Introduction: Photodermatitis had become more common reason for referral to dermatology clinics. In Southeast Asia, research regarding idiopathic photodermatitis is not well established. Photo and photo-patch tests are commonly used diagnostic investigations to support this diagnosis. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical features of idiopathic photodermatitis referred for photo and photo-patch tests. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the clinical data of patients with idiopathic photodermatitis who were referred for photo and photo-patch tests from January 2009 to July 2011. Patients’ demographics, spectrum of clinical presentations, results of photo and photo-patch tests and clinical outcome were reviewed. Results: 38 patients were included in the analysis. Majority of patients were males. The mean age was 47.2 years. 55.3% were Malays, 26.3% Chinese and 18.4% Indians. Most patients have Fitzpatrick’s skin type IV. The commonest clinical presentations were polymorphic eruptions consisted of erythematous patches, papules and eczema at the sun-exposed areas. On average, the patients have had the cutaneous eruption for more than 1 year prior to the initial clinic visit. 32 patients had photo test and 6 had photo and photo-patch tests. 56.3% had positive photo test and the lowest MED is 50mJ/cm2 in skin type IV. 20% had positive photo and photo-patch tests. Patients were treated with potent topical corticosteroid, physical sunblock and oral antihistamines which managed to control the disease severity. Conclusion: Most patients with idiopathic photodermatitis referred for photo test were middle-aged Malay males with skin type IV. The commonest cutaneous presentations were polymorphic eruptions at the sun exposed sites.

Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa occurs due to chronic lymphedema, characterized by cutaneous changes consisting of papillomatous, verrucous, and hyperkerototic lesions. Treatment of elephantiasis nostras verrucosa is challenging and results are often disappointing. We report our experience with a patient who was successfully treated with oral acitretin.

Background: Dermatology is a minor module in internal medicine undergraduate curriculum. Limited time is allocated for its teaching. Most graduates are inadequately prepared to diagnose and manage skin diseases. We aimed to identify the core content of a more effective dermatology module. Methods: A modified Delphi method was used to reach a consensus. A questionnaire was developed by a selected panel and sent to 20 dermatologists, family physicians and general practitioners (GPs), respectively. They were asked to rate diseases according to importance. The participants then answered the questionnaire again with results of the first round made available to them. The final module content was identified based on the panel’s collective opinions. Results: Eleven topics had mode and median values of 1 with an agreement level of more than 70%. They were as follows: (1) skin structure and function; (2) infections and infestations; (3) the skin in systemic diseases; (4) dermatology emergencies; (5) drug eruptions; (6) psoriasis; (7) eczema; (8) sexually transmitted infections; (9) leprosy; (10) acne; and (11) clinical skills and diagnostic procedures. A total of 56 diseases were identified as important. Conclusion: Results of this study reflect the importance of understanding the influence of regional factors on common and important skin diseases. These topics may be used to develop a more effective dermatology module for the Malaysian undergraduate medical curriculum.

Prurigo pigmentosa is an inflammatory dermatosis characterized by a pruritic, symmetrically distributed erythematous papular or papulo-vesicular eruption on the trunk arranged in a reticulated pattern that resolves with hyperpigmentation. It is typically non-responsive to topical or systemic steroid therapy. The exact etiology is unknown, but it is more commonly described in the Far East countries. Dietary change is one of the predisposing factors. We report on nine young adult patients with prurigo pigmentosa, among whom five were on ketogenic diets prior to the onset of the eruptions. All cases resolved with oral doxycycline with no recurrence. We hope to improve the awareness of this uncommon skin condition among general practitioners and physicians so that disfiguring hyperpigmentation due to delayed diagnosis and treatment can be avoided.

