using Multimodal Regenerative Therapy: A Case Report

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To report successful management of a chronic ulcerative facial scar following ablative laser therapy using multimodal regenerative treatment combining photobiomodulation and fractional laser.

Presentation of Case: A 29-year-old female presented with a 3 cm ulcerative scar on the left cheek secondary to undocumented ablative laser treatment. The lesion showed persistent granulation tissue, fibrinous exudate, and poor healing. Initial management included mechanical debridement to remove fibrin and necrotic debris, followed by surgical suturing to approximate the wound edges. A multimodal approach was implemented, consisting of four sessions of red and near-infrared light-emitting diode photobiomodulation therapy combined with five sessions of fractional ablative Erbium:YAG laser. This regimen resulted in approximately 80% clinical improvement, with the Vancouver Scar Scale decreasing from 11 to 2.

Discussion: Chronic ulcerative scars after ablative laser therapy remain uncommon but challenging, often resulting from prolonged inflammation, impaired re-epithelialization, and collagen disorganization. The combination of photobiomodulation and fractional Erbium:YAG laser likely promoted tissue regeneration through mitochondrial stimulation, reduced inflammation, enhanced angiogenesis, and controlled neocollagenesis. Photobiomodulation accelerates wound closure and modulates inflammatory pathways, while fractional laser induces microthermal zones that trigger collagen remodeling and scar maturation. This synergistic effect appears particularly effective for chronic ulcerative scars, offering a safe, non-invasive alternative to prolonged conservative care or more aggressive interventions.

Conclusion: Early multimodal therapy combining photobiomodulation and fractional ablative Erbium:YAG laser is highly effective for managing chronic ulcerative facial scars post-ablative laser, achieving rapid healing and excellent aesthetic outcomes.

Rare Coexistence of Heck’s Disease and Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis in an 11-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report

AMAEWHULE Mary Nnenda, AMADI Ekechi Stella — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heck's disease is characterized by multiple, asymptomatic, soft papules on the oral mucosa, lips, and occasionally skin, commonly linked to Human papillomavirus HPV-13 and HPV-32. This report describes a case of a boy with coexisting Heck's disease and Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis (EDV), highlighting the clinical and histopathological findings. This study presents the case of an 11-year-old secondary school student who presented with a four-year history of recurrent, progressively generalised hypopigmented skin rashes associated with mild pruritus and photosensitivity. The lesions initially appeared on the neck and later became widespread. Histopathological examination of a skin punch biopsy revealed mild acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and keratinocytes with blue-grey cytoplasm and perinuclear halos, consistent with EDV. After being lost to follow-up, he returned 13 months later with no clinical improvement. Subsequent management included topical tretinoin and high-SPF sunscreen, along with counseling on disease chronicity and photoprotection. This case highlights the chronic, treatment-resistant nature of EDV and underscores the importance of long-term follow-up, access to therapy, and early specialist involvement in management.

Vildagliptin Induced Bullous Vasculitis: A Case Report with Causality Assessment

Saagarika Pandith, Nagaraja Eranna — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Bullous vasculitis is a rare form of cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis characterized by blistering over inflamed skin. We report a 42-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had been on a vildagliptin-based oral antidiabetic regimen for six months. After discontinuing the medication on her own, 6 months after she developed bilateral lower limb swelling with painful ulcerations and bullae, which persisted in the setting of poor glycemic control. During hospitalization, rechallenge with vildagliptin led to a clear worsening of the lesions. The drug was subsequently withdrawn, following which gradual clinical improvement was observed. Histopathological findings were consistent with bullous leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Discontinuation of vildagliptin along with initiation of insulin therapy resulted in progressive healing of the ulcers. Causality assessment using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale suggested a probable association. This case highlights the importance of recognizing drug-related cutaneous.

Disseminated Nodular Cutaneous Candidiasis in a Patient Living with HIV Receiving Ambulatory Care at Nkembo Hospital in Libreville: A Case Report

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Candidiasis is a fungal infection of the skin and/or mucous membranes caused by Candida ssp, most commonly Candida albicans. Its presence is often favored by immunosuppression, obesity, maceration or humidity.

