Compensatory Hyperhidrosis After Non-Surgical Treatment of Primary Focal Hyperhidrosis: Two-Year Single-Centered Prospective Study From Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PH) can be managed by a wide range of medical and surgical modalities. Compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) is a well-documented complication of surgical treatment. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of compensatory hyperhidrosis (CH) in PH patients after nonsurgical treatment with botulinum toxin A (BTX- A) or iontophoresis. METHODOLOGY: We carried out a unicentric prospective study on PH patients from King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) in Jordan. PH patients were evaluated after 1-month of nonsurgical treatment. Patients who developed CH were re-assessed after 3-6 months through a telephone-based interview. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients with PH who underwent nonsurgical treatment with iontophoresis or botulinum toxin were recruited. Twenty-four (27.9%) patients developed subjective CH. It was mild in (75%), moderate in (21%), and severe in (4%) of patients affected, it was self-limiting within a few months in all patients. Patients with CH did not differ significantly in demographic or clinical variables from patients who did not develop CH except at the site of PH (p value = .05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that more than quarter (27.9%) of patients with PH may develop minor compensatory sweating, however this didn't affect satisfaction with treatment.

Elevated interleukin 31 serum levels in hemodialysis patients are associated with uremic pruritus.

INTRODUCTION: Uremic pruritus is a multifactorial devastating complication of renal failure, which has a significant negative impact on patients' quality of life including medical, psychological, as well as social aspects. It is also associated with an increased mortality in dialysis patients. METHODS: A cross sectional study evaluating the traditional risk factors for uremic pruritus (UP) - using pruritus grading system (PGS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) - as well as measuring the serum levels of different inflammatory cytokines (ILs 13, 31 and 33) in chronic hemodialysis and healthy controls, in a tertiary referral hospital. RESULTS: 65 hemodialysis (HD) patients and 49 heathy controls were enrolled in the study. The mean age for the HD patients was 43.4 years (SD ± 21.3), and 31.5 years (SD ± 11.1) for the control group. The most common cause for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) was diabetes mellitus (DM) 27.7%. The mean PGS score in HD patients was 5.92 (SD ± 2.9); 50% had mild itch, 43.8% moderate itch and 6.2% had severe itch. The mean serum levels for IL-13 was 8674.3 pg/ml (SD ± 4353.9), serum levels of IL-31 were 150.7 pg/ml (SD ± 178.2) and for IL-33 it was 42850.5 pg/ml (SD ± 11370.7) in hemodialysis patients; in comparison to serum levels of 7913.4 pg/ml (SD ± 3454.1), 67.1 pg/ml (SD ± 71.9) and 44875.9 pg/ml (SD ± 12114.6), respectively in the control group. IL-31 level was significantly higher in HD patients than in the control group (P = 0.0001), while the difference in the levels of IL-13 and IL-33 between the two groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.41 and 0.18, respectively). IL-13 had a statistically significant relationship with the itch score (P = 0.014) and the severity of itch (P = 0.03), while IL-31 and IL-33 were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: UP is a complex and multifactorial problem. In patients with UP the high levels of IL-31 indicates a possible role in pathogenesis. IL-13 serum level on the other hand may be related to the severity of itch in these patients. Optimizing dialysis and targeting these cytokines may provide a potential therapeutic option especially in refractory UP. Further studies addressing these cytokines and their levels in response to various treatments may provide additional information on UP.

Epigenome-wide analysis of common warts reveals aberrant promoter methylation.

Epigenetic alteration of host DNA is a common occurrence in both low- and high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Although changes in promoter methylation have been widely studied in HPV-associated cancers, they have not been the subject of much investigation in HPV-induced warts, which are a temporary manifestation of HPV infection. The present study sought to examine the differences in promoter methylation between warts and normal skin. To achieve this, DNA was extracted from 24 paired wart and normal skin samples and inputted into the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip microarray. Differential methylation analysis revealed a clear pattern of hyper- and hypomethylation in warts compared to normal skin, and the most differentially methylated promoters were found within the EIF3EP2, CYSLTR1, C10orf99, KRT6B, LAMA4, and H3F3B genes as well as the C9orf30 pseudogene. Moreover, pathway analysis showed that the H3F3A, CDKN1A, and MAPK13 genes were the most common regulators among the most differentially methylated promoters. Since the tissue samples were excised from active warts, however, this differential methylation could either be a cellular response to HPV infection or an HPV-driven process to establish the wart and/or promote disease progression. Conclusively, it is apparent that HPV infection alters the methylation status of certain genes to possibly initiate the formation of a wart and maintain its presence.

