Background: Superficial fungal infection is among the most common reasons for dermatologic consultation. The essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) exhibits antifungal activity. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of 10% lemongrass oil with 1% clotrimazole solution in treating tinea corporis and tinea cruris in terms of complete cure and adverse events. Methods: Ninety-six patients clinically and mycologically diagnosed with tinea corporis and/or tinea cruris were assigned randomly to apply either 10% lemongrass oil or 1% clotrimazole solution twice daily for 4 weeks. Clinical and mycologic evaluations were conducted at baseline, and weekly up to 2 weeks post-therapy. Complete cure was achieved if there was clinical and mycologic cure at 4 weeks, Results: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of complete cure at four weeks between the two groups (p=1.0, Fisher's exact test). There was no recurrence 2 weeks post-treatment in both groups. Erythema and burning sebsation from the application of lemongrass were observed in two patients. Conclusion: This randomized controlled trial showed that 10% lemongrass oil was effective as 1% clotrimazole solution in treating tinea corporis and tinea cruris based on clinical, mycologic and complete cure.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Child Preschool: 2-5 Yrs Old ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs O ; Cymbopogon

Calciphylaxis is a rare condition primarily occurring in patients with end-stage renal disease and involving mural calcification of small vessels. It has a high mortality rate, with death in the majority of cases occurring from sepsis. Most cases are characterized by rapid progression of tender subcutaneous nodules or cutaneous plaques to epidermal necrosis. The condition is still poorly understood. This is a report of two cases, both females, 50 and 51 years of age, with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis respectively, three times a week. They presented with tender patches and plaques with subsequent development of eschars and ulceration. Biopsies confirmed the presence of calcification within vessel walls in the subcutis. They were both managed conservatively with proper wound care and surgical debridement but eventually expired after a few months.

Human ; Biopsy ; Calcinosis ; Calciphylaxis ; Debridement ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Peritoneal Dialysis ; Renal Dialysis ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Sepsis