Bullous Impetigo With Hypopyon in Adiabetic Adult Female

A 50 year old diabetic female was admitted with symptoms suggestive of angina pectoris. A dermatology reference was made in view of her cutaneous lesions. On enquiry, she had a history of slightly painful, multiple, pus filled lesions in her groin, lower abdomen and axilla, since 3 days. There was no history of fever. On examination, she had a few, non-tender, thin-roofed flaccid bullae filled with pus on an erythematous base, of size varying from 3 to 5 cm. These lesions showed a characteristic hypopyon formation. There were multiplesatellite follicular pustules as well. Healing lesions with collarette scaling were seen alongside (Figure 1). There was no regional lymphadenopathy. Fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels were 356 and 450mg/dl, respectively. Blood and urine ketone levels were normal.Her serum creatinine was 1.4 mg/dl. Hemogram with differential count was normal. Serum immunoglobulins and complement levels were normal. A pus culture revealed growth of Staphylococcus aureus phage type 55, sensitive to azithromycin, cloxacillin, methicillin, and cephalexin. A nasal swab showed no growth. She was started on Cephalexin 500mg twice a day and 2% mupirocin cream twice a day for a week which led to complete clearance of all the lesions.

Bullous impetigo is a bacterial pyoderma seen mainly in infants and young children. It is caused by group II phage types 55, 71 and 77 Staphylococcus aureus, which produce exfoliative toxins (ETs). ETs are serine proteases which cleave desmoglein directly 1and induce intraepidermal subgranular acantholysis, leading to blister formation. Hematogenous dissemination of ETs from a primary focus of infection can lead to the development of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS). The rarity of these disorders in adults is primarily due to a superior capacity to metabolize and excrete the toxin, as well as more efficient immune capabilities.2Diabetes mellitus is associated with an enhanced risk of infections, sometimes with an increased severity. Some of these may be potentially serious and associated with a greater risk of complications.3 Staphylococcus aureus infections may occur with greater frequency among patients with diabetes mellitus.4 Bacterial infections can worsen glycemic control and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.5

This case illustrates how impaired host resistance can lead to the development of uncommon types of bacterial infections in adults. She had a high blood sugar level with poor renal function which probably led to the characteristic manifestation seen normally in children. Such patientsare at an increased risk of developing SSSS.

Bullous Impetigo

 

References:
1) Yasushi Hanakawa, John R. Stanley. Mechanisms of Blister Formation by Staphylococcal Toxins. J Biochem 2004;136(6):747-750.
2) Peter M. Elias, Peter Fritsch, Ervin H. Epstein, Jr. Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome: Clinical Features, Pathogenesis, and Recent Microbiological and Biochemical Developments. Arch Dermatol 1977;113(2):207-219.
3) Nirmal Joshi, Gregory M. Caputo, Michael R. Weitekamp, A.W. Karchmer. Infections in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. N Engl J Med 1999;341:1906-1912.
4) Breen JD, Karchmer AW.
Staphylococcus aureus infections in diabetic patients. Infect Dis Clin North Am 1995;9(1):11-24.
5) Elie Azoulay, Sylvie Chevret, Judith Didier, Segolene Neuville, Michel Barboteu, Caroline Bornstain, et al. Infection as a Trigger of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Intensive Care—Unit Patients.Clin Infect Dis 2001;32(1):30-35.

Chanarin-Dorfman Syndrome: The Enormous Value of a Simple Peripheral Blood Smears in Ichthyosis Saving Time & Money

Abstract:

Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome (CDS) is a rare nonlysosomal autosomal recessive neutrophil lipid storage disorder characterized by deposition of cytoplasmic neutral lipid droplets in many cell types. It is clinically characterized by nonbullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, hepatomegaly, myopathy, ataxia, neurosensory hearing loss and varying developmental delay. A peripheral blood smear showing lipid droplets in granulocytes is highly suggestive of the diagnosis.

