Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Skin Care Among Elderly Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

As people age, the likelihood that they will experience maladies of the skin increases. It is therefore important that older individuals possess the necessary knowledge and proper attitudes and practices regarding their skincare. The purpose of this study was to examine such knowledge, attitudes, and practices among older members of the Saudi Arabian population.

Association of genetic variants of the vitamin D receptor gene with vitiligo in a tertiary care center in a Saudi population: a case-control study.

Background: Vitiligo is a common cutaneous disorder of the skin and hair caused by a systemic depigmentation disorder that affects 1% of the population or less due to its onset in early adulthood. Meta-analyses have documented a linkage between vitiligo and the vitamin D receptor () gene.

Objective: Investigate the relationship between the ApaI, BsmI, FokI and TaqI genetic variants in the gene with vitiligo in a Saudi population.

Missense, silent, non-sense and frame-shift mutations in exon 3 of the filaggrin gene in patients with bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and mixed atopy.

This study investigated the atopic march on the basis of genetics. This research detected 227 variants in the filaggrin gene (FLG gene). Missense, silent, non-sense, frame-shift and non-coding mutations were detected in exon 3 of the FLG gene in patients with bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and mixed atopy.

Manifestations of ocular rosacea in females with dark skin types.

Background: Current knowledge about ocular rosacea in dark skin individuals is lacking. The prevalence of ocular rosacea varies considerably among studies and is probably higher than previously presumed.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and pattern of ocular rosacea among dark skinned female patients, compare it with fair skinned, and to correlate the severity of cutaneous disease with ocular findings.

Markers of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma in pediatric patients: correlation with filaggrin, eosinophil major basic protein and immunoglobulin E.

Background: Allergic reactions have been implicated as contributions in a number of atopic disorders, including atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR) and bronchial asthma (BA). However, the potential for filaggrin protein, eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) to elicit allergic response or to contribute to atopic disorders remains largely unexplored in pediatric patients. This study was undertaken to investigate the status and contribution of filaggrin protein, eosinophil MBP and total IgE in pediatric patients with AD, AR and BA.

Association of psychological stress with skin symptoms among medical students.

To evaluate the association between psychological stress and skin symptoms among medical students.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between January and June 2015. Electronic survey consists of Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and Self-Reported Skin Complaints Questionnaire were distributed to all 1435 undergraduate students at College of Medicine, King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Interleukin-4 and interferon-γ are possible allergic markers in pediatric patients with β-lactam hypersensitivity.

Background: β-lactam agents are known to elicit T-cell-mediated immune responses that play a central role in the onset of allergic reactions, but the involvement of specific type of cytokines in drug allergy remains largely unexplored in humans.

Objectives: This study was undertaken to investigate the role of cytokines involvement in pediatric patients with β-lactam hypersensitivity and to determine whether involvement of cytokines in drug-mediated reactions are important for the perspective of allergic patient's management.

Methods: β-lactam-induced hypersensitivity reactions in eighty pediatric patients were determined by clinical manifestations and skin prick or intradermal testing.

Severe subtype of alopecia areata is highly associated with thyroid autoimmunity.

Objectives: To assess the significance of thyroid autoimmune screening in alopecia areata (AA) patients in Saudi population, and to determine whether there is a difference in thyroid autoimmune susceptibility between mild and severe AA.

Methods: In a prospective case-control study, we included 50 alopecia totalis (AT) and alopecia universalis (AU) patients, 50 age- and gender-matched patients with localized AA, and 50 age- and gender- matched healthy subjects between March 2015 and August 2015. Patients with AA were consecutively recruited from the hair disorders out-patient clinic of King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Altered expression of intracellular Toll-like receptors in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with alopecia areata.

Background: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern-recognition-receptors that sense a variety of pathogens and initiation of innate and adaptive immune responses. This study was undertaken to investigate the expression of TLRs in peripheral blood-mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of AA patients and to determine whether TLR-mediated inflammatory signals are important for the perspective of AA management.

Methods: Gene expression of TLRs and T-helper (Th) type-1, Th-2, Th-17 and regulatory T-cell cytokines in PBMCs was quantified by TaqMan Assays.

Factors affecting the severity of central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.

Background: Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a type of scarring hair loss primarily seen in African-American women. The risk factors that affect the severity of disease remain unclear.

Objectives: This study was designed to elucidate risk factors that may be associated with severity of CCCA.

Immunoglobulin e, interleukin-18 and interleukin-12 in patients with atopic dermatitis: correlation with disease activity.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Immunological/inflammatory reactions are reported to play a role in AD but their role in disease activity has not been fully investigated. This study was done to investigate the role of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-12 in AD patients with different disease severities.