The aim of this work is to report this atypical disseminated nodular clinical appearance of cutaneous candidiasis in an HIV-positive patient followed at the outpatient treatment center of Nkembo Hospital. This clinical presentation is rare; this is the first case described in Gabon.

Observation: This is a 34-year-old patient, who consulted for hyperpigmented, ulcerated, diffuse scaly papulonodular lesions, with involvement of the upper and lower limbs, the anterior and posterior trunk, infiltrated with scaly and pustular red plaques in places on the face and ears, giving a pseudolepromatous appearance.

Direct mycological examination of the scales reveals round and budding yeasts; culture revealed Candida albicans at 7 days. The diagnosis was nodular cutaneous candidiasis.

The patient was placed on Sertaconazole cream and Fluconazole 200 mg/day (D1) then 100 mg/day/3 months and continued his TDF-3TC-DLG treatment. At the end of January 2023, we observed an almost complete subsidence of the lesions.

Conclusion: Cutaneous candidiasis is diagnosed clinically in dermatological practice, the nodular and infiltrated appearance should be known, mycological examination should be used especially when associated with oropharyngeal candidiasis. Fluconazole remains effective against Candida albican and local treatment with a triazole is sometimes necessary.

Imatinib-Induced Lichenoid Drug Eruption with Nail Involvement in a Patient with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia: A Case Report

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To describe imatinib-induced lichenoid drug eruption with nail involvement in a patient receiving treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia.

Study Design: Case report.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Ibn Sina Hospital.

Methodology: A 63-year-old man with chronic myeloid leukaemia developed generalised pruritus, leucocytosis and eosinophilia one month after starting imatinib at a dose of 800 mg/day. Dermatological examination showed hyperpigmented, infiltrated and scaly plaques that began on the neck and later involved the face, trunk and upper limbs, with marked facial hyperpigmentation. Nail examination revealed trachyonychia, longitudinal ridging and dystrophic changes. Lichenoid cheilitis was present, while the genital mucosa was unaffected. Dermoscopy showed perifollicular pigmentation without Wickham striae. Skin biopsy demonstrated epidermal acanthosis, lymphocytic infiltrate with eosinophils and pigment incontinence, supporting a diagnosis of lichenoid drug eruption. Mycological examination of nail scrapings was negative. Haemoglobin levels and thyroid function tests were normal, and serum ferritin was at the lower limit of the normal reference range.

Results: Topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines provided only partial relief while imatinib was continued. In view of the chronology, clinical morphology and histopathological findings, imatinib was discontinued and replaced with dasatinib. Pruritus and cutaneous lesions progressively improved within two months after withdrawal of imatinib, and no recurrence was observed during follow-up after treatment was switched.

Conclusion: This case supports imatinib-induced lichenoid drug eruption as an uncommon cutaneous adverse effect that may be accompanied by nail abnormalities. Recognition of this presentation may assist timely dermatological assessment and multidisciplinary management while allowing continuation of leukaemia treatment through an alternative tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Fixed Drug Eruption Induced by Combined Administration of Metronidazole and Ciprofloxacin

Kiran Narayan, Nagaraja Eranna — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fixed drug eruption is a localised cutaneous adverse drug reaction characterised by well-defined erythematous or violaceous lesions that may recur at the same anatomical site after re-exposure to the suspected medication. Antibiotics are recognised causes of fixed drug eruption, although reports involving combined exposure to metronidazole and ciprofloxacin remain uncommon. This case report describes a 50-year-old male patient who presented with loose stools for three days, low-grade fever, vomiting, dry cough, dehydration, pre-renal acute kidney injury and hyperkalaemia. He was treated with intravenous ciprofloxacin 200 mg twice daily and intravenous metronidazole 500 mg three times daily, with supportive therapy including intravenous fluids and symptomatic medications. After three days of treatment, he developed multiple well-defined erythematous macules over both hands and legs, associated with mild itching and burning sensation. There was no mucosal involvement or systemic deterioration. Based on the temporal association with antibiotic administration and the morphology of the lesions, fixed drug eruption was considered. The suspected antibiotics were discontinued, and the patient was managed with topical corticosteroid therapy and intravenous antihistamine. The lesions gradually improved, leaving residual post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale score was 5, supporting a probable adverse drug reaction. This case emphasises the need to consider fixed drug eruption in patients who develop localised cutaneous lesions after antibiotic exposure and to document suspected drug reactions carefully to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Two Case Reports on Sarcoidosis: Experience in a Tertiary Centre in South-South Nigeria