Introduction: Lower limb cellulitis is a common superficial skin infection that leads to morbidity and mortality. Cellulitis risk factors have been well studied in many countries, but to date, not in Malaysia. Geographical and climate variables may affect risk factors. Early identification of the preventable risk factors is vital to prevent cellulitis and improve holistic patient care. Objective: To determine the risk factors of lower limb cellulitis amongst hospitalized patients at a tertiary center. Methods: A prospective case-control study of hospitalized patients with a clinical diagnosis of lower limb cellulitis was conducted at UKM Medical Centre, January–August 2015. Each patient was compared to two age and gender-matched control patients. All patients were interviewed and examined for risk factors of cellulitis. Results: A total of 96 cellulitis patients and 192 controls participated in this study. The cellulitis patients included 61 males and 35 females with a mean age of 62.07±15.43 years. The majority of patients were experiencing their first episode of cellulitis. Multivariate analysis showed a previous history of cellulitis (OR 25.53; 95% CI 4.73–137.79), sole anomalies (OR 16.32; 95% CI 6.65–40.06), ulceration (OR 14.86; 95% CI 1.00–219.39), venous insufficiency (OR 10.46 95% CI 1.98–55.22), interdigital intertrigo (OR 8.86; 95% CI 3.33-23.56), eczema (OR 5.74; 95% CI 0.96.–34.21), and limb edema (OR 3.95; 95% CI 1.82–8.59) were the significant risk factors for lower limb cellulitis. Conclusion: Previous cellulitis and factors causing skin barrier disruption such as sole anomalies, ulceration, venous insufficiency, eczema, intertrigo, and limb edema were the risk factors for lower limb cellulitis. Physician awareness, early detection, and treatment of these factors at the primary care level may prevent hospital admission and morbidity associated with cellulitis.

Doctor shopping increases health economic burden and morbidities. Its prevalence and predisposing factors have to beidentified in order to formulate preventive measures. We aimed to determine the prevalence of doctor shopping, its reasonsand predisposing factors by conducting a cross sectional study of new patients at the Dermatology Clinic, UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Doctor shopping was defined as having consultation with ≥3 healthcareproviders without a referral for the same illness prior to the patients’ visit to UKMMC. Reasons and contributing factorswere classified as disease, healthcare provider, logistic and cost related. Data was collected by a face to face interview.Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire determined disease impact on the patients. A total of 58 (55.8%)female and 46 (44.2%) male patients participated. Referral was patient-initiated in 51.9% while 40.4% were doctorshopping. Age, gender, ethnicity, income, occupation and type of health finance provider were not associated with thisbehaviour. About 95% doctor shopped due to disease factors: searching for a cure (95.2%), lack of improvement (88.1%),worsening disease (50.0%), dissatisfaction with treatment (31.0%), seeking other opinions (26.2%) and exploringtreatment options (26.2%). Impaired DLQI (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.08,1.38), p 0.04, and disease related factors (OR 6.57; 95%CI 1.52, 7.72), p 0.041 were significant independent risk factors. Doctor shopping is very common among our patients.Reasons and predisposing factors are predominantly disease related. Patient education and counselling is important inmanagement of dermatological diseases to prevent doctor shopping.

Angiosarcoma is a rare, malignant vascular endothelium neoplasm with poor prognosis. Cutaneousangiosarcoma makes up a majority of its presentation. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the nature ofits clinical presentation. We report 3 cases of cutaneous angiosarcoma to focus on the importance ofbiopsy site selection in securing the histopathological diagnosis.

Summary Despite a variety of therapeutic options that is available, treatment of warts remains challenging and rate of recurrence is high. Intralesional immunotherapy is an emerging therapy for warts. Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) is one of the immunotherapeutic antigens used for the treatment of warts. Here we report a case of recalcitrant periungual wart successfully treated with tuberculin immunotherapy.
Tuberculin--therapeutic use ; Wart--therapy

Introduction: Studies on nutrition among adult AD, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, are lacking. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the energy, micro and macro nutrient intakes. Methods: Sixty two adult participants defined by the Hanifin-Rajka criteria were included. AD severity was determined using SCORAD index and objective SCORAD. Demographic data and a three-day 24-hour dietary recall were collected and analyzed. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) was estimated using Schofield’s equation. The Energy Intake (EI): BMR ratio was used to identify under reporters (EI:BMR<1.2). To understand food preferences, main food groups consumed, meat (chicken, beef, and pork), seafood (fish, crustaceans, and mollusk), vegetables, fruits, including eggs and milk were examined. To ascertain food avoidance, open ended questions were asked. Results: Significant differences between the severity of AD groups and energy intake, vitamin A, beta carotene, magnesium, and energy intake-basal metabolic rate ratio (EI: BMR) were seen for SCORAD index. Energy intake was significantly lower among severe AD. Vitamin A and magnesium intake was lower among severe AD. Saturated fat intake was higher among mild AD. EI: BMR was inversely correlated with objective SCORAD. Seventy seven percent of participants were under reporters. Almost 10 percent reported avoiding some form of seafood; predominantly form the crustacean or mollusk group. Conclusion: Subjective symptoms, a component of SCORAD index but not objective SCORAD, may have contributed to significant differences seen. Lower energy intake in severe AD was due to reduced dietary intake during flares rather than underreporting.