Integumentary System Commons^™

The Absence Of Prophylactic Antibiotics Administration And The Surgical Site Infections Rate In Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Riva Ambardina Pradita, Larisa Paramitha Wibawa

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: The use of prophylactic antibiotics in dermatologic surgery, particularly in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), remains a gray area. Despite the low rate of surgical site infection (SSI), SSI can result in some significant morbidities. Thus, numerous dermatologists keep administering prophylactic antibiotics in MMS.

Method: A search was conducted to identify clinically significant topics followed by literature review through the main available medical literature database. The three selected studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were then critically assessed for their validity, importance, and applicability using the guidance from Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine for Critical Appraisal …

Case Series Of Primary Psychiatric Skin Disorders With Multi-Disciplinary Approach, Lusiana Lusiana, Rizky Lendi Prayogo, Shannaz Nadia Yusharyahya, Irma Bernadette S. Sitohang, Kusmarinah Bramono

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: The incidence of psychodermatologic diseases, a group of skin abnormalities associated with psychosomatic factor, are increasing recently. About 20-40% patients with skin symptoms have concurrent psychiatric problems which are often difficult to diagnose and treat. The new classification of primary psychiatric skin disorders are delusional disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and factitious disorders. This classification could be used for effective treatment in each patient which involves multi-disciplinary approach, including dermatology, psychiatry and other discipline if necessary.

Case Illustration: The first case was a 39-year-old unmarried female, with anemia and dermatitis artefacta occurred as wound due to …

Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy Combined With Topical Treatment For Vitiligo In 2 Geriatric Patients, Rinadewi Astriningrum, Lili Legiawati, Vivianne Chandrakesuma, Department Of Dermatology And Venereology, Faculty Of Medicine Universitas Indonesia – Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital Jakarta, Indonesia Shannaz Nadia Yusharyahya

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) become the mainstay of widespread vitiligo therapy due to its great efficacy and safety compared with other modalities. The use of NB-UVB for vitiligo has been widely studied in adult patients, while studies on geriatric patients specifically are still very limited. This report aims to show the immediate response after the initial treatment, side effects of therapy, and other problems that were encountered during therapy in two geriatric patients with vitiligo who have been followed up for more than 12 months.

Case Illustration: We reported two geriatric patients with vitiligo treated with NB-UVB …

Association Of Zinc Intake & Serum Zinc Levels With Acne Severity, Chintia Otami, Novita Chandra, Irma Bernadette S. Sitohang

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Recent studies have suggested the relationship between diet and acne, and zinc plays a role through its anti-inflammatory mechanism. This study aimed to determine the association between zinc intake and serum zinc levels with acne severity.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the difference in zinc intake and serum zinc levels with acne severity based on Indonesian Acne Expert Meeting (IAEM) criteria. Sixty patients with acne in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital were selected. The effect of zinc intake on acne severity was analyzed via unpaired T test, whereas the effect of serum zinc …

Validity And Reliability Of Melasma Quality Of Life Scale Questionnaire In Bahasa Indonesia For Female Patients, Rubby Aditya, Aida S. D. Hoemardani, Irma Bernadette, Levina Chandra, Rajesh Balkrisnan

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: At present, there is no questionnaire in Bahasa Indonesia to assess the quality of life of female patients with melasma. The aim of this study is to adapt the existing English questionnaire, MELASQOL, into Bahasa Indonesia, and to assess its validity and reliability.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study consisting of two stages. The initial stage is cross-cultural and language adaptation. The final stage is the validity and reliability test. The original MELASQOL questionnaire is in English and is adapted into Bahasa Indonesia according to the cross-cultural and language adaptation guidelines. The subjects were recruited from two …

The Association Between Blotting Paper Application And Severity Of Acne Vulgaris Among Medical Students, Ivana Beatrice Alberta, Melyawati Hermawan, Soegianto Ali

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous glands caused by various factors including excessive excretion of sebaceous glands. Excess sebum can be reduced using oil blotting paper (OBP), a thin paper with microspores that absorb the oil on the face. This study was conducted to determine the association between OBP application and sebum excretion according to the Oily Skin Self- Assessment Scale (OSSAS) questionnaire and acne severity according to the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) questionnaire.