Case Report:

A 14 month old, developmentally normal for age male child, born out of second degree consanguineous marriage presented to us with complaints of upper abdominal distension for three weeks, dry skin with peeling since neonatal period and strabismus. On examination the child had generalized ichthyosis and hepatomegaly. There was no ataxia, nystagmus, or deafness or clinical signs of peripheral neuropathy or myopathy. Similar skin lesions were present in his cousin. We considered the differentials of non-bullous congenital icthyosiform erythroderma, lamellar ichthyosis and Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome.

On investigation peripheral blood smear revealed presence of vacuolated neutrophils (Jordan’s anomaly). Liver enzymes were mildly elevated (alanine transaminase 93 IU/L and aspartate transaminase 112 IU/L) with normal bilirubin levels. Lipid profile was normal. Liver biopsy showed macrovesicular steatosis with features of cirrhosis and steatohepatitis. Skin biopsy was consistent with nonbullous icthyosiform erythroderma with presence of vacuolated keratinocytes and vacuolated cells in eccrine gland. The skeletal and ophthalmological evaluation was normal.

With these typical features a diagnosis of CDS was considered. Isotretinoin 10 mg twice a week and emollients were prescribed along with a diet rich in medium chain triglycerides and deficient in long chain fatty acids. Follow up of the patient at 4 and 8 weeks showed progressively significant improvement in cutaneous lesions and normalization of liver function tests. Thus, a simple peripheral blood smear should be done to rule out CDS in any child presenting with ichthyosis and systemic involvement.

Discussion:

Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder with deposition of cytoplasmic neutral lipid droplets in many cell types, in particular hepatocytes, keratinocytes and granulocytes.  CDS is characterized by nonbullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, hepatomegaly and varying degree of developmental delay. Muscle weakness (or myopathy), ataxia, neurosensory hearing loss, subcapsular cataracts and nystagmus can be present.1 Expression of the syndrome is variable, but the diagnosis can be easily confirmed by a peripheral blood smear, which shows lipid droplets in granulocytes, known as Jordan’s anomaly. 2 Mutations in the ABHD5 gene on chromosome 3p21 is the genetic defect responsible for CDS.3 Mutation of ABHD5 leads to deposition of triglycerides as lipid droplets in various organs due to loss of function of adipose triglyceride lipase enzyme.4,5 Our patient presented classically with congenital nonbullous icthyosiform erythroderma, hepatomegaly, strabismus and peripheral blood smear showed Jordan’s anomaly. Histopathological examination revealed deposition of lipid vacuoles in hepatocytes, keratinocytes, and eccrine glands.

 

References:

  1. Srebrnik A, Brenner S, Ilie B et al. Dorfman–Chanarin syndrome: morphologic studies and presentation of new cases. Am J Dermato-pathol 1998; 20:79–85.
  2. Rozenszajn L, Klajman A, Yaffe D et al. Jordan’s anomaly in white blood cells. Report Case Blood 1966; 28:258 – 265
  3. Emre S, Unver N, Evans SE et al. Molecular analysis of Chanarin–Dorfman syndrome (CDS) patients: identification of novel mutations in the ABHD5 gene. Eur J Med Genet 2010;53:141–4
  4. Dorfman ML, Hershko C, Eisenberg S et al. Ichthyosiform dermatosis with systemic lipidosis. Arch Dermatol 1974;110:261– 266.
  5. Lass A, Zimmermann R, Haemmerle G et al. Adipose triglyceride lipase-mediated lipolysis of cellular fat stores is activated by CGI-58 and defective in Chanarin–Dorfman Syndrome. Cell Metab 2006;3:309–19.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid – the name reflects its glassy appearance (the greek word for glass is hyalos) and the presence of sugar known as uronic acid.

