Asian Journal of Research in Dermatological Science

Frequency and Associated Risk Factors of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire of Conakry, Guinea

2026-02-10T12:01:14+00:00

Introduction: Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is a strictly human virus (human herpesvirus 3) belonging to the Herpesviridae family and is responsible for chickenpox and herpes zoster. As varicella represents the primary infection, the incidence and severity of herpes zoster increase with age, particularly after 50 years. Although it affects a large number of people, the causes of VZV reactivation are not fully known.

Aim: The objective was to determine the hospital frequency of VZV infection as well as its risk factors in the Dermatology-STD Department of Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Donka.

Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from August 29, 2019, to February 29, 2020, including all patients diagnosed with varicella or herpes zoster and followed at the Dermatology–STD Department of CHU Donka. Patients were grouped into three groups: those suffering from chickenpox, those suffering from herpes zoster, and a control group free of disease. Data analysis was done using Epi Info software version 7.2. A bivariate analysis was performed, consisting of searching for associations between dependent and independent variables using relative risks (RR) and their confidence intervals. The significance level was set at a p-value < 0.05.

Results: During this study, 52 cases of VZV infection were collected out of a total of 1812 admissions in the Dermatology-STD department of CHU Donka. The mean age of patients was 48.03 years +/- standard deviation, and a male predominance was found with a sex ratio of 2.05. The hospital frequency of VZV was 3%, with 39 (2%) cases of herpes zoster and 13 (1%) cases of chickenpox. School-age children were the most represented for chickenpox (53.85%). A statistically significant link was found between chickenpox and age (p=0.001), origin (p=0.01), and overcrowding (p=0.001). A statistically significant link (p < 0.03) was also found between herpes zoster and age, HIV, active and passive smoking, weight loss, hypertension, stress and lack of sleep. Factors significantly associated with varicella were a history of contact, young age, overcrowding, and rural exodus. Factors significantly associated with herpes zoster were immunosenescence and immunodeficiency due to HIV. Other factors, including stress, lack of sleep, hypertension, weight loss, and smoking, were significantly associated with herpes zoster.

Conclusion: The frequency of VZV infection (3%) observed in the Dermatology–STD Department of CHU Donka is notable and concerning, as crowding for chickenpox and HIV/age for herpes zoster to these two conditions and may indicate a clinically relevant burden of varicella and herpes zoster in this population. The limitations of this study lie in the absence of paraclinical examinations as well as the size of our sample, which is relatively small. Therefore, further studies are needed to better understand the risk factors for VZV infection and its potential complications.

Reticular Alopecia Areata Associated with Thyroid Dysfunction: A Case Report

2026-03-04T08:58:41+00:00

Background: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that affects a significant number of people worldwide, characterized by sudden and unpredictable hair loss in specific areas of the scalp or body. Among its clinical variants is reticular alopecia areata, a reticulated or network-like pattern that can progress to more severe forms. It also shares genetic and immunological etiology with autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Clinical Case: We report the case of a 31-year-old male patient, Fitzpatrick skin phototype III/VI, with asymmetric dermatosis located on the bilateral scalp, characterized by multiple alopecia plaques with well-defined irregular borders of variable shapes and sizes, some of which converge and adopt a reticular distribution with smooth, shiny skin. Laboratory tests revealed suppressed TSH levels and positive anti-TSH receptor antibodies, consistent with Graves-Basedow disease.

Conclusions: It has been shown that the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases is significantly higher in patients with severe and refractory cases of alopecia areata, so it is important to remember to evaluate thyroid function and perform antithyroid antibodies in patients with moderate to severe clinical variants such as reticular alopecia areata.

