Actinomycosis is a subacute or chronic suppurative bacterial infection caused by filamentous gram positive, anaerobic to microaerophilic non acid fast bacilli primarily of the genus Actinomyces that normally colonize the mouth, colon and vagina. Primary cutaneous actinomycosis is a rare entity and is generally associated with trauma. We report a case of primary cutaneous actinomycosis of the back and left axilla in a 32-year-old female patient with no suggestive history of trauma.The diagnosis was suggested by the characteristic lesions with multiple discharging sinuses draining sero-sanguinous fluid scattered all over the lesions. Gram positive bacilli with plenty of pus cells were demonstrated in the direct examination of the discharging pus. Diagnosis was confirmed by isolation of the organisms by anaerobic culture giving typical molar tooth colonies. Final confirmation was done by histopathological examination.
Pseudoepitheliomatous, keratotic, and micaceous balanitis is a rare condition characterized by verrucous excrescences with scaling. Most patients are over the age of 50 and frequently have been circumcised for phimosis in adult life. We present here a case of 35-year-old male patient with long standing phimosis presenting with a firm whitish plaque on the glans penis. The crusts were micaceous in nature. Histopathologically, there was pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with acanthosis and no cellular atypia. The condition was explained to the patient and treatment options discussed. The patient was started on topical 5-fluorouracil cream on a daily basis as he did not express consent for operative intervention.
Context:Urticaria, also referred to as hives or wheals is a common and distinctive reaction pattern characterized by spontaneous eruption of wheals. About 30–50% of patients categorized as idiopathic urticaria have autoimmune urticaria, needing immunosuppressive agents. Immunosuppressive agents are either too costly or have serious side effects. Azathioprine seems to address both these issues, being less costly.Aims:The aim was to evaluate the role of azathioprine in autologous serum skin test (ASST) positive chronic urticaria (CU).Settings and Design:A single-blind randomized control trial of ASST positive patients of CU.Materials and Methods:Patients with positive ASST were allotted into two treatment groups, named group A and group B. Patients in group A were administered azathioprine (50 mg/day) for a period of 8 weeks and followed up till 36 weeks, while patients in group B were given placebo pills. All patients were directed to take levocetirizine (5 mg) on as and when basis, in addition. Urticaria was assessed by total severity score.Statistical Analysis Used:MedCalc statistical software (v 12.5 for Windows) to calculate P values in independent samples by t-test, Mann–Whitney test, Friedmann test, and ANOVA.Results:Administration of azathioprine in group A resulted in a significant diminution of the intensity of the disease as well as in the requirement of rescue antihistamine (positive primary and secondary outcome).Conclusion:Azathioprine not only had immunomodulatory properties during the treatment period, but also had lasting therapeutic effect as well. There were some gastrointestinal side effects in the initial stages but no incidence of hematological or biochemical disturbances.
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