Amaewhule Mary Nnenda, Amadi Ekechi Stella — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder of unknown cause, characterised histologically by non-caseating granulomas and variable clinical involvement of the skin, lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, and other organs. Cutaneous manifestations may provide an important diagnostic clue, particularly when systemic symptoms are absent or limited. This case report describes two male patients evaluated at the dermatology outpatient clinic of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, among suspected cases of sarcoidosis seen over a five-year period from January 2021 to December 2025. The first patient was a 45-year-old man with a two-year history of recurrent erythematous papular lesions arising at sites of previous scarification marks on the face, chest, upper arms, and abdomen. The lesions were neither painful nor pruritic. Chest radiography showed stage 0 sarcoidosis; the serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level was elevated at 214.3 IU/L, and skin biopsy demonstrated an atrophic epidermis with numerous naked, non-necrotising granulomas and inflammatory giant cells. Electrocardiography was normal, whereas the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was mildly elevated. A diagnosis of scar sarcoidosis was made, and treatment with topical betamethasone cream twice daily for six weeks led to marked clinical improvement, with no recurrence reported during at least eight months of follow-up. The second patient was a 32-year-old man with a 19-month history of a recurrent, transient, erythematous papular rash. The serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level was elevated at 292.52 IU/L, and chest radiography showed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy consistent with stage 1 sarcoidosis. Skin biopsy was not performed because active lesions were absent during clinic visits; the patient was referred for pulmonology follow-up. These cases highlight the variable presentation of sarcoidosis and the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with atypical cutaneous lesions and supportive systemic findings.

Bullous Erythema Multiforme Associated with Parvovirus B19 DNA Detected in Blister Fluid in an Immunocompetent Adult: A Case Report

Yosra Benkraiem, Maha Habibi, Mariame Meziane, Karima Senouci, Laila Benzekri — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Bullous erythema multiforme (EM) major is an uncommon mucocutaneous disorder, and its association with Parvovirus B19 is exceptionally rare. This report describes an immunocompetent adult with Parvovirus B19 DNA detected locally in blister fluid after common infectious triggers were excluded.

Case Presentation: A previously healthy 29-year-old man developed a high-grade febrile illness followed by a rapidly progressive, painful, generalised vesiculobullous eruption involving the skin and oral, ocular, and genital mucosae. Within one week, the lesions evolved into characteristic target lesions. Histopathological examination demonstrated an atrophic epidermis, scattered apoptotic keratinocytes, interface dermatitis, and a predominantly neutrophilic perivascular infiltrate, supporting bullous EM major. Investigations for herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis B and C viruses, HIV, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus did not identify an active trigger. Parvovirus B19 serology indicated previous exposure, and blood polymerase chain reaction was negative; however, Parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in fluid aspirated from an intact blister. The patient received supportive care and oral amoxicillin-clavulanate for suspected secondary bacterial superinfection, with complete cutaneous and mucosal resolution within one month and no recurrence during follow-up.

Conclusion: The findings support an association between bullous EM major and localised Parvovirus B19 DNA detection, although causality cannot be established. Lesional molecular testing may assist diagnostic evaluation in carefully selected atypical cases.

Combined Central Retinal Artery Occlusion, Central Retinal Vein Occlusion, and Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Following Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: A Case Report

Lotfi Chaabani, Ines Bouallegui, Mohamed Said — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To describe an exceptionally rare and sight-threatening posterior segment complication of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), characterised by combined central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), and anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (AION) in an immunocompetent older patient.

Presentation of Case: A 76-year-old man with coronary artery disease and chronic renal failure initially presented with right-sided HZO involving the forehead and upper eyelid. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity was 20/25 in both eyes, with normal intraocular pressure and no posterior segment abnormalities. Four days after the initiation of systemic valacyclovir, he developed sudden, profound visual loss in the right eye. Examination revealed no light perception, a relative afferent pupillary defect, anterior uveitis, optic disc oedema, diffuse retinal haemorrhages, venous dilatation, and whitening of the posterior pole. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated delayed arterial and venous filling, capillary non-perfusion, and optic disc hypofluorescence followed by late staining. Swept-source optical coherence tomography showed cystoid macular oedema and hyperreflective inner retinal layers. Systemic evaluation excluded giant cell arteritis, syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus infection, carotid disease, and other secondary causes.