Genome-Wide CpG Island Methylation Profiles of Cutaneous Skin with and without HPV Infection.

HPV infection is one of the most commonly transmitted diseases among the global population. While it can be asymptomatic, non-genital HPV infection often gives rise to cutaneous warts, which are benign growths arising from the epidermal layer of the skin. This study aimed to produce a global analysis of the ways in which cutaneous wart formation affected the CpG island methylome. The Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip microarray was utilized in order to quantitatively interrogate CpG island methylation in genomic DNA extracted from 24 paired wart and normal skin samples. Differential methylation analysis was carried out by means of assigning a combined rank score using RnBeads. The 1000 top-ranking CpG islands were then subject to Locus Overlap Analysis (LOLA) for enrichment of genomic ranges, while signaling pathway analysis was carried out on the top 100 differentially methylated CpG islands. Differential methylation analysis illustrated that the most differentially methylated CpG islands in warts lay within the ITGB5, DTNB, RBFOX3, SLC6A9, and C2orf27A genes. In addition, the most enriched genomic region sets in warts were Sheffield's tissue-clustered DNase hypersensitive sites, ENCODE's segmentation and transcription factor binding sites, codex sites, and the epigenome sites from cistrome. Lastly, signaling pathway analysis showed that the GRB2, GNB1, NTRK1, AXIN1, and SKI genes were the most common regulators of the genes associated with the top 100 most differentially methylated CpG islands in warts. Our study shows that HPV-induced cutaneous warts have a clear CpG island methylation profile that sets them apart from normal skin. Such a finding could account for the temporary nature of warts and the capacity for individuals to undergo clinical remission.

Guidelines for the Topical Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris in the Levant and Iraq Area.

Psoriasis vulgaris is a common chronic, inflammatory, multisystem disorder that affects approximately 1.5% to 3.4% of the population in the Middle East. The disease has an impact on the quality of life in a significant number of affected patients. The majority of patients (approximately 70%) have mild to moderate psoriasis that is manageable with topical agents, which generally show a high efficacy to safety ratio. Topical agents can be used alone when treating patients with limited disease or may be used as adjunctive therapy for patients with more extensive psoriasis undergoing systemic treatment. Treatment should also be customized to meet individual patients' needs. To optimize the topical treatment of psoriasis in the Levant and Iraq area, dermatology experts from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria met and initiated a project to develop guidelines and recommendations for the topical management of psoriasis. The guidelines are based on literature evidence and experts' opinions. We present recommendations for the use of topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, calcineurin inhibitors, tazarotene, salicylic acid, anthralin, and coal tar, as well as combination therapy, based on their efficacy and safety profiles.

Idiopathic Granulomatous Vulvitis: A Case Report on a Rare Disease.

Idiopathic granulomatous vulvitis is an uncommon anogenital area disease described in the last few decades. It causes an inflammatory reaction that culminates in swelling and possibly distortion of the female anogenital area. Many reported cases consider this non-infectious entity the genital counterpart to granulomatous cheilitis. We here present a 64 years old female patient with idiopathic granulomatous vulvitis co-existing with lipodermatosclerosis, with the excellent response of the former condition to hydroxychloroquine and potent topical steroids.

The Effect of Whey Protein Supplements on Acne Vulgaris among Male Adolescents and Young Adults: A Case-Control Study from North of Jordan.

