The role of nicotinamide in acne treatment.

Safe and effective treatment options for acne vulgaris are needed to address side effects and increasing rates of antibiotic resistance from current treatments. Nicotinamide is a vitamin with potent anti-inflammatory properties that could offer a potential treatment option. We aim to summarize the relevant literature on the role of nicotinamide in acne vulgaris and discuss the next steps necessary to move this approach into clinical practice. We searched PubMed for clinical studies using nicotinamide for treatment of acne vulgaris. We summarized the 10 studies that met our search criteria. Six of eight studies using topical nicotinamide led to a significant reduction in acne compared with the patient's baseline or performed similarly to another standard-of-care acne treatment. Both studies using an oral supplement containing nicotinamide resulted in a significant reduction in acne compared with baseline. No major adverse side effects were noted. Our review suggests that topical and oral nicotinamide has an unclear effect on acne vulgaris due to the limited nature of the available literature. Additional studies are needed comparing nicotinamide to other first-line acne treatments and evaluating the efficacy and side effect profile of nicotinamide over an extended period of time.

Prevalence of depression in vitiligo patients.

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder affecting 1% to 4% of the population worldwide. The chronic nature of the disease, long-term treatment, and lack of uniform effective therapy are demoralizing for patients with vitiligo, leading to decreased self-image and depression. Prevalence and severity of depression in vitiligo patients was studied by self-administered questionnaires distributed in dermatology departments in Qassim Region. Modified Beck Depression Inventory Scale was the tool used in the questionnaire to study and classify depressive symptoms. A total of 308 vitiligo patients participated in our study, including 59.7% men and 40.3% women. According to the Beck Depression Scale, 54.5% were found to be depressed, most with mild depression. Depression was more prevalent in single patients, especially women in the first few years of the disease (P < .05). Age, sex, duration of disease, marital status, and educational level were significant factors that influenced severity and prevalence of depression. Assistance of a psychiatrist or psychologist is of crucial importance in taking care of vitiligo patients, especially in high-risk individuals.

Concerns and awareness of acne patients about isotretinoin in qassim region of saudi arabia.

BACKGROUND: Oral Isotretinoin is the most effective choice in the treatment of severe acne, It is the most widely prescribed teratogenic drug in the USA and Canada. Due to large number of its adverse effects and the necessity of long term use, patients have difficulties in complying with the treatment and some may refuse taking the drug. OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge, concerns and awareness of acne patients in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, about Isotretinoin, including the factors that may affect compliance. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: This non-interventional cross-sectional survey was conducted through distribution of questionnaires over two months period from 8th May to 23rd July 2009 in acne patients from the Qassim region. The returned questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. The P <0.05 was accepted as cut-off point for statistical significance. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty six acne patients were included in the study, 57.6% were female and 42.3% were male; 76.7% knew about Isotretinoin and its uses, the main source of information (for both genders) was the physician, followed by other acne patients. Sixty three percent of subjects knew about the adverse effects of the drug. Dryness and teratogenicity were the most well-known adverse effects and 85.9% didn't have any objection in using the drug. Adverse effects followed by duration of the treatment were the top concerned issues. Out of those who were using the drug, dryness of the lips and face were the most disturbing adverse effects. CONCLUSION: A majority of acne patients have the knowledge about Isotretinoin and its adverse effects. This study highlighted the importance of health education for better acceptance of this drug. Patients should be instructed about proper moisturization methods while using this drug.

Patient Attitudes towards Interns and Medical Students rotating in Dermatology Clinics in Almadinah Almunawwarah Region, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: Outpatient clinics are a key element in dermatology health service provision thus making them an excellent place for intern and medical student rotations. However, this requires that patients are willing to interact with these trainees. This study assessed the attitudes of patients towards interns and medical students rotating in dermatology clinics. METHODS: All 112 patients interacting with medical students and interns at dermatology clinics at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Almadinah Almunawwarah region, Saudi Arabia, from September to November 2009 completed a cross-sectional survey, which assessed their acceptance of these trainees. RESULTS: Ninety-eight of 112 patient responses were valid. A total of 44 (44.9%) of these 98 patients had a chance to interact with 1-3 medical students or interns during their visit. The majority of the patients preferred the treating physician to be present during history taking by the interns and students. A majority of patients preferred that their physical examination be done by the physician alone (61.2%), whereas others (26.5%) preferred an intern with the physician. Both male and female patients preferred that their health care provider be of the same sex. CONCLUSION: The patients in dermatology clinics accept the services of interns and students, while also expecting privacy. Therefore, interns and students should be confident when taking patient histories and performing physical examinations.