Discussion: The findings supported simultaneous CRAO, CRVO, and AION associated with recent HZO, without clinical evidence of acute retinal necrosis. The likely mechanism was varicella-zoster virus-related occlusive vasculopathy affecting the retinal and optic nerve head circulation.

Conclusion: HZO can rarely induce catastrophic, multisite ocular vascular occlusion. Sudden visual loss during or shortly after HZO requires urgent multimodal retinal imaging, systemic evaluation, and multidisciplinary management.

H Syndrome, a Non-Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis to Know: A Case Report

Yosra Ben Kraiem, Hyba Taounza, Mariame Meziane, Karima Senouci, Laila Benzekri — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: H syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive, multisystem non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis associated with biallelic pathogenic variants in SLC29A3. Published data from North Africa remain limited, and phenotypic variability may complicate clinical recognition.

Case Presentation: A 24-year-old Moroccan man, born to non-consanguineous parents, presented with an eight-year history of progressive hyperpigmented sclerotic skin thickening and bilateral lower-limb oedema. He had type 1 diabetes mellitus from the age of 7 years. Examination demonstrated extensive, bilaterally symmetrical hyperpigmented sclerotic plaques with hypertrichosis involving the limbs, trunk, abdomen, and lower back, with characteristic sparing of the knees and popliteal fossae. Additional findings included exophthalmos, corneal arcus, diabetic retinopathy, bilateral knee and ankle swelling, hallux valgus, flat feet, and hepatomegaly. Hormonal investigations were normal, while serum protein electrophoresis showed a chronic inflammatory profile. Skin biopsy demonstrated dermal fibrosis with histiocytic infiltration, and genetic testing confirmed a biallelic pathogenic SLC29A3 variant.

Discussion: The combination of characteristic cutaneous distribution and childhood-onset insulin-dependent diabetes supported the clinical suspicion of H syndrome despite overlap with other sclerosing and histiocytic disorders.

Conclusion: Recognition of this distinctive clinical pattern may facilitate appropriate molecular confirmation, genetic counselling, and multidisciplinary management, particularly in populations for which published H syndrome data remain scarce.

Paraneoplastic Pemphigus Revealing Synchronous Pulmonary and Gastric Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) Lymphoma: A Rare Case Report

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: To describe a rare case of paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) occurring in a patient with synchronous pulmonary and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and to summarise the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations documented in this case.

Presentation of Case: A 71-year-old man with recently diagnosed synchronous pulmonary and gastric MALT lymphoma developed a rapidly progressive polymorphic blistering eruption. Four days later, severe erosive stomatitis developed and extended to the genital and conjunctival mucosae. A skin biopsy demonstrated suprabasal intraepidermal acantholysis with epidermal acanthosis and scattered eosinophilic inflammatory cells. Direct immunofluorescence showed intercellular IgG deposition, while indirect immunological testing identified high-titre circulating anti-intercellular substance antibodies (1:640); anti-basement membrane antibodies were negative. On the basis of the clinical, histopathological, immunopathological, and oncological findings, PNP was diagnosed after multidisciplinary assessment. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was initiated, followed by R-CHOP chemotherapy for the underlying lymphoma. Despite combined immunosuppressive and oncological treatment, the patient developed profound febrile neutropenia and overwhelming sepsis two days after the second chemotherapy cycle and died despite intensive supportive management.

Conclusion: This case illustrates the severe clinical course that PNP may have in association with an indolent B-cell lymphoma and emphasises the importance of early recognition, malignancy assessment, and multidisciplinary management when polymorphic blistering and progressive mucosal disease occur.

Aseptic Neutrophilic Cutaneous Abscesses Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aims: We report a case of exclusively cutaneous aseptic neutrophilic abscesses occurring in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic features of this rare and under-recognised neutrophilic dermatosis.