Interleukin-4 -590 T>C and interleukin-4 receptor Q551R A>G gene polymorphisms in Saudi cases with alopecia areata.

Objectives: Immunogenetic factors are known to play a role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA). This study aimed at investigating the association between AA with the polymorphisms of interleukin-4 (IL-4) promoter and receptor (IL-4R) genes.

Patients And Methods: This work is a case-control study that was conducted on 76 AA patients from Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.

Onychomycosis in qassim region of saudi arabia: a clinicoaetiologic correlation.

Background: Onychomycosis is mainly caused by dermatophytes, but yeasts and nondermatophyte molds have also been implicated, giving rise to diverse clinical presentations. The aetiological agents of the disease may show geographic variation.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to isolate the causative pathogens and to correlate the various clinical patterns of onychomycosis with causative pathogens.

Biochemical and immunological studies on erythrocytes superoxide dismutase modified by nitric oxide in patients with alopecia areata: Implications in alopecia patchy persistent and alopecia universalis.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring hair loss disorder that ranges in severity from patchy loss of scalp hair (AA patchy persistent; AAP) to loss of all scalp and body hair (alopecia universalis; AU). The cause of AA is unknown but most evidences support that AA has an autoimmune etiology, where free radicals play an important role. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) modified erythrocytes superoxide dismutase (eSOD) in AA.

Quality of life in family members of vitiligo patients: a questionnaire study in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Many dermatologic disorders are known to adversely affect quality of life (QoL) in close relatives or partners of patients; however, it is unknown whether vitiligo impacts the QoL of family members.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the level and domains in which the QoL of partners/relatives of patients with vitiligo are affected by the disease.

Methods: A total of 141 patients with vitiligo, along with their family members, were recruited to complete validated QoL questionnaires, including the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI).

Documentation of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) among children with atopic dermatitis in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is known as a common pathogen in atopic dermatitis. A methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin (VISA/VRSA) is increasing worldwide.

Efficacy and safety of oral mega pulse methylprednisolone for severe therapy resistant Alopecia areata.

Objective: To use intensive regimen of pulse steroid in the severe forms of Alopecia areata.

Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 2003 to 2009. Patients with Alopecia universalis, Alopecia totalis, or Alopecia ophiasis were assigned to one of the 3 treatment groups: Group A received oral mega pulse methylprednisolone (MP) for 3 consecutive days once every 2 weeks for 24 weeks; Group B received 2 consecutive daily pulses every 3 weeks; and Group C received 3 consecutive daily pulses every 3 weeks.

The itchy scalp--scratching for an explanation.

Scalp pruritus is a common complaint that is considered a diagnostically and therapeutically challenging situation. Scalp skin has a unique neural structure that contains densely innervated hair follicles and dermal vasculature. In spite of the recent advances in our understanding of itch pathophysiology, scalp itching has not been studied as yet.

The Dermatology workforce in Saudi Arabia: Current trends, challenges and future directions.

Objectives: To provide a snapshot of the dermatology work force in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: We collected data on the supply and distribution of dermatologists in Saudi Arabia. We discussed the current status of dermatology manpower issues in Saudi Arabia.

Failure of botulinum toxin treatment for localized vitiligo.

Background: It was found that acetylcholine concentration increased with a significantly reduced expression of acetylcholinesterase in vitiliginous patches that return to normal upon repigmentation.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A in patients with localized vitiligo.

Methods: Ten patients were recruited.

Pigmentary demarcation lines on the face in Saudi women.

Background: Pigmentary demarcation lines (PDL) are physiological abrupt transition lines between hyperpigmented skin and lighter areas. Recent evidence suggests that they involve the face.

Aims: To survey facial PDL in Saudi females referred to general dermatology clinics for various complaints and determine any associated risks.

Netherton syndrome: successful use of topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus in four siblings.

Netherton's syndrome (NS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease comprised of ichthyosis in the form of ichthyosis linearis circumflexa, hair shaft defects and atopic manifestations with an elevated IgE level. Various therapeutic options have been used in NS with variable success. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus belong to the family of calcineurin inhibitors.

Oral mega pulse methylprednisolone in alopecia universalis.

Intravenous pulse corticosteroids is an alternative method of corticosteroids delivery, which proved to be safe with rapid and potent efficacy. It is an effective treatment of alopecia areata, but not for the totalis, universalis or ophiasis types, for which no effective therapy is available yet. Recently, it has been confirmed that oral and intravenous pulse methylprednisolone MP have comparable efficacy.