Why dermatology patients are hospitalized? A study from Pakistan.

In most countries, there are no specified protocols or guidelines for admitting dermatology patients and admission criteria depend on assessment and sometimes the whim of the dermatologist. Although the severity and extent of the disease are the commonest reasons for hospitalizing dermatology patients, sometimes other factors also operate to provide comfort to the patient. This study was carried out to determine the reasons for hospitalizing patients on dermatology beds in secondary care hospitals of Pakistan.

Comparison of plain potassium hydroxide mounts, fungal cultures and nail plate biopsies in the diagnosis of onychomycosis.

Objective: To compare the relative sensitivity of direct microscopy, fungal culture and nail plate biopsy in the diagnosis of onychomycosis.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place And Duration Of Study: The Skin Department, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi from February 1998 to February 1999.

Harlequin fetus.

We report a case of harlequin fetus born to the consanguineous parents. She had the typical skin manifestations of thick armour like scales with fissures, complete ectropion and eclabium, atrophic and crumpled ears and swollen extremities with gangrenous digits. Supportive treatment was given but the neonate died on the 4th day.