J Drugs Dermatol
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Removal of subcutaneous skin masses and certain deep skin injuries results in defects, which demand immediate closure. Although primary closure of these defects in 2 layers is an acceptable solution, this technique has a number of drawbacks, such as extended time consumption upon performance, demand for additional suture material and occasional tissue response or foreign body reaction to retained absorbable stitches leading to infection and its sequelae. ⋯ This easily performed technique yields the benefits of reducing suture cost, annulling foreign body reaction, and resulting in both a functional and aesthetically pleasing outcome. The subcutaneous loop technique has become our standard closure of choice for wounds demanding simultaneous cutaneous and subcutaneous repair.
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Varicella-zoster virus is the causal agent of varicella and herpes zoster in humans. Herpes zoster results from reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) within the sensory ganglia. The incidence and severity of herpes zoster increase with advancing age. ⋯ A live attenuated VZV vaccine has been developed and recently approved by the FDA for the prevention of herpes zoster in individuals 60 years of age and older. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 38,546 patients 60 years of age or older, the use of the zoster vaccine reduced the burden of illness due to herpes zoster by 61.1% (P < .001), reduced the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia by 66.5% (P < .001), and reduced the incidence of herpes zoster by 51.3% (P < .001). In this review, we will discuss the history of the use of the varicella vaccine in children, and the subsequent development of the new zoster vaccine.
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Oral isotretinoin is an established effective therapy for acne. No published data is available on the efficacy and side effects of this drug in Iranian patients. ⋯ Isotretinoin is an effective and safe treatment for acne in Iranian patients. Starting treatment with a high dose and modifying the length of treatment based on the therapeutic response in each patient, might lead to a rapid and good response rate with minimal side effects.
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Erythema multiforme (EM) is usually an acute and self-limited inflammatory reaction of the skin and mucous membranes. Attacks may be sporadic or recurrent, and generally last for 1 to 3 weeks. ⋯ This continuous and uninterrupted occurrence of typical and atypical lesions is known as persistent EM. We present a case responsive to dapsone.
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Nicolau syndrome or embolia cutis medicamentosa is a very rare, but well recognized complication of intramuscular injections which clinically presents with extensive necrosis of the injected skin area. Intra-arterial or para-arterial injection after unintentional perforation of certain vessels could be the possible mechanisms. We describe 2 cases of Nicolau syndrome resulting from intramuscular injection of Diclofenac. Since irreversible tissue damage may occur within a short duration and, as the there is no definitive treatment for this condition, precautionary measures are emphasized.