BACKGROUND: Quality systematic reviews (SRs) are essential in the practice of evidence-based dermatology. We assessed the methodologic quality of SRs in dermatology from the Philippines. METHODS: We searched databases (MEDLINE, CDSR, PROSPERO, HERDIN; from inception until June 30, 2019), and secondary sources. We included SRs, authored by Filipino primary authors, which included clinical trials on any intervention for the treatment or prevention of a dermatologic disease or for maintenance of healthy skin, hair or nails. Two reviewers independently extracted data and appraised the methodological quality of each included SR using the AMSTAR 2. The 16-item AMSTAR 2 has 7 critical items and 9 non-critical items. The number of critical items mainly determine the overall confidence in the results of the review. Descriptive analysis using means and standard deviation for continuous data, and frequency and percentage distribution for categorical data were employed. RESULTS: Twenty SRs were included in this review, and were mostly published in the 2010s. Majority of SRs had three authors, who belonged to a single institution, with at least one dermatologist. The most common topic was infections and both oral and topical interventions were used. Majority had 5 included studies in the SRs, with a median number of 425 participants. The median number of critical flaws in the included SRs was 4.5, and non-critical flaws, 5. Overall confidence was critically low in majority (19/20 ) of included reviews, with only one review rated as low. CONCLUSION: The methodologic quality of the dermatology SRs from the Philippines based on the AMSTAR 2 tool was poor with a rating of critically low in majority. There is a need to improve quality of conduct and reporting through dissemination of the reporting guidelines such as the PRISMA
Humans ; Nails ; Philippines ; Dermatologists ; Dermatology ; Data Management ; Data Collection ; Publications ; Maintenance ; Reference Standards

INTRODUCTION: Acne vulgaris has multifactorial causes. Prolonged systemic antibiotics are often necessary because relapse of lesions occurs upon its discontinuation. Currently, antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern. Androgen inhibitors like metformin may decrease need for antibiotics and maintain adequate control of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of metformin versus placebo as an adjunct to lymecycline and adapalene+benzoyl peroxide gel in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris METHODS: Patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris received either metformin or placebo tablets, together with lymecycline and adapalene+benzoyl peroxide gel. Lymecycline was taken for six weeks. The rest were given for 18 weeks. Evaluation was done biweekly using the mean reduction rates of non-inflammatory, inflammatory and total lesion count, modified global severity score, subjective self-assessment score, Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) score, and cutaneous and systemic adverse events. RESULTS: Forty patients were selected for the trial. Mean reduction rates of the non-inflammatory lesion counts of the two groups were comparable (p>0.05). Mean reduction rates of the inflammatory and total lesion count in the metformin group were higher than the placebo group (p<0.05). The mean modified global severity score of the metformin group was lower than the placebo group (p=0.034). Mean DLQI scores decreased in both groups (p<0.0001). Subjective self-assessment scores improved in both groups with comparable results. Cutaneous adverse events (erythema, pain, scaling, and dryness) were tolerable. Systemic adverse events (diarrhea, flatulence, headache, and epigastric pain) were self-limited CONCLUSION: Metformin is an effective and safe adjunct in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris.
Lymecycline ; Metformin ; Acne Vulgaris

INTRODUCTION: Exfoliative dermatitis is a potentially life- threatening inflammatory reaction that poses a significant risk for morbidity and mortality. Several underlying etiologies of this dermatologic condition include pre-existing dermatoses, drugs and malignancy. Although it is a common disease entity, local studies on exfoliative dermatitis published in literature are very limited. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study is to determine the epidemiological profile of patients with exfoliative dermatitis diagnosed at University of Santo Tomas Hospital Dermatology department from January 2008 to December 2012. METHODS: Inpatient and outpatient clinical records of patients diagnosed and treated as exfoliative dermatitis were retrieved. The prevalence, clinical presentation, history of previous dermatoses or use of any drugs/topical medications, family history and accompanying systemic symptoms were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients were included in this retrospective study. The prevalence among patients with exfoliative dermatitis in this study was computed at 1 per 1000 dermatologic patients. The highest number of cases belonged to the group aged seventy-one to seventy-nine (25.4%) with a mean age of 56.62 years. There was a male predilection (65.7%). Clinical presentation of patients included pruritus, generalized scaling and erythema, accompanied by bipedal edema (41.8%), chills (22.4%), fever (T ≥ 38 °C), lymphadenopathies (6%) and joint pains (4.5%). Several etiologic factors of exfoliative dermatitis recorded were: pre-existing dermatosis (67.2%), idiopathic or undetermined causes (19.4%), drug-induced (10.4%) and malignancy (3%). CONCLUSION: Exfoliative dermatitis is a condition more commonly found in the older age group. Pre-existing dermatoses, drugs and malignancy are etiologic factors. The most common pre-existing dermatosis causing exfoliative dermatitis in this study is psoriasis while the most implicated drug is allopurinol.
Dermatitis, Exfoliative

