Scabies is an infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei and characterised by polymorphous lesions that may include burrows, papules, nodules, excoriation and crusts. Vesicular and bullous lesions are rather rare. Several diseases may be confused with scabies. We report a case of bullous scabies which, on the basis of the clinical and histopathological picture, mimicked bullous pemphigoid. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence were negative. Bullae recurred and persisted despite systemic corticosteroids. The patient was successfully treated with 5% permethrin and remained disease free for up to 12 months of follow-up.

In laser hair removal treatments on dark skin, the high concentration of melanin in the skin competes with the melanin in the hair. During standard laser procedures, with wavelengths of 755 nm or 810 nm, a high level of laser light absorption by melanin in the skin is observed. Therefore, to avoid side effects, lower fluence values are used, which further reduces hair-removal efficacy. To improve results, 810 nm diode lasers operating in dynamic mode, with high frequency and multiple passes, are typically used. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of triple-wavelength diode lasers (810 nm, 940 nm, 1060 nm) with that of 810 nm diode lasers on Indian patients. A side-by-side comparison was performed using a triple-wavelength diode laser in stamping mode on one side, and an 810 nm diode laser in dynamic mode on the other. Three subjects with skin type IV on the Fitzpatrick scale participated in the study. Efficacy was assessed through hair counting using clinical photographs, taken before and after the treatments, and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Additionally, comparisons related to epidermal heating and thermal damage to the hair follicle were conducted through mathematical 3D simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics ® software. Side effects were also evaluated. A superior end point was observed with triple wavelength compared to the 810 nm diode laser. Hair counting showed a 27% greater hair reduction with triple wavelength. No adverse effects were observed. Thermal simulations revealed 29% higher thermal damage with the triplewavelength laser compared to the 810 nm diode laser. To conclude, on darker skin types, the triple-wavelength diode laser has been shown to be more effective at removing hair, compared to the 810 nm diode laser, while also being a safe procedure.

Condyloma acumianata is one of the most common virally transmitted diseases. Its prevalence has increased many fold throughout the world. Because all the currently available treatments yield low cure rates with side effects, the search for a new alternative continues. Topically, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been in used for many years to treat various skin diseases. When applied topically in condyloma acuminata, 5-FU results in low cure rates with high recurrences. Therefore, intralesional 5% 5-FU is being evaluated to determine its therapeutic efficacy in condyloma acuminata.

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