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Background:Chikungunya fever is caused by chikungunya virus which is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes.Aims:To study the various mucocutaneous manifestations in suspected cases of chikungunya fever.Materials and Methods:The patients who attended our outpatient department from July 2016 to October 2016 and fulfilled the criteria for “suspect cases” of chikungunya infection stipulated by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India, were included in the study prospectively. A total of 112 patients (62 males and 50 females) with mucocutaneous manifestations of chikungunya fever were enrolled in the study.Results:Mucocutaneous manifestations were found more in males than females. Serological immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IgM ELISA) test for chikungunya virus was positive in 62 (55.3%) patients. Generalized erythematous maculopapular rash (53.5%) was the most common finding. Genital pustular rash with aphthae (4.4%), oral and intertriginous aphthae, red lunula, subungual hemorrhage, localized erythema of the ear pinnae, erythema, swelling, and eczematous changes over the preexisting scars and striae (scar phenomenon) were the other interesting findings. Various pattern of pigmentation (37.5%) were observed including striking nose pigmentation in a large number of patients, by looking at which even a retrospective diagnosis of chikungunya fever could be made. There was flare-up of existing dermatoses like psoriasis and dermatophytic infection.Conclusions:Wide varieties of the mucocutaneous manifestations were observed in our study, but the striking nose pigmentation was present irrespective of age and this peculiar pigmentation may be considered as a specific clinical marker of chikungunya fever. Chikungunya fever must be suspected in any patient with painful oro-genital and intertriginous aphthous-like lesions associated with febrile polyarthralgia with rash.

The aim of the present study is to develop a polymer (Guar Gum)-based matrix tablet (using quercetin as a model drug) with sufficient mechanical strength, and promising in vitro mouth-to-colon release profile. By definition, an oral colonic delivery system should retard drug release in the stomach and small intestine, and allow complete release in the colon. By drug delivery to the colon would therefore ensure direct treatment at the disease site, lower dosing, and fewer systemic side effects. Quercetin is antioxidant in nature and used to treat colon cancer, but they have poor absorption in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). As a site for drug delivery, the colon offers a near neutral pH, reduced digestive enzymatic activity, a long transit time, and an increased responsiveness to absorption enhancers. By achieving a colon-targeted drug delivery system, the absorption of quercetin may be increased, which leads to better bioactivity in fewer doses.

Background: Currently, the studies related to hair loss in children showed the variable prevalence of different clinical patterns and causes of scalp hair loss, that had regional variation. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical pattern of scalp hair loss in children (0–18 years age group). Materials and Methods: A total of 300 children presenting with scalp hair loss were studied during a period of 1 year from April 2015 to March 2016. The results were recorded and analyzed. Results: The most common disorder found in this study was tinea capitis seen in 166 (55.33%) cases followed by alopecia areata, seborrheic dermatitis, pediculosis with secondary infection. Other uncommon causes were lichen planopilaris, tractional alopecia, telogen effluvium, nevus sebaceous, occipital neonatal alopecia, ectodermal dysplasia, scalp psoriasis, trichotillomania, and alopecia due to nutritional deficiency. Several other rare causes were identified in this study. Conclusion: This study showed that hair loss in children in our region is not an uncommon problem and results from a variety of causes. Early diagnosis and treatment are needed to prevent further hair loss and to avoid irreversible hair loss and scarring alopecia. As has been observed in this study, hair problem may be due to important nutritional deficiency. We should be aware of such presentation. These may be a clue to the diagnosis of systemic illness.