Methods: This experimental study was conducted in 2017 among 60 students aged 17–22 years at the Faculty of Medicine, …

The Applicability Of Sonic Hedgehog In Mixed Type Basal Cell Carcinoma, Zahra Ayu Lukita Sari, Yulia Farida Yahya, Theresia Lumban Toruan

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin malignancy found in nonmelanoma skin cancer. There are multiple factors contribute to risks for BCC but the underlying mechanism is genetic alteration. The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway is implicated in the etiology of the most common BCC. We reported BCC nodular type in the tip of nasal region with increase SHH.

Case Illustration: 50 years old man, presented with hyperpigmented tumor on the nasal tip which easily bleed since 6 months ago. Dermatological examination: the tip of nasal region: a solitaire irregular immobile hyperpigmented tumor, with the size …

Nail Involvement In Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Diagnostic And Prognostic Clues, Sondang P. Sirait, Rahadi Rihatmadja, Rizky Lendl Prayogo, Riesye Arisanty, Gisca Melviana, Kuniaki Ohara

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Introduction: Despite its rarity, nail involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) may show various clinical presentations. This study aims to show the roles of nail involvement in LCH patients as the diagnostic and prognostic clues.
Case illustrations: We presented four cases of multisystem LCH in children which were already confirmed by skin biopsy with various nail abnormalities. We were able to perform nail biopsy in two patients and confirmed the nail involvement. Histopathological examination showed the infiltration of Langerhans cells characterized by indented/reniform nuclei and CD1a expressions. All patients had high-risk organ involvements.

Discussion: Langerhans cells may infiltrate …

Spontaneous Regression Of Divided Nevus Of The Eyelid Evaluated By Dermoscopy : Is It Hypopigmentation After Regression Or Vitiligo, Danang Tri Wahyudi, Izzah Aulia, Aida S. D. Hoemardani, Agassi Suseno Sutarjo

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Divided nevus, also known as “kissing nevus,” is a rare form of congenital melanocytic nevus that occurs on opposing margins of upper and lower eyelids. A paucity of literature on this rare anomaly exists, with most being case reports and series. Moreover, regression of this lesion was rarely reported.

Case Illustration: We present a rare case of congenital divided nevus of the eyelid that regressed after eight years, confirmed with dermoscopy. A six-year-old boy presented to the Dharmais National Cancer Hospital with two pigmented macules on the upper and lower right eyelid since birth. A year ago, …

A Case Of Ana-Negative Systemic Sclerosis Treated With Methylprednisolone, Carminda P. Rogacion, Veronica S, Uy, Reynaldo L. Ugalde, Emmerson Gale S. Vista

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Systemic sclerosis is a multi-systemic disease characterized by excessive fibrosis, inflammation, and vasculopathy. Common clinical features include skin thickening, telangiectasias, salt and pepper skin, beak-shaped nose, and microstomy. We report a case of ANA-negative systemic sclerosis in a male patient.

Case illustration: Our patient presented with a 10-month history of diffuse hyperpigmentation, skin tightening and decreased mouth aperture, accompanied by digital ulcers, hypopigmented macules and violaceous discoloration of the digits upon exposure to cold temperature. Punch biopsy done revealed mild acanthosis of the epidermis with basal cell layer hyperpigmentation, vacuolar alteration and thickening of the basement membrane …

Association Between Obesity And History Of Atopy With Atopic Dermatitis In Children: A Cross-Sectional Study, Putu Nila Wardhani Batan, Ariana Ariana, Made Wardhana

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has rapidly increased in the past 4 decades and has been mostly observed in children. The prevalence of obesity has also significantly increased worldwide, suggesting that the two conditions may be associated.

Methods: This retrospective analytic study involved a cross-sectional design and used secondary data taken from the medical record of patients who visited the Pediatric Dermatology Subdivision at Dermatology and Venereology Polyclinic Sanglah General Hospital from January 2015 to December 2015. Thirty-two samples were selected.

Results: The prevalence ratio of obesity among subjects with AD was 2.178 (95% CI …

Treatment Of Multibacillary Leprosy Following The Development Of Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome, Sudarsono Sudarsono

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: World Health Organization (WHO) multi-drug therapy (MDT) is the current standard treatment for leprosy. A wide range of frequency of adverse effects caused by MDT has been reported. Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) is a serious adverse effect caused by dapsone. Prompt withdrawal of dapsone is important aspect in the management of DHS. Alternative regimens are needed to treat leprosy patient with DHS.