Presentation of Case: A 64-year-old woman with a 5-year history of rheumatoid arthritis treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs presented with a 3-year history of recurrent, painless, bilateral fistulised nodules on the lower limbs, buttocks, and feet, associated with unquantified fever. Laboratory investigations showed neutrophilic leucocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein. Bacteriological, parasitological, and mycobacterial cultures were negative, and histology revealed abundant altered neutrophils on a necrotic background without granulomas. Oral antibiotics and antifungal therapy failed to induce improvement, and abdominal ultrasound excluded visceral abscesses.

Discussion: The diagnosis of aseptic neutrophilic abscesses was established based on the clinical presentation, negative microbiological work-up, histopathological findings, and the context of rheumatoid arthritis. Systemic corticosteroids at 0.5 mg/kg/day produced marked improvement within two weeks and complete resolution after six weeks. This entity represents the deepest anatomo-clinical form of neutrophilic dermatosis and is most frequently linked to inflammatory bowel disease, although rheumatic, haematological, and malignant associations are also described; purely cutaneous presentations, as observed here, remain uncommon.

Conclusion: Aseptic neutrophilic abscesses should be considered in patients with sterile, antibiotic-resistant fistulised nodules, particularly in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis. Systematic screening for inflammatory bowel disease and visceral involvement is warranted to exclude the potentially severe aseptic abscess syndrome.

The Role of Retinoids in Acne Treatment and Anti-Ageing: A Critical Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Therapeutic Translation

Meka Naveena, T. Sri Harshini, A. Uthkala, G. Anitha, P. Nikitha — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Retinoids occupy a singular position in dermatological therapeutics, bridging two of the specialty's most clinically and psychosocially significant indications: acne vulgaris and cutaneous photoageing. Acting principally through nuclear retinoic acid receptors, these vitamin A derivatives normalise follicular keratinisation, exert anti-inflammatory effects, and remodel the dermal extracellular matrix, providing a unifying mechanistic rationale for their use across a remarkably broad therapeutic spectrum. This review synthesises contemporary evidence on the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and safety of topical and systemic retinoids in acne management, alongside their established and emerging applications in skin rejuvenation. Four generations of topical retinoids, from tretinoin to the receptor-selective fourth-generation agent trifarotene, are appraised with attention to comparative efficacy, tolerability, and the delivery technologies developed to mitigate retinoid dermatitis. Oral isotretinoin remains the most effective intervention for severe, scarring, or treatment-resistant acne, although its use demands rigorous pregnancy prevention measures and continued vigilance regarding mucocutaneous, metabolic, and possible neuropsychiatric sequelae, the latter of which recent large-scale meta-analytical data have helped to put into proportion. In cosmetic dermatology, all-trans retinoic acid is still the reference standard for reversing histological and clinical features of photoageing, while cosmeceutical derivatives such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and hydroxypinacolone retinoate, together with the phytochemical bakuchiol, offer better-tolerated alternatives with more modest but clinically meaningful efficacy. The review also considers the growing evidence base for retinoids in preventing and treating acne scarring, the importance of tailoring regimens for patients with darker skin phototypes, and the formulation innovations, including polymeric emulsions, microencapsulation, and nanocarrier systems, that are reshaping tolerability without compromising efficacy. Taken together, the evidence affirms retinoids as an indispensable, mechanistically coherent therapeutic class whose continued refinement promises to extend their benefit while narrowing the gap between efficacy and adherence.

Premature Hair Greying as a Candidate Cutaneous Biomarker of Endocrine, Metabolic and Genetic Disease and of Skeletal Fragility: A Critical Narrative Review

