Habitual Scratching among atopic dermatitis patients linked to increased disease Severity: Study

According to a new study habitual scratching was prevalent across patients of all levels of atopic dermatitis (AD) severity and was linked to greater disease severity, emphasizing the need to recognize and manage unconscious scratching as part of holistic atopic dermatitis care.

Scratching is one of the most disruptive features of atopic dermatitis. It not only worsens inflammation but also damages the protective barrier of the skin, making the condition harder to control. While scratching is often thought to be a direct response to itching, many people affected by atopic dermatitis also develop a different behavior known as habitual scratching. This form of scratching is repetitive, unconscious, and can occur even when there is no itch. Until recently, little was known about how common this behavior is among patients in Japan and how it might influence the course of the disease. A new study set out to explore this question by examining both adults and children who had been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Information was gathered through health records and a nationwide questionnaire that asked patients and caregivers about scratching behaviors and recent disease activity. The researchers were particularly interested in whether patients engaged in scratching without feeling itchy and whether they scratched in ways they did not even notice until it was pointed out to them. Disease severity was measured using a patient-focused tool designed to capture symptoms and their impact on daily life. The findings showed that habitual scratching was widespread in both children and adults. Many individuals described scratching even when they did not experience itch, while others reported scratching automatically without awareness. Importantly, these behaviors were more common in people whose atopic dermatitis was more severe. This suggests that unconscious scratching is not just a by-product of the disease but may be closely tied to its intensity and persistence. The researchers concluded that habitual scratching deserves more attention in the management of atopic dermatitis. Recognizing and addressing this behavior could help improve treatment outcomes, as ongoing scratching worsens inflammation and delays healing. They recommended that clinicians, patients, and caregivers work together to develop strategies for noticing and reducing unconscious scratching as part of comprehensive care.

Keywords:

Atopic dermatitis, habitual scratching, itch–scratch cycle, disease severity, pruritus, dermatology, skin barrier dysfunction, holistic care, Nakahara, T., Noto, S., Matsukawa, 

Reference:
Nakahara, T., Noto, S., Matsukawa, M. et al. Habitual Scratching in Atopic Dermatitis and Its Association with Disease Severity: Findings from Japanese Health Insurance Claims and App-Based Data. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-025-01525-9

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SDF Treatment Superior in Arresting Early Approximal Caries: Study

Researchers have found in a new randomized, triple-blinded clinical trial that silver diamine fluoride (SDF) was more effective in halting initial approximal caries lesions in adults during the first six months of treatment. This offers significant disease-control benefits for high-risk patients presenting with multiple early lesions, providing a minimally invasive option for managing dental decay.

The study, published in Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics (Jaradat et al., 2025), involved adults with early interproximal lesions who were randomly assigned to receive either SDF or a placebo. Lesions were evaluated at six- and twelve-month intervals using bitewing radiographs, digital subtraction radiography (DSR), and histogram analysis of subtraction radiographs (HA). Results showed that while over 90% of lesions in both groups were arrested over 12 months, the SDF-treated lesions performed significantly better during the first six months when assessed using DSR. By the 12-month mark, differences between the groups were no longer statistically significant, but the early benefit highlights SDF’s effectiveness in rapid intervention for lesion control.

What this really means is that SDF can serve as a simple, low-cost, and minimally invasive strategy for arresting early interproximal decay, particularly in adults at high risk for multiple lesions. By stopping the progression of early caries, dental practitioners can reduce the need for more invasive restorations and improve long-term oral health outcomes. The authors also note that while the short-term benefits are clear, further studies are needed to confirm sustained efficacy beyond a year and to explore optimized application protocols. For patients, this study reinforces the importance of early detection and treatment of interproximal lesions, which are often difficult to manage and frequently go unnoticed until more advanced decay develops. Clinicians may consider incorporating SDF into preventive care plans for high-risk adults to enhance early caries control and minimize future restorative needs.

Reference: Jaradat, M., Kolker, J., Owais, A., Guzman-Armstrong, S., Haes, A., Anamali, S., Comnick, C., Zeng, E., & Kanellis, M. (2025). Silver diamine fluoride effectiveness in arresting initial approximal caries lesions in adults: A triple-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, 28(9), 892–898. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12440336/

Keywords: silver diamine fluoride, approximal caries, minimal intervention, subtraction radiography, dental disease control, Jaradat, Journal of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics.