Case Illustration: A 37-year-old man with multibacillary (MB) leprosy developed DHS in 39 days after the initiation of WHO MDT. Dapsone was withdrawn and methylprednisolone of 75 mg/day was prescribed. Twelve days after admission the …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Bacterial Vaginosis Among Female Sex Workers In Surakarta, Rini Hastuti, Danu Yuliarto, Agung Triana, Willa Damayanti, Rakhma Tri Irfanti, Mardiana Mardiana, Putti Fatiharani Dewi, Ambar Aliwardani, Ervianti Abas, Sulistyo Sulistyo, Prasetyadi Mawardi, Endra Yustin Ellistasari

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and increases the risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Data regarding the association between sexual activity and BV acquisition is contradictory. Thus, tracking the prevalence and associated risk factors of BV among female sex workers (FSWs) is necessary to improve our understanding and control of STDs and the HIV epidemic.

Methods: The subjects of this study were FSWs in Surakarta. This study adopted a cross-sectional design, and diagnosis was established using Amsel criteria. Interviews were conducted …

The Epidemiology Of Skin Cancer At Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital From 2014 To 2017, Larisa Paramitha Wibawa, Melody Febriana Andardewi, Inge Adi Kristanti, Riesye Arisanty

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing over the past decades globally. At present, there is no valid national cancer data in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the increment of skin cancer cases at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta.

Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, we evaluated all pigmented skin tumor cases from June 2014 to June 2017. Data were obtained from the Department of Anatomical Pathology and medical records at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital. Data were compared with previous reports.

Results: From 263 skin cancer cases, …

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Diagnosis And Management, Lusiana Lusiana, Hikari Ambara Sjakti, Githa Rahmayunita, Tjut Nurul Alam Jacoeb, Inge Ade Krisanti

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal clonal proliferation of Langerhans dendritic cells. The incidence of LCH is 1 to 3 cases per 1 million children worldwide, and occurs most frequently in children of 1–4 years of age. The etiopathogenesis of LCH, whether it is neoplastic or reactive, is still controversial. Langerhans cell histiocytosis has a wide spectrum of clinical features, and dermatological abnormalities usually occur early. The most frequent lesions are elevated yellowish-red translucent papules about 1–2 mm in diameter and generally located in seborrheic areas. The most recent classification (the Histiocyte Society study 2017) …

The Use Of Systemic Medications In Pediatric Dermatoses: A Review, Shanthi Narla, Githa Rahmayunita, Rinadewi Astriningrum, Tor Shwayder, Ariyati Yosi, Henry W. Lim

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Research has begun to illustrate a favorable efficacy and side-effect profile for many systemic agents used in pediatric dermatological conditions (i.e. atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, alopecia areata, chronic spontaneous urticaria, autoimmune blistering disorders, and hidradenitis suppurativa) despite not having extensive randomized clinical trials. The purpose of this article is to summarize the available data on the treatment regiments, safety, and efficacy of systemic immunosuppressants, including the newer biologics, focusing on the most up-to-date systematic reviews or randomized clinical trials. The review demonstrates that many of the present studies lack data on long-term efficacy and consist of small patient populations. Further …

Recurrent Basal Cell Carcinoma With Maxillary Bone Invasion, Adhimukti T. Sampurna, Eva Riani, Inge Ade Kristanti, Yayi Dwina, Kuniaki Ohara

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a malignant, slow growing, and locally invasive skin tumor. Advanced and neglected BCC may invade adjacent structures. The 5-year recurrence rates of facial BCCs are 4.1% after excision and 2.5% after Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS). The number of BCC cases invading the bones of the head and neck region is limited.

Case Illustration: A 75-year-old male complained of bleeding and ulcer enlargement on the right cheek expanding to the right nasal ala for 1 month. The patient had a history of an enlarged and painful lenticular nodule with a hyperpigmented spot that …

Ulcus Vulvae Acutum - A Rare Case, Irene Dorthy Santoso, Ika Anggraini, Wresti Indriatmi, Yudo Irawan, Hanny Nilasari, Melani Marissa, Sondang P. Sirait, Rahadi Rihatmadja

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Ulcus vulvae acutum, also known as Lipschütz ulcer, is a rare condition characterized by multiple, painful, and acute genital ulceration in young women without venereal infections, associated with systemic symptoms like malaise, fever, and inguinal lymphadenopathy.