Introduction

H.A. also called hyaluronan is anionic, nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan distributed widely throughout connecting, epithilian and neural
tissues. The average 70kg person has roughly 15gms of H.A. in the body, one-third of which is turned over (degraded and synthesized) every day. H.A. is an important component of articular cartilage, as a coat around each cell (chondrocyte). H. A. with other molecules form an aggregate which imbibes water and is responsible for the resilience of Cartilage. A lubricating role of H.A. in muscular connective tissues to enhance the sliding between adjacent tissue layers has been suggested. H.A. has many benefits and is one of the most interesting ingredients In skin care specifically. Naturally found in the body, H.A. appears freely in the dermis. H. A. is found at the periphery of the collagen and elastin fibers and at the interface of this type of fibers. H.A. appears to also play a role in keratinocyte differentiation and formation of lameller bodies via its interaction with cd44, a cell surface glycoprotein receptor with h.a. binding sites. H.A. secures moisture and creates fullness-youthful skin naturally abounds with H.A. In skin care, you can find H.A. creams, serums, injectables and H.A. supplements

Benefits of H.A. In Skin

As we age, skin moisture can drop significantly, which makes the skin
lose elasticity and expose the signs of aging on the skin. H.A. plays a critical role in skin health with its unique ability to hold moisture (1000 Ml of water per gram of H.A.) and hence it is excellent at plumping up and hydrating skin cells. Collagen the most abundant protein in the body is critical to the skin because it supports skin structure as a body.
Collagen declines the appearances of wrinkles and discoloration becomes more visible. maximizing collagen levels will keep skin supple. Primary cause of degeneration of the collagen network of skin is decreased levels of hydrated hyaluronic acid which supports the collagen network. Restoring H.A. plumps the skin cells and restores the moisture in all the tissues of the body. Thus H.A. contributes to the anti ageing benefits to the skin.

one of the most skin damaging elements are the UVB rays from the sun. h.a. benefits the skin as it protects the skin from UVB rays. (And Scavenging reactive oxygen species they generate), which can cause sun spots. H.A. Is also a “smart nutrient” as it can adjust its moisture absorption rate based on humidity-relative to the season and climate. Researchers have found H.A. supplementation to be directly correlated to measured increases in skin moisture. Microscopic skin surface analysis show increased skin smoothness, and amelioration of wrinkles, a lack of H.A. in body joints can set in process of the progressive wear and tear leading to cartilage destruction, joint pain reduced a flexibility and osteo arthritis. H.A. can help with healing because it provides cushioning between the joints that then enables cartilage to restabilize. Levels of H.A. have been found to be lower than normal in people suffering from dry eyes syndrome and there is justification in the use of this supplements for this concern as well as helping to alleviate vaginal dryness.

How to retain H.A. in the Body

U.V. radiation from the sun can cause skin cells to reduce their production of H.A. One can use specific foods and supplements to Increase the amount of H.A. in the body.
The foods high in H.A. are potatoes and other root vegetables such as carrots, and sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach. Asian vegetables such as imoji, koanyaku and satoimo also have high concentration of H.A.
H.A. is sensitive to heat and will be destroyed by cooking so it is better to eat the vegetables raw. H.A. is more effective when it has an abundant amount of water with which to bind hence it is recommended to drink plenty of water.
Oral supplements of H.A. can be taken. The F.D.A. has not established a minimum daily requirement for H.A. but a common recommended dosage is 200mg twice a day. Topical preparations can be used of H.A. to make the skin smoother And suppler.

H.A. Derma Fillers

H.A. fillers acts like an inflated cushion to support facial structures and tissues that may have lost its volume or elasticity due to normal ageing. It also brings water to the surface of the skin to keep it looking soft and supple. In the last few decades, various synthetic forms of H.A. have been developed and used to correct disorders in the fields of rhuematology, ophthalmology and wound repair. More recently, synthetic forms of H.A. are being manufactured for use in face augmentation. Hence h.a. is aptly called the’ fountain of youth.’

10 Tips For Happy Winter Skin

Winter time is coming and so living won’t be easy for our hair, skin and nails. Whipping winds, dry air and icy temps can really do a number on a soft skin and hair.  

Between your family and friends, you’ve probably had a lot of people giving you tips on how to take care of your skin during winter. Whether you decide to heed their particular advice or not, you must adjust your regimen during the cold-weather months.    

Here are some useful winter tips for you to keep in mind.

Avoid hot water:

Avoid hot water
Avoid hot water

Hot showers and baths always feel good in the winter, but when you can, particularly when just washing your face or hands; choose lukewarm water to avoid stripping as many oils away from the skin.