Ashraf T. Soliman, Fawzia Alyafei, Nada Alaaraj, Noor Hamed, Shayma Ahmed — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Premature hair greying, or premature canities, is a visible, inexpensive and easily recorded phenotype that has repeatedly been proposed as an externally observable index of accelerated biological ageing. Interest in the trait extends beyond cosmetic dermatology because loss of hair follicle pigmentation depends on the same processes that govern tissue maintenance elsewhere in the body, including somatic stem cell renewal, redox homeostasis, canonical WNT signalling, neuroendocrine regulation and cellular senescence. Several of these processes are also central to the acquisition and maintenance of bone mass, which has motivated the proposal that early greying marks individuals at elevated risk of osteopenia and fragility fracture, and additionally of thyroid disease, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidaemia and premature atherosclerosis. This review evaluates the strength, consistency and interpretability of that proposal. Priority was given to mechanistic work in human hair follicles and murine models, to observational studies relating greying to skeletal and cardiometabolic outcomes, and to genetic and syndromic evidence. The mechanistic case for shared biology is substantial: melanocyte stem cell depletion, oxidative and genotoxic injury, niche failure through basement membrane collagen loss and sympathetic hyperactivation each have close counterparts in skeletal ageing. The clinical case is considerably weaker. The skeletal literature rests on a small number of modestly sized studies with discordant results, heterogeneous case definitions, differing densitometric technologies and limited adjustment for shared confounders. Endocrine and metabolic associations are more reproducible in direction than in magnitude, and effect sizes are generally small relative to the prevalence of the trait. Genetic evidence identifies pigmentation loci rather than shared skeletal loci, and progeroid syndromes demonstrate co-occurrence under conditions of severe genomic instability that cannot be extrapolated to common variation. No prospective cohort has tested whether greying predicts incident fracture. Premature greying is therefore best regarded as a biologically informative phenotype whose diagnostic value remains unestablished, and the evidence does not currently support its use to direct skeletal or metabolic investigation.

Factors Associated with Negative Attitudes towards Albinism in Benin City, Nigeria

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Albinism is a genetic condition that leads to a lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin, and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun. This condition affects people worldwide, regardless of gender or ethnicity. With the highest prevalence of Albinism in the world, Nigerians with Albinism are plagued with various vices inflicted as a result of wrong perceptions and other factors.

Aim: This study aimed to highlight the factors associated with negative attitudes towards albinism in Benin City, Nigeria.

Methodology: The study adopted a cross sectional study conducted in Oredo LGA, in Benin City, Nigeria. The study sample comprised of 260 participants through structured questionnaires. The study adopted a multistage sampling was employed to select the quarters and streets from the Oredo LGA, in Benin City, Edo State. Also a content validity was conducted on the questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted among 30 individuals in Delta State with a Cronch-bach alpha of 0.85, showing that the questionnaire is reliable. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical review board of the Edo State Ministry of Health. The data were analysed using the SPSS Version 26.

Results: The study revealed that majority of the participants have good knowledge (93.1%) and 56.2% had a positive attitude towards Albinism and Persons Living with Albinism [PWAs], Age, religion and level of education was observed to have a significant effect on the attitude of the participants towards PWA’s (P-value= 0.049, 0.004, 0.041), while the tribe and occupation of the participants had no significant effect on their attitudes towards PWA’s (P-value=0.178, 0.357).

Conclusion: The study revealed that the attitudes towards albinism among people in Benin City, Nigeria was marginally positive. The study shows that awareness is highly associated with the religious affiliation of respondents. The relationships between education, attitudes and awareness confirm the liberalizing effect of education on attitudes and general awareness of community-related issues.

Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reaction to Anti-Seizure Medications among Children in a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria: A Prospective Observational Study

Nneka Gabriel-Job, Uju S. Azubogu — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background/Aim: Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are often used as the first line of treatment for seizure control in children with epilepsy. The management of epilepsy can be significantly hampered by an adverse drug reaction, which is a risk factor for poor drug adherence. This prospective observational study aims to determine the pattern of cutaneous adverse drug reaction (cADR) to ASMs among children in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted from 2023 to 2025 among children who developed cutaneous lesions following administration of ASMs for either epilepsy or other reasons in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Results: Anti-seizure medications were commenced in 256 children between 2023 and 2025; 28 (10.9%) reported cutaneous reactions. More males 19(67.9%) had cADRs than females (9; 32.1%). Cutaneous ADRs to ASMs were higher among those who were 10 years and below (70.0%). Most reactions occurred within the first week of commencing ASMs in 18(64.3%) participants. Carbamazepine, an aromatic ASM, accounts for 16 (53.6%) of cADR, followed by phenobarbital (17.9%) in 5 patients. The types of cADRs reported were maculopapular rashes in 19 (67.9%) patients, urticaria in 4 (14.3%), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in 2 (7.1%) patients, while fixed drug eruption and erythema multiforme occurred in 1 (3.6%) patient, respectively. Three (10.7%) patients were hospitalized following the cADR. No mortality was recorded.