Case Illustration: A 24-year-old woman developed multiple and painful vulvar ulcers that recurred for almost a year. The patient was primarily diagnosed and treated as genital herpes in several hospitals with only slight improvement and no complete healing. The patient came to our hospital for examinations to rule out sexually-transmitted infection (STI) (genital herpes, syphilis, HIV, and chancroid) and possibility of …

Clinical Diagnostic Matrix (Cdm) As A Tool To Diagnose Subtypes Of Epidermolysis Bullosa Cases In Children, Suci Widhiati, Benazier Marcella, Susanti Rosmala Dewi, Anggana Rafika Paramitasari, Endra Yustin Ellistari, Indah Julianto

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic skin disease characterized by trauma-induced blisters, which appear shortly after birth. Immunofluorescence antigen mapping and mutational analysis are essential for establishing an accurate diagnosis of EB. However, in limited resource settings like in Indonesia, such techniques are not always readily available, forcing many clinicians to diagnose EB based on clinical features alone that is often inaccurate. Recently, a novel clinical diagnostic matrix (CDM) tool has been developed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of EB in such settings.

Case Illustration: We examined clinical photographs and medical records of patients registered at …

Efficacy Of Inosine Pranobex As An Adjuvant Oral Therapy In Anogenital Warts: An Evidence-Based Case Report, Benny Nelson, Indina Sastrini, Lidwina Anissa, Patricsia Manalu, Peppy Fourina, Rahmaniar Desianti Kuraga, Wresti Indriatmi

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection and is an important etiological factor in genital cancer. HPV infection manifests in broad spectrum, from genital warts to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cancers. Genital warts remain a frequent problem in primary care. Current modalities provide unsatisfactory result in curing genital warts completely. To date, there are many convincing studies encouraging oral inosine pranobex as an adjuvant therapy to improve post-conventional therapy cure-rate.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of inosine pranobex as an adjuvant oral therapy in anogenital warts.

Methods: Literature search was performed using Pubmed, …

Recurrent Perianal Wart Therapy With 90% Trichloroacetate (Tca) Solution In Aids Patients, Sri Linuwih Sw Menaldi, Ika Anggraini, Hanny Nilasari

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Being the most commonly found sexually-transmitted infection (STI), anogenital warts are mainly caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) type 6 and 11. These infections are often recurrent, leading to loss of time and medical expenses. Various therapeutic modalities can be chosen singularly or in combination with varying results. Treatments with less responsive results usually occur when acquired comorbidities are present, such as HIV infection.

Case Illustration: A 28-year-old homosexual male was reported to have a recurrent perianal wart for the duration of eight months. He was also diagnosed with AIDS and pulmonary tuberculosis. Initially, patient was treated …

The Effect Of Face Washing Frequency On Acne Vulgaris Patients, Rini Hastuti, Etty Farida Mustifah, Imroatul Ulya, Muhammad Risman, Prasetyadi Mawardi

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Patients with acne often wash their faces twice a day, but there are not many studies supporting this practice.

Methods: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in 38 subjects, divided into three groups based on face washing frequency (once, twice, and thrice a day). All groups used the same cleanser. The acne vulgaris severity and the number of lesions were assessed prior to study. After eight weeks, we re-assessed the acne severity, the number of lesions, the adverse event and patient’s self-evaluation. SPSS 17 was used to analyze the face washing frequency and the number of …

Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome Overlaps Reversal Reaction In Leprosy Patient, Chesia Christiani Liuwan, Medhi Denisa, M Yulianto Listiawan

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infectious disease that primarily involves the skin and peripheral nerve and is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Clinical features may vary depending on the patient’s immune response. Reversal reaction due to increased immunity is common after treatment in patients with borderline leprosy. Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) is an adverse effect from dapsone therapy that may occur in 5-6 weeks to 6 months after initial treatment.

Case Illustration: A 47-year-old female complained of a spreading red patches on the skin of her trunk and extremities for three weeks duration. She also felt itchiness and …

Efficacy And Safety Of 5% Imiquimod Cream Compared To 10% Koh Solution For Elimination Of Molluscum Contagiosum Lesions In Adults, Marsha Bianti, Agung Muhammad Rheza, Arinda Marina, Rizka Farah Hilma, Sarah Mahri, Teffy Nuary, Rahadi Rihatmadja

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a benign infection caused by the Molluscipox virus that most often affects children and sexually active adolescents. Various topical therapeutic options are available, however, no single intervention is convincingly effective. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution is widely used but its usefulness is hampered with adverse effects. Newer preparation, 5% imiquimod cream seems to be as, if not more, effective. However, it is not legally available yet in Indonesia.