Background: Young people and athletes willing to gain muscle mass and strength are likely to consume whey protein supplements. The effect of milk as a dietary source of whey protein on acne is still controversial. At the same time, a few studies have suggested an acnegenic impact of whey protein supplements. Objectives: To examine the association of whey protein supplements on acne risk among male adolescents and young adults. Materials and Methods: 201 male teenagers and young adults attending fitness centers in Irbid/Jordan were involved in an observational case-control research; those with acne were deemed cases, and those without acne were considered controls. The primary outcome was a comparison of the proportion of participants in each group who consumed whey protein supplements within the previous three months. Results: 100 acne-afflicted participants were compared to 101 healthy controls with similar demographics, including age, body mass index, educational level, and smoking habits, as well as intake of vitamin B12, corticosteroids, and anabolic steroids. However, considerably more participants in the acne group (47%) were taking whey protein supplements than in the control group (27.7%) (p=0.0047). The significance of this difference was maintained after multivariate analysis. Conclusion: This case-control study provides evidence of a positive association between whey protein consumption and acne risk.

Efficacy and safety of 308-nm Excimer lamp combined with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment vs Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment as monotherapy in treating children with limited vitiligo: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of combining the 308-nm Excimer lamp with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, compared to Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment monotherapy, for treating pediatric vitiligo involving less than 10% of the body surface area. METHODS: Fifty pediatric patients with vitiligo were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A received Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice daily and Excimer light at 308-nm twice weekly, while Group B received Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment alone, administered twice daily. Repigmentation percentages were evaluated after 30, 90, and 180 days using the rule of nine. RESULTS: Group A exhibited a significant improvement in repigmentation, increasing from 10% after one month to 65% after six months. In contrast, Group B observed an increase from 10% to 30% over the same timeframe. The efficacy of the treatment was significantly higher in Group A at both the 3-month and 6-month follow-up points (p-value < .001). Moreover, Group A achieved notably higher repigmentation rates in the face, trunk, and lower limbs. CONCLUSION: The combination of Tacrolimus and the 308-nm excimer lamp yielded superior repigmentation results compared to Tacrolimus monotherapy in pediatric vitiligo patients. This combined approach may offer an effective new treatment protocol for pediatric vitiligo.

Comparison of the efficacy of tacrolimus 0.1% ointment vs calcipotriol/betamethasone in combination with NBUVB in treatment of vitiligo.

Purpose: Vitiligo is an idiopathic depigmenting skin disorder. The study compares the efficacy of topical tacrolimus 0.1% with calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate in vitiligo patients receiving NB-UVB treatment.Materials and methods: Forty-one adult patients with generalized type vitiligo were recruited. Patients were assigned to phototherapy and then classified into either group one (20 patients), receiving calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate cream (D group), or group two (21 patients), receiving tacrolimus 0.1% ointment (T group). They were followed-up at 3 and 6 months.Results: The D group witnessed an increase in the repigmentation area from 35.4% in the third month to 54.7% in the sixth month (p = 0.001) and the T group from 32.2% to 45.6% (p = 0.011). However, the differences between the treatment groups were not statistically significant. Body sites demonstrated different levels of improvement ranging from the highest in the face to the lowest in the Hand & Feet with the other body sites in between. A negative correlation was identified between the duration since diagnosis and the response to D treatment (3 months: r = -0.612, p = 0.007; 6 months: r = -0.755, p = 0.001).Conclusions: Although both combinations are efficacious, they did not significantly differ in efficacy at three and six months follow-up points.Clinical trial registration: The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04440371).

Skin Manifestations Among Patients Admitted with COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study at a University-Based Tertiary Hospital in Jordan.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic hit the entire world with severe health and economic consequences. Although the infection primarily affected the respiratory system, it was soon recognized that COVID-19 has a multi-systemic component with various manifestations including cutaneous involvement. Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess the incidence and patterns of cutaneous manifestations among moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients who required hospitalization and whether there was a prognostic indication for cutaneous involvement and the outcome in terms of recovery or death. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study that included inpatients who were diagnosed with a moderate or severe COVID-19 infection. The demographic and clinical data of patients were assessed including age, sex, smoking, and comorbidities. All patients were examined clinically for the presence of skin manifestations. Patients were followed for the outcome of COVID-19 infection. Results: A total of 821 patients (356 females and 465 males) aged 4-95 years were included. More than half of patients (54.6%) aged >60 years. A total of 678 patients (82.6%) had at least one comorbid condition, mostly hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Sixty-two patients (7.55%) developed rashes; 5.24% cutaneous and 2.31% oral. The rashes were then grouped into five major types: group A, Exanthema: morbilliform, papulovesicular, varicella-like. Group B, Vascular: Chilblain-like lesions, purpuric/petechial, livedoid lesions. Group C, Reactive erythemas: Urticaria, Erythema multiforme. Group D, other skin rashes including flare-up of pre-existing disease, and O for oral involvement. Most patients (70%) developed rash after admission. The most frequent skin rashes were reactive erythema (23.3%), followed by vascular (20.9%), exanthema (16.3%), and other rashes with flare-ups of pre-existing diseases (39.5%). Smoking and loss of taste were associated with the appearance of various skin rashes. However, no prognostic implications were found between cutaneous manifestations and outcome. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection may present with various skin manifestations including worsening of pre-existing skin diseases.