 

Moisturizer fact:

Moisturizer fact
Moisturizer fact

Your skin not only needs more moisture but moisture right after you wash. Moisturizer does not moisturize. Most formulas are a blend of water and emollients, but their role is really to prevent or slow moisture’s escape from the skin’s surface.

 

No heavy layer:

If you don’t want to take heavy layer on your face, consider a serum followed by a lighter-weight cream. The most potent part of any skincare ritual, serums consist of small molecules that the top layer of skin can absorb. Apply first, so your face cream can then serve as a protective barrier to trap the serum molecules against your skin.

 

Protect and warm yourself:

Protect and warm yourself
Protect and warm yourself

It’s easier to change your body temperature than room temperature, not to mention more eco-friendly. Instead of turning up the heat, put on another layer of clothing.

 

Chapped lips

Chapped lips
Chapped lips

The biggest problem of winter is chapped lips. Avoid licking your lips, instead use lip balm with at least SPF 15, this will help to heal cracked lips. 

 

Sunscreen is a must 

Sunscreen is a must
Sunscreen is a must

Sun is fun during winters, but it causes loads of damage to your skin. Therefore, make sure you apply a sunscreen 15 minutes before stepping out in the sun. (uvmed link)

 

Exfoliate

During winters, the varying temperature outdoors and indoors can have a major effect on the skin. While taking a shower, get into the habit of exfoliating with a loofah so as to remove layers of dead skin and make way for new healthy skin cells.

 

Consider ingredients:

When you go to buy products from the store, look at the ingredients list, glycerin, and mineral oil kokum butter are the excellent for tempering extreme dryness in winter. See ingredient details in the slideshow above. 

 

Hydrate from the inside out:

Hydrate from the inside out
Hydrate from the inside out

Eating food which hydrates your skin helps you to make your skin healthy in winter. Try watermelon, apples, oranges, kiwi and green and watery veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots. Get enough amounts of Vitamin C and zinc to support the healthy production of collagen and elastin. Also consider an omega-3 supplement to give your skin the building blocks it needs to appear supple and smooth.

 

Drink water:

 Drink water
Drink water

Don’t forget that your skin needs hydration from inside out, so drink plenty of water even in winter also. A little warm water with lemon     can be very refreshing and hydrating at the same time.  

Gandhi – The Great Leader

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

This one is the very common quote of Mahatma Gandhi. But if you feel the depth of this line, you will get what this uncommon man said in a very common way. Let’s take a look into his life to understanding this thing.

Mahatma Gandhi is universally accepted as an exemplary model of ethical and moral life, with a rare blending of personal and public life, the principles and practices, the immediate and the eternal.  Dr Albert Einstein famously said  on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 70th birthday that “Generations to come, it may well be, will scarce believe that such a man as this one ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth.”  Gandhiji was merely a freedom fighter, or a national leader, or a revolutionary, or a smart statesman?

Where complexities have increased many a fold, the steps and ways shown by Gandhiji are proving more and more relevant in today’s time.

 

Make a team of talented people

Make a team of talented people
Make a team of talented people

 One of the basic qualities of a smart leader is recognized talent. He discovers talent and keeps them with him on his side to discuss, understand, and seek reviews on the variety of issues. He shares his dream with them and converts it in a one shared dream for the entire team. 

 Gandhiji had a team of super talented and highly skilled people.  The team in a true sense was inspired by his dream and helped him in communicating his message to the mass. Gandhiji formulated strategies and his team successfully implemented them effectively across India. This made him very effective compared to any other leader in the world.

 

Honesty and transparency

Leadership starts from the very virtue of ‘honesty’.  Honesty automatically leads to transparency as an honest leader has nothing to hide from anyone.  Gandhiji’s honesty and transparency were beyond question. His life was an open book.  

 

Selfless Leader

Selfless Leader
Selfless Leader

He chose to lead the public for public’s own good purpose. 

A leader never thinks for his/her purpose only. He/she does anything for the mass. He/she thinks for others before thinking for own self.  He/she choose difficulties for own self.  

