Vitamin D status in patients with rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a common chronic skin condition affecting the face. In recent years, significant evidence shows that vitamin D plays an important role in modulating the immune system. Vitamin D and its analogues via these mechanisms are playing an increasing role in the management of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, acne and rosacea. OBJECTIVES: In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels in patients with rosacea and analyze the association of vitamin D with clinical features. METHODS: Forty-four rosacea patients and 32 healthy control subjects were included into the study. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), calcium and intact parathyroid hormone were measured. Deficiency of vitamin D is defined as the level of 25(OH)D being less than 20 ng/ml. RESULTS: Thirty-three female and 11 male patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 48.6 ± 11.5. The mean levels of vitamin D levels were found as 21.4 ± 9.9 and 17.1 ± 7.9 in patients and controls, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.04). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with rosacea was 38.6% and 28.1% in healthy controls (p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first study for evaluating serum vitamin D levels of patients with rosacea in the literature. Patients with rosacea have relatively high serum vitamin D levels compared to control groups. The result of our study suggests that increased vitamin D levels may lead to the development of rosacea. To confirm status of vitamin D levels in patients with rosacea, larger epidemiological studies are needed.

Phytophotodermatitis due to Ficus carica.

The genus Ficus belongs to the Moraceae (the mulberry family). Figs can cause irritant or phototoxic reactions. Phytophotodermatitis is a common cutaneous phototoxic reaction. Contact with plant-derived phototoxic substances (furocoumarins or psoralens) followed by sunlight exposure produces the clinical lesions. Here, we present a case of phytophotodermatitis after contact with fig fruits and leaves. The vesicular dermatitis was primarily located in areas of vitiligo.