Comparison of the efficacy of Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and Tacrolimus 0.1% plus topical pseudocatalase/superoxide dismutase gel in children with limited vitiligo: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of vitiligo is complex and multifactorial, accumulating evidence of increased oxidative stress and reduction in catalase levels in vitiligo patients has been shown, hence, pseudocatalase/superoxide dismutase (PSD) gel has been used as treatment option for vitiligo. AIM: To assesses the synergic effect of PSD when combines with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment versus Tacrolimus 0.1% alone. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial that included 49 children with vitiligo with limited area (10% or less). Patients were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (24 patients) were treated only with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment whereas Group 2 (25 patients) were treated with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment plus PSD. Degree of repigmentation compared to baseline was assessed at 3, 6, and 9 months. RESULTS: The median age was 10.05 years (range 2-18). The percentages of pigmentation on 3, 6, and 9 months for Group 1 were 23.9%, 40.4%, and 60%, respectively and for Group 2 were 23.2%, 40.7%, and 62.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference according to repigmentation percentages between the two groups (p > .86, p > .97, and p > .78, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the addition of PSD to Tacrolimus ointment in children with limited vitiligo was not associated with any therapeutic benefit.

Global gene methylation profiling of common warts caused by human papillomaviruses infection.

Infection with the human papillomaviruses (HPV) often involves the epigenetic modification of the host genome. Despite its prevalence among the population, host genome methylation in HPV-induced warts is not clearly understood. In this study, genome-wide methylation profiling was carried out on paired healthy skin and wart samples in order to investigate the effects that benign HPV infection has on gene methylation status. To overcome this gap in knowledge, paired wart (n = 12) and normal skin (n = 12) samples were obtained from Arab males in order to perform DNA extraction and subsequent genome-wide methylation profiling on the Infinium Methylation EPIC Bead Chip microarray. Analysis of differential methylation revealed a clear pattern of discrimination between the wart and normal skin samples. In warts, the most differentially methylated (DM) genes included long non-coding RNAs (AC005884, AL049646.2, AC126121.2, AP001790.1, and AC107959.3), microRNAs (MIR374B, MIR596, MIR1255B1, MIR26B, and MIR196A2),snoRNAs (SNORD114-22, SNORD70, and SNORD114-31), pseudogenes (AC069366.1, RNU4ATAC11P, AC120057.1, NANOGP3, AC106038.2, TPT1P2, SDC4P, PKMP3, and VN2R3P), and protein-coding genes (AREG, GJB2, C12orf71, AC020909.2, S100A8, ZBED2, FABP7, and CYSLTR1). In addition, pathway analysis revealed that, among the most differentially methylated genes, STAT5A, RARA, MEF2D, MAP3K8, and THRA were the common regulators. It can be observed that HPV-induced warts involve a clear and unique epigenetic alteration to the host genome.

Post-acne hyperpigmentation: Evaluation of risk factors and the use of artificial neural network as a predictive classifier.

Acne is common among young individuals. People with dark skin have a higher risk for developing pigmentary complications. Inflammation is an important factor in post-acne hyperpigmentation however other factors are also involved in developing this complication however these factors are not well studied. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors involved in post-acne hyperpigmentation. Clinical data related to acne, acne- related hyperpigmentation were collected. Data was analyzed for risk factors associated with acne pigmentation. Artificial neural network was used as predictive disease classifier for the outcome of pigmentation. Majority of patients in this study (339 patients) had dark skin phototypes (3 and 4). Post- acne hyperpigmentation was seen in more than 80% of patients. Females, darker skin color, severe acne, facial sites, and excessive sunlight exposure, squeezing or scratching lesions are important risk factors for post-acne hyperpigmentation. Post-acne hyperpigmentation is multifactorial. Several factors implicated in PAH are modifiable by adequate patient education (lesion trauma, excessive sunlight exposure). The use of ANN was helpful in predicting appearance of post-acne hyperpigmentation based on identified risk factors.