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SSRIs in Pregnancy may Affect Maternal Care giving behavior, Not Offspring Cognition, reveals study

Findings from a new study show that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use during pregnancy and lactation may alter maternal caregiving behaviors but does not impair offspring cognition. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine, are widely prescribed for the treatment of depression and anxiety in women of reproductive age, including during pregnancy. Concerns about potential risks for neurodevelopmental impairment in children have often complicated treatment decisions, leading to hesitation among patients and clinicians.

The study offers important clarification by indicating that while maternal behaviors related to caregiving may be influenced by exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during the perinatal period, offspring cognitive abilities remain unaffected. Maternal caregiving encompasses essential interactions such as attentiveness, emotional responsiveness, and nurturing practices, all of which are critical for healthy child development.

Pharmacological modulation of serotonin systems during pregnancy may influence these behaviors, underscoring the importance of monitoring and supporting maternal-infant bonding in women undergoing pharmacological treatment. At the same time, the absence of measurable adverse effects on offspring learning, memory, and cognitive performance provides reassurance regarding long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

This distinction helps shift the clinical conversation from concerns about irreversible cognitive harm in children to a more practical focus on supporting maternal caregiving capacity. Untreated maternal depression itself carries significant risks, including reduced caregiving quality and poorer child outcomes, highlighting the necessity of balancing risks and benefits when considering treatment options. The findings encourage clinicians to take an integrative approach, combining pharmacological management with psychosocial support strategies that reinforce maternal caregiving behaviors. Further longitudinal research will be important to understand whether early behavioral changes in mothers translate into long-term psychosocial impacts on offspring.

Overall, the evidence suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors remain a viable therapeutic option during pregnancy, provided maternal support systems are emphasized as part of comprehensive perinatal care.

Keywords: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fluoxetine, pregnancy, lactation, maternal caregiving, offspring cognition, perinatal depression, child development

Reference:
Prado-Rivera MA, Ebbing JJ, Yurova M, Olivier JDA. Perinatal fluoxetine exposure does not impair cognition in offspring. Behavioural Brain Research. 2026;496:115812. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2025.115812

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Health crisis in a bottle: Rajasthan govt bans cough syrup batch after patients fall ill in Bharatpur, Sikar

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) has imposed a ban on the distribution and use of a batch of cough syrup following reports of adverse reactions in Bharatpur and Sikar districts.

Patients reported alarming symptoms, including vomiting, drowsiness, anxiety, dizziness, restlessness, and even unconsciousness, after taking the medication.

Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar directed RMSCL to conduct an urgent probe and take immediate action upon receiving the complaints. Acting swiftly, RMSCL suspended the use of the Dextromethorphan HBr Syrup IP 13.5mg/5ml (Batch No. 440) pending test results.

Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, Gayatri Rathore, confirmed that statutory samples were collected by Drug Control Officers and forwarded to the State Drug Testing Laboratory for quality analysis. She said further steps will be taken once the test results are available.

As per IANS, RMSCL has also ordered a ban on 19 other batches of the same drug supplied by the concerned manufacturer. RMSCL Managing Director Pukhraj Sain emphasised that strict quality control procedures are in place under the Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme.

Every drug batch supplied is first tested in approved laboratories, and only medicines meeting prescribed standards are released for hospital use. If any batch fails, it is barred from distribution. In cases where complaints are received, drugs are retested at the State Drug Testing Laboratory to ensure public safety. Officials stressed that public health remains the government’s top priority and assured that necessary regulatory action will follow based on laboratory findings.

Patients have been advised to immediately discontinue use of the affected batches until further notice. The incident has raised concerns over drug safety standards, but authorities have reiterated their commitment to strict monitoring and swift corrective measures to protect patients.

A 5-year-old child died after reportedly consuming cough syrup supplied under the government’s free medicine scheme in Sikar district. The family alleged that the child, identified as Nityansh, stopped breathing immediately after taking the dose.

Similar incidents have surfaced in Srimadhopur and Bharatpur. In Sikar, three children reportedly fell ill after consuming the same cough syrup. In Bharatpur, even a doctor who examined the children later experienced health complications after consuming the medicine.

The most recent case occurred in Khori Brahmanan village of Sikar, where Nityansh’s family claims that the cough syrup provided at a government hospital was directly responsible for his sudden death.

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56 MBBS students of Darbhanga Medical College booked amid row over alleged ban on exams, hostel stay

Darbhanga: 56 MBBS students of Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) have reportedly been booked for protesting against what they termed as ”arbitrary” academic decisions. According to the Careers360 report, they were opposing the alleged ban on exams, classes, and stay in hostels.

The students have alleged that “false” First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against them.

According to the students, the issue arose when the college administration barred around 60-70 students from appearing for the sent-up examinations despite their 75% attendance recorded on the biometric app.