Adult-Onset Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis with Secondary Infection: A Comprehensive Therapeutic Approach

2026-03-28T06:29:12+00:00

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD), a rare autoimmune blistering disorder, causes the accumulation of immunoglobulin A (IgA) throughout the basement membrane zone. Because it can affect both adults and children and sometimes mimics other vesiculobullous disorders, diagnosing the ailment can be difficult. We describe a 42-year-old woman who, for the previous four months, had been suffering from severely itchy vesiculobullous eruptions over her limbs and trunk. A clinical examination revealed tense vesicles and bullae arranged in circular patterns that mimicked the classic "string of pearls" appearance, along with little mucosal involvement. Direct immunofluorescence revealed a subepidermal blister with inflammatory cell infiltration and linear IgA deposition at the dermo epidermal interface, confirming the diagnosis of linear IgA bullous dermatosis. Laboratory tests also revealed evidence of secondary bacterial infection. The patient underwent topical medicine, corticosteroids, targeted antibiotics, and systemic dapsone treatment once glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency was ruled out. There was a discernible clinical improvement within two weeks, including a reduction in pruritus and a halt to the formation of new blisters. For the successful treatment of this rare autoimmune blistering illness, this example highlights the importance of early therapeutic intervention and clinicopathological linkage.

Successful Treatment of Chronic Ulcerative Facial Scar Using Multimodal Regenerative Therapy: A Case Report

2026-03-31T11:41:41+00:00

Aims: To report successful management of a chronic ulcerative facial scar following ablative laser therapy using multimodal regenerative treatment combining photobiomodulation and fractional laser.

Presentation of Case: A 29-year-old female presented with a 3 cm ulcerative scar on the left cheek secondary to undocumented ablative laser treatment. The lesion showed persistent granulation tissue, fibrinous exudate, and poor healing. Initial management included mechanical debridement to remove fibrin and necrotic debris, followed by surgical suturing to approximate the wound edges. A multimodal approach was implemented, consisting of four sessions of red and near-infrared light-emitting diode photobiomodulation therapy combined with five sessions of fractional ablative Erbium:YAG laser. This regimen resulted in approximately 80% clinical improvement, with the Vancouver Scar Scale decreasing from 11 to 2.

Discussion: Chronic ulcerative scars after ablative laser therapy remain uncommon but challenging, often resulting from prolonged inflammation, impaired re-epithelialization, and collagen disorganization. The combination of photobiomodulation and fractional Erbium:YAG laser likely promoted tissue regeneration through mitochondrial stimulation, reduced inflammation, enhanced angiogenesis, and controlled neocollagenesis. Photobiomodulation accelerates wound closure and modulates inflammatory pathways, while fractional laser induces microthermal zones that trigger collagen remodeling and scar maturation. This synergistic effect appears particularly effective for chronic ulcerative scars, offering a safe, non-invasive alternative to prolonged conservative care or more aggressive interventions.

Conclusion: Early multimodal therapy combining photobiomodulation and fractional ablative Erbium:YAG laser is highly effective for managing chronic ulcerative facial scars post-ablative laser, achieving rapid healing and excellent aesthetic outcomes.

Rare Coexistence of Heck’s Disease and Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis in an 11-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report

2026-04-10T11:27:30+00:00

Heck's disease is characterized by multiple, asymptomatic, soft papules on the oral mucosa, lips, and occasionally skin, commonly linked to Human papillomavirus HPV-13 and HPV-32. This report describes a case of a boy with coexisting Heck's disease and Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis (EDV), highlighting the clinical and histopathological findings. This study presents the case of an 11-year-old secondary school student who presented with a four-year history of recurrent, progressively generalised hypopigmented skin rashes associated with mild pruritus and photosensitivity. The lesions initially appeared on the neck and later became widespread. Histopathological examination of a skin punch biopsy revealed mild acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and keratinocytes with blue-grey cytoplasm and perinuclear halos, consistent with EDV. After being lost to follow-up, he returned 13 months later with no clinical improvement. Subsequent management included topical tretinoin and high-SPF sunscreen, along with counseling on disease chronicity and photoprotection. This case highlights the chronic, treatment-resistant nature of EDV and underscores the importance of long-term follow-up, access to therapy, and early specialist involvement in management.