Unilateral Linear Induration of the Skin: A Case Report of an Unusual Presentation of Scleredema.

Scleredema is an idiopathic condition with specific clincopathological findings, including symmetrical and diffuse nonpitting induration of the upper body and thickened dermis due to deposition of acid mucopolysaccharides. Here, we report a case of linear scleredema in a healthy female patient, who presented with firm induration of the skin over her right shoulder and arm in a Blaschkolinear distribution. The onset was insidious in childhood and stable over several years. While the clinical picture has closely mimicked linear morphea, the diagnosis of scleredema was confirmed by the typical histopathological findings. To the best of our knowledge, linear scleredema is a unique presentation that has not been previously reported.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of care for dermatologic patients on systemic therapy during the period of strict lockdown.

BACKGROUND: The world has changed dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Jordan was among countries which enforced early lock-down for most non-vital services. Health care was mainly directed to cope with COVID-19 cases. The pandemic posed challenges for all patients, including dermatology patients especially those on systemic treatments. This resulted in interruption of medical care and exacerbation of pre-existing skin diseases for many patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study of dermatology patients on systemic treatment prior to corona pandemic. After lockdown was lifted, patients taking systemic treatments were evaluated for continuity of care during lockdown period and how that affected their skin condition. Demographic data, details of skin condition, continuity of care and impact on skin condition data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: 154 patients (120 males, 34 females) were included. The majority (around 80%) of patients were unable to attend to dermatology clinics or do the needed lab monitoring. Around one fifth of patients had drug interruption mostly due to no access to hospital pharmacy. Most patients were using oral isotretinoin for acne, others include methotrexate and other immune suppressive agents. Patients with acne and oral isotretinoin treatment were more likely to continue their treatment during lockdown period. Amongst those who stopped treatment, around 42% had flare up of their disease. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic had an important impact on various aspects of care for dermatology patients especially those on systemic therapy. This study demonstrated limited access to specialist care, inability to do lab tests and discontinuation of treatment during lockdown. Some patients (42%) had flare up of their skin condition as a result.

Genome-wide identification of methylated CpG sites in nongenital cutaneous warts.

BACKGROUND: Low-risk HPV infection has not been the subject of epigenetic investigation. The present study was carried out in order to investigate the methylation status of CpG sites in non-genital cutaneous warts. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from 24 paired epidermal samples of warts and normal skin. DNA samples were bisulfite converted and underwent genome-wide methylation profiling using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip Kit. RESULTS: From a total of 844,234 CpG sites, 56,960 and 43,040 CpG sites were found to be hypo- and hypermethylated, respectively, in non-genital cutaneous warts. The most differentially methylated CpG sites in warts were located within the C10orf26, FAM83H-AS1, ZNF644, LINC00702, GSAP, STAT5A, HDAC4, NCALD, and EXOC4 genes. CONCLUSION: Non-genital cutaneous warts exhibit a unique CpG methylation signature.

The Association between Adiponectin Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Side Effects of Isotretinoin in Acne Patients.

BACKGROUND: Acne is a common condition of pilosebaceous follicle especially among young. Clinically, the most used medication in the treatment of moderate to severe acne is oral isotretinoin. However, interindividual variability in therapeutic response to isotretinoin and many side effects such as musculoskeletal pain, headache, and alteration in lipid profile can be seen with this treatment. AIM: In this study, the effect of genetic polymorphisms, rs2241766 and rs1501299, of the adiponectin gene was investigated in relation to the side effects of isotretinoin-treated young adult acne patients (n = 230). METHODS: Several biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and after treatments with isotretinoin. The ADIPOQ gene SNPs, rs2241766 and rs1501299, were genotyped in 230 patients. RESULTS: Alterations in lipid profile with a significant increase of ALT (P=0.007) were detected after isotretinoin treatment. Moreover, percentage change in HDL following isotretinoin treatment was significantly associated with rs1501299 (P=0.008). On the other hand, no associations between examined SNPs and side effects of isotretinoin and other lipid parameters (total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides) or liver function enzymes (ALT and AST) were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Current findings showed that rs1501299 of the ADIPOQ gene might be associated with changes in HDL level in acne patients following treatment with isotretinoin.