Conclusion: Cutaneous adverse reaction to ASMs is not rare in children, with aromatic compounds, particularly carbamazepine, as the most common culprit. The younger age group was more affected, and most of the cADRs occurred within the first week of commencing ASMs. Physicians need to provide appropriate counselling to patients and their caregivers on the possible adverse drug reactions when prescribing ASMs. Also, routine follow-up visits should be scheduled for all patients commenced on a new ASMs, which allows for timely diagnosis and treatment of any resulting cutaneous adverse drug reactions.

Knowledge and Preventive Practices of Lice Infestation among Undergraduate Hostel Students in Abia State University Uturu, Nigeria

Uka-Kalu, Ezinne Chioma, Uwaeme, ThankGod Chimeremeze, Egwim Urenna Favour — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Head lice infestation (pediculosis) is a common public health problem worldwide, particularly among individuals living in close quarters, such as university hostels. Despite its high prevalence, limited research has examined knowledge, prevalence, treatment practices, and preventive behaviours among university students in Nigeria.

Objective: This study assessed knowledge, prevalence, treatment methods, treatment effectiveness, preventive practices, and factors associated with head lice infestation among undergraduate hostel students at Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 undergraduate hostel students selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The majority of respondents were female (62.5%) and were aged 21–25 years (46.5%). Awareness of lice was high (83.0%), but comprehensive knowledge was limited, with only 21.0% demonstrating good knowledge. Lifetime prevalence of infestation was 53.5%, while current prevalence was 17.0%. Treatment methods included pharmacy-bought lotions (67.9%), wet combing (56.5%), prescription medication (45.9%), and kerosene (19.6%). Complete treatment success was reported by 28.0% of all respondents. Preventive practices were poor among 76.8% of respondents. Major barriers to management were embarrassment or stigma (29.5%), lack of treatment knowledge (24.0%), and cost (21.5%). Logistic regression revealed that Yoruba students had significantly lower odds of good knowledge than Igbo students (AOR = 0.279, 95% CI: 0.097–0.804). A significant but paradoxical association was observed between knowledge and practice (p = 0.032).

Conclusion: Head lice infestation is highly prevalent among undergraduate hostel students, with substantial knowledge gaps, poor preventive practices, and potentially hazardous treatment practices, including kerosene use. Stigma remains the major barrier to effective management. Comprehensive, theory-based health education interventions addressing knowledge, attitudes, barriers, and stigma are needed.

Keratoacanthoma: Clinical, Dermoscopic, and Histopathological Features in a Prospective Case Series of 11 Patients and Literature Review

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Keratoacanthoma (KA) may be difficult to distinguish from well-differentiated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma because their clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological features overlap.

Aims: The study aims to describe the clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathological features of keratoacanthoma (KA) in a North African population and to compare them with published data.

Study design: Prospective, single-centre, descriptive case series.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco, from June 2021 to May 2023.

Methodology: All consecutive patients with a clinical and/or histopathological diagnosis of KA who underwent dermoscopic evaluation (DermLite DL4) were included. Clinical variables (age, sex, phototype, location, size, duration, and relevant history) were recorded using a standardised form and summarised in Table 1. Dermoscopic features (central amorphous keratin zone, white circles, white scales, erythema, and peripheral vascular patterns) were systematically assessed and tabulated in Table 2. Definitive diagnosis was based on complete excision and histopathology whenever feasible; in two patients, KA was diagnosed on the basis of a highly characteristic clinical-evolutionary course with documented spontaneous regression.

Results: Eleven patients (seven females and four males; mean age, 60.8 years) were included. Fitzpatrick phototypes III–IV predominated (9/11), and the upper extremities were the most common sites (6/11). Mean lesion size was 2.1 cm, and mean duration was 6.1 months. The most frequent dermoscopic findings were a central amorphous keratin zone (8/11), erythema (7/11), white circles (5/11), white scales (5/11), and polymorphous peripheral vascular patterns, including hairpin (4/11), linear irregular (5/11), arborising (4/11), and dotted/glomerular vessels (3/11), arranged in a crown-like distribution around the central keratin mass. Nine patients underwent complete excision with histopathological confirmation of KA, and two showed documented spontaneous regression.