Vildagliptin Induced Bullous Vasculitis: A Case Report with Causality Assessment

2026-04-15T12:46:59+00:00

Bullous vasculitis is a rare form of cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis characterized by blistering over inflamed skin. We report a 42-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had been on a vildagliptin-based oral antidiabetic regimen for six months. After discontinuing the medication on her own, 6 months after she developed bilateral lower limb swelling with painful ulcerations and bullae, which persisted in the setting of poor glycemic control. During hospitalization, rechallenge with vildagliptin led to a clear worsening of the lesions. The drug was subsequently withdrawn, following which gradual clinical improvement was observed. Histopathological findings were consistent with bullous leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Discontinuation of vildagliptin along with initiation of insulin therapy resulted in progressive healing of the ulcers. Causality assessment using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale suggested a probable association. This case highlights the importance of recognizing drug-related cutaneous.

Factors Associated with Negative Attitudes towards Albinism in Benin City, Nigeria

2026-02-07T10:36:58+00:00

Background: Albinism is a genetic condition that leads to a lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin, and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun. This condition affects people worldwide, regardless of gender or ethnicity. With the highest prevalence of Albinism in the world, Nigerians with Albinism are plagued with various vices inflicted as a result of wrong perceptions and other factors.

Aim: This study aimed to highlight the factors associated with negative attitudes towards albinism in Benin City, Nigeria.

Methodology: The study adopted a cross sectional study conducted in Oredo LGA, in Benin City, Nigeria. The study sample comprised of 260 participants through structured questionnaires. The study adopted a multistage sampling was employed to select the quarters and streets from the Oredo LGA, in Benin City, Edo State. Also a content validity was conducted on the questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted among 30 individuals in Delta State with a Cronch-bach alpha of 0.85, showing that the questionnaire is reliable. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical review board of the Edo State Ministry of Health. The data were analysed using the SPSS Version 26.

Results: The study revealed that majority of the participants have good knowledge (93.1%) and 56.2% had a positive attitude towards Albinism and Persons Living with Albinism [PWAs], Age, religion and level of education was observed to have a significant effect on the attitude of the participants towards PWA’s (P-value= 0.049, 0.004, 0.041), while the tribe and occupation of the participants had no significant effect on their attitudes towards PWA’s (P-value=0.178, 0.357).

Conclusion: The study revealed that the attitudes towards albinism among people in Benin City, Nigeria was marginally positive. The study shows that awareness is highly associated with the religious affiliation of respondents. The relationships between education, attitudes and awareness confirm the liberalizing effect of education on attitudes and general awareness of community-related issues.

Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reaction to Anti-Seizure Medications among Children in a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria: A Prospective Observational Study

2026-03-07T11:58:27+00:00

Background/Aim: Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are often used as the first line of treatment for seizure control in children with epilepsy. The management of epilepsy can be significantly hampered by an adverse drug reaction, which is a risk factor for poor drug adherence. This prospective observational study aims to determine the pattern of cutaneous adverse drug reaction (cADR) to ASMs among children in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted from 2023 to 2025 among children who developed cutaneous lesions following administration of ASMs for either epilepsy or other reasons in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Results: Anti-seizure medications were commenced in 256 children between 2023 and 2025; 28 (10.9%) reported cutaneous reactions. More males 19(67.9%) had cADRs than females (9; 32.1%). Cutaneous ADRs to ASMs were higher among those who were 10 years and below (70.0%). Most reactions occurred within the first week of commencing ASMs in 18(64.3%) participants. Carbamazepine, an aromatic ASM, accounts for 16 (53.6%) of cADR, followed by phenobarbital (17.9%) in 5 patients. The types of cADRs reported were maculopapular rashes in 19 (67.9%) patients, urticaria in 4 (14.3%), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in 2 (7.1%) patients, while fixed drug eruption and erythema multiforme occurred in 1 (3.6%) patient, respectively. Three (10.7%) patients were hospitalized following the cADR. No mortality was recorded.

Conclusion: Cutaneous adverse reaction to ASMs is not rare in children, with aromatic compounds, particularly carbamazepine, as the most common culprit. The younger age group was more affected, and most of the cADRs occurred within the first week of commencing ASMs. Physicians need to provide appropriate counselling to patients and their caregivers on the possible adverse drug reactions when prescribing ASMs. Also, routine follow-up visits should be scheduled for all patients commenced on a new ASMs, which allows for timely diagnosis and treatment of any resulting cutaneous adverse drug reactions.