N. Ashok Kumar

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic disease, which is potentially controllable but cannot be cured. Treatment is long term and requires continuous effort by the patient. Patient education is important for a chronic disease like psoriasis and this involves acquiring knowledge about the disease. With knowledge gained, the patient will be able to cope better with improved decision making and comply with treatment. Aim: To assess the knowledge about psoriasis in patients diagnosed with psoriasis attending skin outpatient department (OPD) of Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study, which was conducted at dermatology OPD in Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai 2021 after ethical committee approval. About 80 patients with psoriasis attending OPD were included in study to whom questionnaire with sixteen questions was asked and data was collected and analysed. Results: A total of 80 individuals were included in this study, out of which 43 were males and 37 were females .79% of study population answered that psoriasis is a long life disease. About 75% and 71% of patients answered that climatic conditions and stress aggravates psoriatic lesions respectively. Results were taken from various questions asked in survery and tabulated. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that an educational intervention may be helpful in improving the knowledge, give psychological relief to patients with psoriasis and improves quality of their life.   Keywords: Psoriasis, Multifactorial, Chronic, Stress

Open full article page

Abstract

Background: ‘Dyssebacia’ also termed as ‘Seborrhea Spinulosa’, is a condition presenting with numerous follicular papules, usually centered around the nasolabial area, consisting of plugs of inspissated sebum. This condition is seen frequently in cases of Pellagra, and has been quoted to be the 5th D of Pellagra. Dyssebacia is seen rampantly among cases of acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis. As alcoholism leads to a state of vitamin deficiency and because of its close association with Pellagra, it also has been considered as an independant co-factor for the causation. This study thereby aims at analysing the association of acne vulgaris, seborrhea and alcohol consumption in cases clinically diagnosed as Dyssebacia. Materials and Methods: We have included 25 cases of Dyssebacia in this study. After enrollment, a thorough history was taken followed by a dermatological examination with a keen interest to note the presence of, or a past history of acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis. A history regarding alcohol consumption was also sought for. Results: Of the 25 cases of Dyssebacia, which included 16 males (64%) and 9 females (36%), 18 cases (72%) had a history of Acne vulgaris and Seborrhea both. Majority of cases (17 of 25; 68%) were in the age-group of 18-35 years. History of alcohol consumption was obtained from 7 males (28%). A male with Pellagra also reported to our department having marked dyssebacia, photosensitive dermatitis, hyperpigmentation along the dorsal aspects of hands and feet etc. Conclusion: In conclusion, it was found in our study that Acne vulgaris and Seborrheic dermatitis indeed have a strong association with Dyssebacia. Alcohol consumption does not seem add risk to the causation, except in case of chronicity. Keywords: Acne vulgaris, Dyssebacia, Pellagra, Seborrhea Spinulosa, Seborrheic dermatitis.

Open full article page