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of 5% imiquimod cream in treating adult molluscum contagiosum.

Methods: Literature search was done through Pubmed, EBSCO, dan …

Influence Of Demodex Mites On Life Quality Of Patients With Acne And Rosacea, Anzhela Kravchenko

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Ulcus vulvae acutum, also known as Lipschütz ulcer, is a rare condition characterized by multiple, painful, and acute genital ulceration in young women without venereal infections, associated with systemic symptoms like malaise, fever, and inguinal lymphadenopathy.

Case Illustration: A 24-year-old woman developed multiple and painful vulvar ulcers that recurred for almost a year. The patient was primarily diagnosed and treated as genital herpes in several hospitals with only slight improvement and no complete healing. The patient came to our hospital for examinations to rule out sexually-transmitted infection (STI) (genital herpes, syphilis, HIV, and chancroid) and possibility of …

Panniculectomy Performed In Conjunction With Gynecologic Surgery In The Morbidly Obese Patient - A Nsqip Analysis And Meta-Analysis Of The Literature, Shayoni Nag, Tirth Patel, Steven C. Bonawitz

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose: Panniculectomy is a common procedure in plastic surgery, often performed following massive weight loss and in morbidly obese patients. It can be performed in combination with various gynecologic procedures based on the rational that it will reduce complication rates.^{1, 2, 3} These studies fail to provide proof of these claims for reasons including study design and the lack of inclusion of both morbidly obese and non-morbidly obese patients. Recent medical practice has focused increasingly on minimizing patient morbidity and trends in reimbursement are moving towards penalizing practices which increase complications.

Methods/Results:We reviewed the NSQIP database to assess …

Human Anatomy And Physiology I: Course Map With Expected Learning Outcomes, Carlos Liachovitzky

Open Educational Resources

This document contains a list with all the Anatomy and Physiology I expected learning outcomes organized by topics, and grouped into ten units: 1. Introduction to A&P: body plan & organization; 2. Introduction to A&P: homeostasis; 3. The chemical level of organization; 4. Levels of organization: the cellular level of organization; 5. Levels of organization: the tissue level of organization; 6. Support and movement: integumentary system; 7. Support and movement: skeletal system & articulations; 8. Support and movement: muscular system; 9. Regulation, integration, and control: nervous system; 10. Regulation, integration, and control: special senses

Each learning outcome is referred to …

Eccrine Poroma: The Prominent Mimicker, Nahla Shihab, Inge Ade Kristanti, Adhimukti T. Sampurna, Larisa Paramitha Wibawa

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Eccrine poroma (EP) is an adnexal benign tumor arising from the eccrine duct epithelium. The appearance of EP can mimic benign and malignant skin tumors, thus often making the diagnosis delayed or inaccurate.

Case Illustration: We report two cases of EP, with clinical and dermoscopic features mimicking Bowen’s disease, verruca vulgaris, pyogenic granuloma, skin metastases of breast cancer, and amelanotic melanoma. Both patients were surgically excised and biopsied. Histopathology examination of both cases revealed eccrine poroma.

Discussion: Both cases showed similarity with the theories, that EP is most found in middle age population and its predilection …

Elevated Homeostatic Model Assessment Of Insulin Resistance Level Increases The Risk Of Acne, Stefani Nurhadi, Igaa Praharsini, Aagp Wiraguna

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Insulin resistance and high carbohydrate diets are currently considered to be influential in acne aetiology. Insulin is a hormone that does not only regulate the concentration of blood glucose but also affects the production of sebum and through the Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor stimulates androgen synthesis which will increase the proliferation of keratinocytes duct and the production of sebum in acne of the pilosebaceous.

Methods: This is a cross sectional observational analytic study involving 38 acne patients and 38 controls. This study aims to determine whether the increase in Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance …

Efficacy Of Low Level Laser Therapy In The Treatment Of Postherpetic Neuralgia, Lili Legiawati, Marsha Bianti

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of herpes zoster (HZ) and defined as pain that persists for more than 90 days after the onset of HZ rash. The chronic pain of PHN is debilitating and often associated with significant morbidity. It is a neuropathic pain and manifests as allodynia, hyperalgesia, or spontaneous pain. Although it is not considered to be life-threatening, sometime HZ is inadequately treated and may result in more severe PHN. Various treatment protocols for PHN are available; however, the result remains unsatisfactorily. The use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in pain management …