BACKGROUND: Several trials on relapse rates on duration of multibacillary regimens have varying results. OBJECTIVE: To compare the relapse rate among smear-positive Leprosy patients receiving 12 blister packs of multibacillary drug therapy and 24 blister packs of multibacillary drug therapy. METHOD: A review of records of smear positive Leprosy patients seen from 2002 to 2006 was done. Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data were collected. Bacteriologic index was determined from Leprosy Laboratory records. RESULT: A total of 391 patients were found to have complete records for review and analysis. Relapse rate was 11.9%(28) for patients who received 12 blister packs and 1.91%(3) for patients who received 24 blister packs and the difference was found to be statistically significant (p<0.01). Distribution of relapse was statistically significant according to age (p<0.01), bacteriologic index (p<0.01) and clinical spectrum (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Relapse rates shown among smear positive leprosy patients receiving 12 blister packs vs. those receiving 24 blister packs was statistically higher which differs from previously published studies. Significant predictors were clinical spectrum, bacteriologic index of >3.5, and >4 and number of blister packs.
Leprostatic Agents ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Leprosy ; Recurrence ; Chronic Disease

BACKGROUND: The novel COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 19) predisposes the general population to a high risk of infection. The 106 million population of the Philippines would be considered an at-risk group due to the high density of the populace in cities. As the situation in each country differs during this era of the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper aims to give practical recommendations for safe procedural dermatology practice in the Philippine setting after the lifting of the government-mandated quarantine. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among Philippine Dermatological Society members. The survey was sent electronically on March 22, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 466 or 42% of the PDS’s 1100 current members replied to the survey. The top 10 procedures performed among the respondents are: 1. Electrocautery (N=437, 94.38%), 2. Chemical peeling (N=422, 91.13%), 3. Laser & energy based device treatment (N= 341, 73.65%), 4. Botulinum toxin injection (N=323, 69.76%), 5. Excision (N=263, 56.80%), 6. Acne surgery (N=176, 38.01%), 7. Injectable Filler (N=171, 36.93%), 8. Cryotherapy (N=145, 31.32%), 9. Platelet rich plasma injection (N=111, 23.97%) and 10. Scar revision (N=85, 18.36%). The majority of the respondents have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks (N=457, 98.7%), face shields (57.67%), goggles (46.00%), protective gown (42.76%) and bonnets (32.83%). Before the government quarantine, the majority (N=375, 81.17%) of respondents see patients on a firstcome, first-serve system. Only 18.83% (N=87) see patients only by appointment. Regarding teledermatology, most respondents answered that they would advise patients to do digital consultation with only a minority responding they would not consider doing teledermatology. CONCLUSIONS: In the Philippine setting, the best ways to prevent COVID infection inthe procedural dermatology setting include: 1. Education of staff and patients on proper exposure prevention and sanitation measures. 2. Ensuring the correct usage of PPE. 3. Ensuring physical distancing and reducing patient wait times by scheduling visits on an appointment basis. 4. Sufficient protocols must be made for sanitation before and after each patient visit. 5. Teledermatology in pre-procedure consults and post-procedure follow-ups would reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission for both patient and physician.
Leprostatic Agents ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Leprosy ; Recurrence ; Chronic Disease

This is a case of an 18-year-old Filipino female with no known comorbidities, who presented with a three-year history of recurrent erythematous papules, vesicles, and nodules over her bilateral side of the chin. She was initially managed as a case of infected acne vulgaris, and was given oral antibiotics such as Cloxacillin, Rifampicin, and Clarithromycin, but with minimal improvement. She was then referred to Dermatology service for further evaluation. A 3-mm skin punch biopsy on an erythematous nodule on the left chin was done, and histopathologic findings were diffuse eosinophilic infiltrates, exhibiting flame figures admixed with few lymphocytes and neutrophils, consistent with Wells’ syndrome, otherwise known as eosinophilic cellulitis. Serology also revealed elevated IgE level at 949.2 IU/mL but normal eosinophil count. Patient was then given oral corticosteroid for eight weeks, resulting in complete resolution of lesions and no residual scarring.
Wells syndrome ; Cellulitis ; Eosinophilia

INTRODUCTION: Pigmented contact dermatitis (PCD) is characterized by non-eczematous pigmentation associated with contact sensitizers, usually without any active or preceding pruritus and erythema. PCD was first described by Riehl, who identified patients with brown to gray facial pigmentation concentrated on the face most commonly associated with sensitizing chemical such as cosmetics, fragrances, and textiles. CASE REPORT: This is a case of a 48-year-old female Filipino who presents with blue-grey to brown patches on the forehead of 1-year duration with no significant pathologic history. Clinical examination, dermoscopy and histology were consistent with a variant of pigmented contact dermatitis known as Riehl melanosis. Since anamnesis was unremarkable, patch testing was done to identify the contact allergen triggering the symptom. Results obtained a positive reaction to nickel, potassium dichromate, and textile dye. CONCLUSION:Treatment includes the elimination of trigger factors, hence the importance of patch testing in the investigation of its cause. Alongside adequate photoprotection, a combination treatment of 1,064 nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, 20% tricholoacetic acid (TCA) peel and oral retinoids, were found safe and effective in the management of facial melanosis. Three-dimensional imaging and dermoscopy were utilized to obtain a more standard and objective pre- and post-treatment comparison.
Lasers, Solid-State ; Patch Tests ; Melanosis ; Skin Abnormalities ; Dermatitis, Contact

