Antidermatophytic Activities of Azadirachta Indica : An in Vitro and in Vivo study

The leaf and seed extracts of Azadirachta indica were tested for antifungal activity against dermatophytes by in vitro and in vivo tests. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of neem seed extract was found to be lower than that of neem leaf when tested against different species of Trichophyton and Epidermophyton floccosum. Experimental lesion in guinea pigs healed better after treatment with neem seed extract when compared to untreated control animals.

Modified Ambulatory Goeckerman Regimen

Forty patients of chronic, stable, plaque psoriasis were treated wtih different concentrations of crude cole tar (CCT) with varied times of application but constant sun exposure. All concentrations with 8-10 hours of application were found to be equally effective. However, shorter period of application (2 hour) resulted in decreased efficacy. An application of white petrolatum was as effective as crude coal tar when combined with sun exposure.

Thyroid Function in Vitiligo

Fifty vitiligo patients were studied clinically and subjected to thyroid function tests and estimation of glucose and cholesterol. Clinical analysis revealed the incidence among new patients to be 1.1%. The male/female ratio was 1:1.28. Patients up to 30 years contributed 76%. Vitiligo vulgaris variant was highest (50%) and segmental type was lowest (6%). Family history of vitiligo was obtained in 12% and family history of atopy was found in 24% of patients. History of atopy was present in 16% cases. Halo nevus (1 case), alopecia areata (2 cases) were associated with vitiligo in the study. Abnormality of thyroid fuction test was detected in 4 cases; it denoted hyperthyroidism in 3 cases and hypothyroidism in 1 case. High level of glucose was seen in 3 cases. Cholesterol estimation showed high level in 2 cases.

Ketoconazole in the Treatment of Eumycetoma

Eight patients of eumycetoma caused by a variety of fungi were treated with ketoconazole 400 mg/day for a varying length of time. Two patients were cured, 3 improved and 3 did not respond to therapy. The response was considered encouraging and the importance of giving further trials with newer antifungals are stressed.

Basidiobolomycosis successfully Treated with Fluconazole

A case of basidiobolomycosis in a young housewife whose condition responded to a course of fluconazole is reported.

Pretibial Myxedema

Pretibial myxedema is very rarely associated with Thyrotoxicosis. Here is a case report.

Mycetoma at an Unusual Site

A case of mycetoma, caused by Nocardia species in a 18 year old urban boy, involving nape of neck and adjoining area and upper back, is reported.

Shared Delusional Parasitosis

Delusional Parasitosis is a psychocutaneous disorder rarely seen among the family members. Two case reports are described in which close relatives shared this delusion.