 

Inspire and motivate others and ensuring involvement of others

Inspire and motivate others and ensuring involvement of others
Inspire and motivate others

 Without a doubt, we can say that Gandhiji inspired the masses and other freedom fighters in India. Gandhiji knew that it would require the involvement of everyone in order to achieve success in the freedom struggle.  Hence, he introduced “the swadeshi movement, charkha, picketing of foreign goods, Dandy march, Satyagraha” etc and involved almost every Indian in his battle with all these programs.  It was possible that his leadership was based on self-reliance and non-cooperation, something everyone could adopt and feel that they were the part of the freedom struggle synergizing the common man.

 

Determination

Gandhiji believed in non-violence and peace. He was a freedom fighter but differed from other freedom fighters because of his determination. He never gave up and he never lost hope, even when his struggle met with failure. He didn’t let go of his belief in non-violence. 

 A determination is a very important point of leadership. As many times leaders have to face the failure or criticism but he/she should be firm in the mind what changes or revolution he/she wants to see in the society or business through his/her thoughts.

 

Showing by doing

Showing by doing
Showing by doing

 Mahatma Gandhi’s life itself is a textbook. He never asked anyone to do anything but he showed everyone how to do it. He is also a true role model for the new generation since he was himself an ideal example for everything he spoke and taught. He inspires because his life still shows the most beautiful picture of love, peace, honesty and truth. 

 Leaders are expected to show how to do things or how to make changes not just order people to do those things.  They create new ways; they see the problems in the society and find the solutions and then inspire people to walk on the new way.

 

Although Gandhi preached non-violence, compassion, truth, service and sacrifice in a different time and context, all of these ideas still apply. One look at the trouble and strife in the world and he/she could argue that more so than ever before.

In fact, these values should be integral to the way one lives his/her life and the way one does a business.

Why? Because business is an extension of one’s self. 

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that being successful in business requires focusing on profits, getting before one can give, beating the competition and aggressively pursuing what one wants at all costs.  

Of course action and self-effort are always required. But there is a way to do business that is based on service, being classy in how we deal with others, remaining authentic and letting ourselves be guided by the innate intelligence and creativity each of us possesses. 

Mahatma Gandhi remains the ultimate leader, from whose life and thought there is so much that every one of us can learn and try to absorb in our lives. 

How To Promote Hair Growth ?

Young or old, you love your hair, don’t you? Hair condition plays a vital role in styling your look. Have you resigned to the fact that your hair will take a decade to grow to the length you wanted to? Hair fall, damage, split ends, and dandruff is some of the common hair problems which lead to slow hair growth cycle. Not to worry, your desired growth can be achieved with right steps.  

  • Eat right

Eat Right

Diet plays important role in hair growth cycle, but it does wonders to your hair. Since hair is made up of protein, make sure you’re getting plenty of protein in your diet. A diet rich in protein will make your hair stronger, thus reducing hair fall and speeding up the process of hair growth. A diet rich in vitamins and proteins will help in hair growth. So, eat green leafy vegetables, eggs and dairy products in your diet.   

 

  • Maintain healthy lifestyle

Healthy Lifestyle

Your body acts like a finely-tuned machine, and certain things, like sleep, can help regenerate cells and promote overall health.  Severe cases of stress may stop the production of hair. On the other hand, when your body has enough nutrients and energy stored up so that it doesn’t need to focus on simply keeping you alive, it can devote resources to build up and protect your hair. Maintain a good diet and healthy lifestyle to maximize your body’s daily resources.

 

  • Treat your hair with right products

Right Products

If you’re trying to grow your hair, choosing right product is of utmost importance. Choose the shampoo like Fclin which gives the hair long-lasting moisturisation and nourishes hair hence enhancing the natural shine. Fclin shampoo has that formula which improves the manageability of the hair and improves the condition of damaged hair.  Use leave on hair serum like Trichoz for dry, tangled, frizzy and unmanageable hair and ideal to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.  It’s compatible with all hair growth treatments. Unique hair fiber sealing property -strengthens each hair stand.