INTRODUCTION: Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare neutrophilic dermatoses in children of unknown etiology. Its occurrence may be associated with a systemic condition. In most cases, diagnosis is late and treatment is sometimes refractory to conventional therapies especially if the underlying disorder is undetected. CASE REPORT: A 3-year-old Filipino male presented with a one-year history of extensive ulcers over the nape, chest, back and lower extremities which started as a solitary painful pustule over the right gluteal area. Central healing was observed with cribriform scarring. Patient was previously treated as a case of skin infection without success. Significant laboratory findings showed severe anemia, neutrophilia, increased ferritin and increased ESR. Initial hemoglobin electrophoresis showed normal profile with mild microcytic anemia. Bacterial culture and ANA (anti-nuclear antigen) were negative. A course of oral prednisone (1-2mkd) and dapsone (2mkd) were given for a month with no improvement of the lesions. Folic acid alone was started at 5mg per day for anemia. After 2 weeks, lesions significantly improved. Three years later, upon repeat hemoglobin electrophoresis test, patient was diagnosed with alpha-thalassemia trait. Folic acid was given as mainstay therapy. Lesions healed with characteristic cribriform scarring. CONCLUSION: This is a rare case of a Filipino child who initially manifested with pyoderma gangrenosum and eventually diagnosed with alpha-thalassemia trait. Due to serious cosmetic sequelae of pyoderma gangrenosum, it is important to find and treat the underlying systemic disorder to stop progression of this debilitating and disfiguring dermatosis
Pyoderma Gangrenosum ; alpha-Thalassemia ; Ulcer ; beta-Thalassemia ; Family

INTRODUCTION: Linear IgA bullous disease (LABD) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease characterized by subepithelial bullae and linear IgA deposition along the basement membrane zone of the epidermis. Lesions present as pruritic papulovesicles and tense bullae which may coalesce forming annular or polycyclic urticarial plaques with blistering on the edge of the lesions forming the classic “string of pearls” sign. Lesions may affect the face, trunk, and extensor extremities. Incidence rates range from 0.5 to 2.3 cases per million individuals per year. Due to its rare occurrence, there are only a fewdocumented reports on cases of LABD, particularly in the Filipino population. CASE REPORT: A 33 year-old Filipino female consulted because of a 3-week history of severely pruritic vesicles and crusts on the face, trunk, and arms. Patient noted no gastrointestinal symptoms on consultation. Skin punch biopsy revealed subepidermal blisters with collection of neutrophils at the dermal papillae. Direct immunofluorescence showed strong (+2) deposits of linear IgA at the dermo- epidermal junction in perilesional skin thus validating the diagnosis. The patient’s serum was negative for IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase and IgA antiendomysial antibodies. Patient was treated with topical corticosteroids and Dapsone 50 mgs OD with remarkable improvement. CONCLUSION: Linear IgA bullous disease has very few reported cases especially in the Philippine setting. Dapsone is considered the first-line treatment. The disease may persist for a decade or longer, and relapses may occur. Careful history-taking accompanied by the histological, immunofluorescence, and serological findings must be done to ensure proper treatment and good prognosis.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis ; Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis ; Immunoglobulin A

INTRODUCTION: Norwegian or crusted scabies is a rare and highly contagious form of skin parasitosis caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. Individuals maffffinly affected are considered to be immunocompromised such as those on prolonged glucocorticosteroid therapy, with AIDS or organ transplant patients. This disease presents as a hyperkeratotic dermatosis with an acral distribution. CASE REPORT: This is a case of a 2-month-old healthy Filipino male, who was previously managed as a case of miliaria rubra and treated with clobetasol 0.05% – ketoconazole 2% cream for 1 week. The papules and plaques became widespread. Consult with a pediatrician revealed widespread scabies and for which patient was prescribed topical permethrin with no improvement. On examination, patient presented with multiple erythematous papules and plaques with crusts on the face, trunk, extremities, palms and soles. Thickened yellowish plaques were observed on the palms and soles. Both parents also presented with widespread papules most prominent on the flexural areas accompanied by nocturnal pruritus. On dermoscopy, numerous mites and burrows were seen in a “jet with contrail pattern.” Prominent yellowish scales were also noted. Patient was admitted due to fever and superimposed bacterial infection and was given IV oxacillin, paracetamol, 8% precipitated sulfur in a hypoallergenic lotion applied twice daily and sodium fusidate ointment. On the 4th hospital day, the patient was afebrile and the lesions were noted to decrease in both erythema and crusting. Follow-up dermoscopy revealed absence scales, burrows and mites. CONCLUSION: Prolonged, unsupervised use of topical corticosteroids in our case most likely induced an immunocompromised state thus predisposing the patient to develop Norwegian scabies. In countries were cases of Norwegian scabies have been unresponsive to permethrin and when ivermectin is not available, the use of precipitated sulfur may still be the best therapeutic and safest option for infants.
Infant ; Scabies ; Mometasone Furoate ; Anti-Allergic Agents ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones