Acne Management Guidelines by the Dermatological Society of Singapore.

Due to the multiethnic patient population with varying skin types in Singapore, clinicians often find the management of acne in their patients to be challenging. The authors developed these guidelines to provide comprehensive advice on individualized acne treatment and to provide a reference guide for all doctors who treat patients of Asian descent. Unique features of acne in Singapore are highlighted.

Mycobacterium abscessus Infection During Ustekinumab Treatment in Crohn's Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

The introduction of ustekinumab, an interleukin [IL]12/23 p40 inhibitor, to the therapeutic armamentarium of Crohn's disease has provided a much needed treatment option for patients who have failed conventional biologics with anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] and anti-integrin agents. Despite targeting two major cytokine pathways, the side effect profile of ustekinumab appears to be favourable in clinical trials. In particular, the risk of tuberculosis infection was observed to be lower than in patients who have received anti-TNF agents.

Recurrent and persistent pityriasis rosea: an atypical case presentation.

We report a case of atypical pityriasis rosea in a 24-year-old Malay man. He presented with an 11-month history of three recurrent and persistent episodes of pityriasis rosea associated with oral ulcers. The first episode lasted for one month and recurred within 14 days.

Accuracy and user-acceptability of HIV self-testing using an oral fluid-based HIV rapid test.

Background: The United States FDA approved an over-the-counter HIV self-test, to facilitate increased HIV testing and earlier linkage to care. We assessed the accuracy of self-testing by untrained participants compared to healthcare worker (HCW) testing, participants' ability to interpret sample results and user-acceptability of self-tests in Singapore.

Methodology/principal Findings: A cross-sectional study, involving 200 known HIV-positive patients and 794 unknown HIV status at-risk participants was conducted.

Gender differences in partner influences and barriers to condom use among heterosexual adolescents attending a public sexually transmitted infection clinic in Singapore.

Objective: To compare gender differences in the factors associated with condom use at most recent voluntary intercourse among heterosexual adolescents attending a public clinic for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Study Design: Between 2008 and 2011, we conducted a cross-sectional survey on 964 never-married adolescents between 14 and 19 years of age who reported having engaged in voluntary intercourse for most recent sexual encounter and were attending the only public STI clinic in Singapore for screening or treatment of STIs. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire.

Sex work and risky sexual behaviors among foreign entertainment workers in urban Singapore: findings from Mystery Client Survey.

Globalization has led to a rapid influx of female workers from Asian countries with high prevalence of HIV to Singapore, with many entering the entertainment industry. We assessed the prevalence of sexual services, condom use, and self-initiated screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and associated variables among foreign female entertainment workers in Singapore. A cross-sectional survey of 317 female entertainment workers, using mystery clients, was conducted on a two-stage proportional cluster sample of 93 entertainment establishments stratified by geographical zone in Singapore.

Isotretinoin is safe and efficacious in Asians with acne vulgaris.

Background: Oral isotretinoin is effective for acne vulgaris but concerns remain regarding its adverse effects.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of isotretinoin for acne vulgaris in Asian patients.

Methods: We conducted a 4-year retrospective study on all patients with acne vulgaris treated with isotretinoin, between January 2005 and December 2008 at the National Skin Centre in Singapore.

Sexually transmissible infection management practices among primary care physicians in Singapore.

Background: Primary care physicians manage a significant number of sexually transmissible infections (STI); however, there has not been a survey to assess the standard of medical care, completeness of notifications, provision of counselling and contact tracing by primary care physicians in Singapore.

Methods: An anonymous postal survey was conducted in which 1557 questionnaires were mailed out to general practitioners (GP), and government primary care and emergency department doctors.

Results: In all, 736 questionnaires (47.

User acceptability and feasibility of self-testing with HIV rapid tests.

Objective: Because HIV rapid tests are considered for self-testing, this study aims to determine the user acceptability and feasibility of self-testing.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 350 systematically sampled participants across 2 Singapore HIV testing centers using the Abbott Determine HIV 1/2 blood sample rapid test (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL). Participants were surveyed on knowledge of and attitudes toward rapid testing.

Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus-1 and -2 in attendees of a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Singapore.

Background: We studied the seroprevalance of HSV (herpes simplex virus)-1 and HSV-2 in outpatient attendees of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic in Singapore and examined their knowledge and attitudes towards HSV infection.

Methods: Two hundred male and 200 female participants were recruited in the study. Questionnaires were administered and blood samples were taken and analysed using the HerpeSelect 1 and 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgG assays (type-specific serological tests).

Detection of herpes simplex virus genomic DNA in various subsets of Erythema multiforme by polymerase chain reaction.

Background: The wide variation in the detection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA (36-75%) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in erythema multiforme (EM) may be partly attributed to differences in case selection in terms of subsets of EM studied.

Objective: To determine the frequencies of detection of HSV DNA in specific subsets of EM.

Methods: Nested PCR was used to detect HSV DNA in skin biopsies with histologically proven EM.

Cutaneous melioidosis.

Melioidosis is a rare tropical disease caused by infection with the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It occurs predominantly in south-east Asia, northern and central Australia and central and south America. Patients often present to the internal medicine physicians with a severe, potentially fatal sepsis.