Conclusion: KA remains a diagnostic challenge because of its overlap with well-differentiated cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The polymorphous dermoscopic vascular pattern and the predominance of phototypes III–IV in this North African series highlight features that should not be overlooked in darker skin types. An integrated clinicodermoscopic-histopathological approach remains essential for accurate diagnosis.

Frequency and Associated Risk Factors of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire of Conakry, Guinea

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is a strictly human virus (human herpesvirus 3) belonging to the Herpesviridae family and is responsible for chickenpox and herpes zoster. As varicella represents the primary infection, the incidence and severity of herpes zoster increase with age, particularly after 50 years. Although it affects a large number of people, the causes of VZV reactivation are not fully known.

Aim: The objective was to determine the hospital frequency of VZV infection as well as its risk factors in the Dermatology-STD Department of Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Donka.

Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from August 29, 2019, to February 29, 2020, including all patients diagnosed with varicella or herpes zoster and followed at the Dermatology–STD Department of CHU Donka. Patients were grouped into three groups: those suffering from chickenpox, those suffering from herpes zoster, and a control group free of disease. Data analysis was done using Epi Info software version 7.2. A bivariate analysis was performed, consisting of searching for associations between dependent and independent variables using relative risks (RR) and their confidence intervals. The significance level was set at a p-value < 0.05.

Results: During this study, 52 cases of VZV infection were collected out of a total of 1812 admissions in the Dermatology-STD department of CHU Donka. The mean age of patients was 48.03 years +/- standard deviation, and a male predominance was found with a sex ratio of 2.05. The hospital frequency of VZV was 3%, with 39 (2%) cases of herpes zoster and 13 (1%) cases of chickenpox. School-age children were the most represented for chickenpox (53.85%). A statistically significant link was found between chickenpox and age (p=0.001), origin (p=0.01), and overcrowding (p=0.001). A statistically significant link (p < 0.03) was also found between herpes zoster and age, HIV, active and passive smoking, weight loss, hypertension, stress and lack of sleep. Factors significantly associated with varicella were a history of contact, young age, overcrowding, and rural exodus. Factors significantly associated with herpes zoster were immunosenescence and immunodeficiency due to HIV. Other factors, including stress, lack of sleep, hypertension, weight loss, and smoking, were significantly associated with herpes zoster.

Conclusion: The frequency of VZV infection (3%) observed in the Dermatology–STD Department of CHU Donka is notable and concerning, as crowding for chickenpox and HIV/age for herpes zoster to these two conditions and may indicate a clinically relevant burden of varicella and herpes zoster in this population. The limitations of this study lie in the absence of paraclinical examinations as well as the size of our sample, which is relatively small. Therefore, further studies are needed to better understand the risk factors for VZV infection and its potential complications.

Epidemiological Profile of Dermatological Conditions at Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar

Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In health centres, it is estimated that 30% of patients consult due to a dermatological problem. The Study aims to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, and outcome profile of dermatological conditions in patients attending a dermatology department in Senegal. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months from April 1 to September 30, 2017, in the dermatology department of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar. The study included all consecutive new patients attending outpatient consultations or requiring hospitalisation during the study period, regardless of age, sex, or origin, who consented to participate. During the study period, a total of 3,706 patients attended the dermatology department, of whom 1,012 were included, representing 27.3% of all consultations. The study population comprised 612 women and 400 men (sex ratio = 0.65). The mean age was 36 years (range: 2 days–93 years), with 24% aged 0–20 years and 50% between 21 and 50 years. Inflammatory dermatoses were the most frequent (41.5%), followed by infectious dermatoses (26.87%). Eczema was the predominant condition, accounting for 45.41% of inflammatory dermatoses and 18.57% of all cases. Among infectious dermatoses, fungal infections were most common (39.40%), followed by bacterial infections. Overall, these results emphasise the need for improved epidemiological surveillance and better allocation of healthcare resources to dermatology services, in order to adapt care strategies to the evolving pattern of skin diseases in tropical environments.