Awareness about proper use of sunscreen in people of color: A Jordanian-based survey.

INTRODUCTION: The use of sunscreen is an important preventive measure against skin cancer and treatment for other skin conditions. There is evidence pointing to lack awareness and misconceptions regarding use of Sunscreen. This is especially evident in populations with skin of color (POC). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 2000 individuals. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data on general knowledge and use of sunscreen as well as reasons for stopping use of sunscreen. RESULTS: The results of this study indicate a clear deficiency in the use and knowledge about sunscreen among Jordanians. Females are using sunscreen more than males. However, the use of sunscreen is inadequate in many aspects including timing of application, frequency of use, and amount used among other things. There is an obvious lack of knowledge about sunscreen as shown by lack of awareness about benefits of use in various times of the year, use in children, use for all skin types, and several misconceptions among other knowledge gaps. Main reasons for stopping sunscreen include side effects, cost, and being not suitable for skin. Awareness about sunscreen can be improved by proper counseling by healthcare professionals and utilization of various media platforms. CONCLUSIONS: The use of sunscreen is inadequate in this population of color (POC). Lack of proper counseling, failure to read use instructions can contibute to inadequate use of sunscreen. Risks and benefits of sunscreen should be explained by medical professionals. The media should be more utilized to disseminate such knowledge.

IL-33/13 Axis and IL-4/31 Axis Play Distinct Roles in Inflammatory Process and Itch in Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Pruritus is the most common symptom in patients with skin disease. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are clinically distinct inflammatory diseases. Interleukins are cytokines which play key roles in inflammatory signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis: 59 psoriatic patients, 56 AD patients, and 49 matched healthy controls. Interleukins 4, 13, 31, 33 serum levels were assayed by ELISA and results were compared using SPSS. Itch severity and disease severity were measured and correlation with interleukin levels was determined using SPSS. RESULTS: The serum levels of IL-4, -13, -31, -33 were elevated in atopic dermatitis patients compared to controls. Itch and disease severity were not correlated with elevated serum levels of these interleukins. In psoriasis, the levels of IL-4 and -31 were elevated compared to controls, whereas the levels of IL-13 and -33 were lower than controls. The levels of measured interleukins in psoriasis did not correlate with itch and disease severity. CONCLUSION: IL-31 is the key mediator for pruritus in both AD and Ps patients. IL-4/31 axis and IL-33/13 axis play distinct roles in the pathogenesis of Atopic dermatitis and Psoriasis. Interleukin serum levels were not correlated with itch and disease severity in both conditions.

A Retrospective Comparative Study of Two Concentrations of Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Treatment of Patchy Alopecia Areata on the Scalp.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) usually manifests as patches of non-scarring hair loss due to immune dysregulation. Intradermal injection of steroids is considered a first-line treatment of patchy AA. PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of two commonly used concentrations of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (ILT) (5 mg/mL vs 10 mg/mL) in the treatment of patchy AA on the scalp. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective comparative study that included 85 patients diagnosed with patchy AA on the scalp, who were treated with monthly injections of ILT. Patients were divided into Group 1 that received 5 mg/mL and Group 2 that received 10 mg/mL. The response rate (defined as the percentage of patients who achieved complete hair regrowth) and the side effects were compared between the two groups after completion of three treatment sessions, and recurrence was assessed after 1-3 years. RESULTS: Demographic composition of the two groups was comparable. The difference in response rate and the side-effects between the two groups were not statistically significant. Complete hair regrowth was noted in 43.5% of patients in Group 1 and 53.8% of those in Group 2 (P=0.340). About 17% and 25% of patients in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, developed minor local side-effects (P=0.354), and almost 45% of patients from both groups had recurrence after 1-3 years. Disease duration exceeding 6 months correlated with poor treatment response. CONCLUSION: Intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide 5 mg/mL is equally effective and safe compared to 10 mg/mL in the treatment of patchy alopecia areata.