BACKGROUND Vitiligo is a hypopigmentary disease of the skin which is associated with impaired quality of life and depression. In our present study, we evaluated the serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid in patients with vitiligo and controls in a tertiary care centre and also their association with the extent and activity of vitiligo. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 patients with vitiligo and 40 controls visiting a tertiary care centre for a period of one year. Detailed history regarding demographic data, history of disease, family history, duration of the disease etc. was recorded. Vitiligo Disease Activity Score (VIDA SCORE) and vitiligo area scoring index (VASI) of each body region was calculated. After explaining the procedure, fasting (5 ml) blood sample was drawn and the levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid were measured. Data was analysed using SPSS software and P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS There was statistical significance between vitiligo patients and controls of serum vitamin B12, homocysteine and folic acid (P < 0.05) and there was significant association for males in cases and controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Vitiligo is associated with elevated levels of serum homocysteine and decreased levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid. KEY WORDS Vitiligo, Homocysteine, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Depigmentation

Localized scleroderma (also called morphea) is a term encompassing a spectrum of sclerotic autoimmune diseases that primarily affect the skin, but might also involve underlying structures such as the fat, fascia, muscle, and bones. Morphea profundus presenting with atrophic lesions has rarely been reported in the literature. Here we report two cases of morphea profundus presenting with noninflammatory depressed plaques, without any significant skin induration, pigmentation or textural change. Histopathology was confirmatory for morphea profundus.

A BS T R A C T BACKGROUNDAcne Vulgaris (AV) is a common chronic dermatological condition affecting the adolescents and young adults. Face, the identity of a person, is almost always the site for acne, and it alters perception of one's own body image negatively. Psychiatric disorders can develop secondary to AV, and likewise psychological stress can exacerbate acne. We wanted to evaluate the impact of AV on psychological morbidity (anxiety and depression) and quality of life.

A 32-year-old male with a history of albinism and farmer by occupation presented with an ulcerated plaque on the right wrist. The patient had light eyes, hair, and skin. Physical examination showed extensive photodamage. A skin biopsy specimen from the plaque revealed a welldifferentiated squamous-cell carcinoma. Wide surgical excision was done. The most common types of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), OCA 1 and OCA 2, are autosomal recessive disorders of pigmentation that commonly affect the skin, hair and eyes. Photodamage and skin cancers plague patients with albinism. Albinos face a myriad of social and medical issues. Importance of photoprotection, skin cancer surveillance and treatment has been stressed upon in this report.