Also Read: ‘Assaulted, blackmailed’- MBBS student alleges ragging, 3 medicos booked

Careers 360 has reported that the stand-off between the DMC management and students escalated after an order was issued by the principal announcing that all classes for 2021, 2023, and 2024 MBBS batches had been cancelled and the medical students would not be allowed to stay in the hospital.

Thereafter, a meeting was held on September 26 with the department heads and the college authorities decided that the girl students enrolled in MBBS 2025 batch would be allowed to stay in the hostel as well as attend classes. Meanwhile, it was also decided that the MBBS students of the 2022 batch would be allowed to attend classes and stay in the hostel from October 7. Regarding the MBBS students of the 2023 and 2024 batches, it was decided that they could appear for the University’s written, departmental, practical and oral examinations while staying outside the DMC hostel.

“All classes for the 2021, 2023, and 2024 batches are cancelled until further notice, and they will not be allowed to stay in the hostel. Therefore, all concerned students are directed to ensure compliance with the above decisions and will be responsible for any action taken against them in the future if they do not follow these rules,” read the notification.

The students started protesting against this decision and consequently, the college administration lodged FIRs against them, the students alleged.

“This is not just an attack on students — it is an attack on the future of medical education and an attempt to silence genuine voices. Criminalizing young medical students for demanding their rights is unacceptable and sets a dangerous precedent,” remarked the medicos.

The Daily has reported that the students have demanded immediate withdrawal of the false FIRs against 56 DMCH students, fair treatment in academics by allowing them to take exams, and accountability of the administration for “misusing” power against students.

“Doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system. Today’s students are tomorrow’s healers. If they are silenced, harassed, and criminalized, what future does healthcare in Bihar hold?” asked the medicos.

Also Read: J P Nadda inaugurates 210-bed super speciality block at Darbhanga Medical College Hospital

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Telangana HC seeks response on hospitals’ plea over biomedical waste fee

Private hospitals in the state have taken their fight against the new bio-medical waste fee system to the Telangana High Court. The petitioners alleged that the system unfairly penalises bedded facilities while non-bedded institutions pay strictly in proportion to the waste they generate.

While hearing the matter, a division bench comprising Justices Abhinand Kumar Shavili and Vakiti Ramakrishna Reddy directed the state and central governments, along with the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) and the Central Pollution Control Board, to respond to the plea filed by private hospitals and doctors’ bodies regarding bio-medical waste charges.

For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:

Telangana HC issues notice on hospitals’ plea over biomedical waste fee

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Philippines MD degree not compliant with NMC FMGL regulations- Students raise concerns, seek NMC, Govt intervention

Alleging that the medical education programme in the Philippines does not comply with the three major Foreign Medical Graduates Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations 2021, a group of students has sought intervention from the Union Health Ministry and the National Medical Commission (NMC).

The appeal has been addressed to the Union Health Minister, External Affairs Minister, Home Minister, officials of the National Medical Commission (NMC), state medical councils, and the Embassy of India in Manila. It has also been sent to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) officials in the Philippines, including its Legal and International Affairs Directors.

For more details, check out the full story on the link mentioned below:

Philippines MD degree not compliant with NMC FMGL regulations- Students allege violations, seek NMC, Govt intervention

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Former AIIMS Rishikesh Director booked over alleged irregularities

Rishikesh: The Uttarakhand Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered an FIR against the former director of AIIMS Rishikesh and three others for alleged financial irregularities in the establishment of a Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at the institute.

The tender for the 16-bed CCU project was floated in December 2017, but it is still incomplete.

Apart from the former director of the institute, two other FIRs have been registered against the then additional professor, Radiation Oncology, AIIMS Rishikesh, and the then store keeper-cum-clerk of the institute, ACB sources said, news agency PTI reported. 

Also Read:AIIMS Rishikesh doctor distributes sweets after Pahalgam attack, booked

The fourth FIR has been registered against unidentified public servants and private persons, they said.

They were booked under different sections of the IPC, including 120B (criminal conspiracy), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), 409 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property) and section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (public servant accepting undue advantage, such as a bribe, etc).

It has been found that the accused abused their official position, conspired with Delhi-based contractor-supplier Puneet Sharma and did him undue favours to cheat the AIIMS Rishikesh and caused wrongful loss to it to the tune of Rs 2,73,29,355.

The accused also made corresponding wrongful gains in the process, the ACB sources said.

The FIRs, which were lodged on September 26, followed raids conducted by the CBI and ACB at AIIMS, Rishikesh, in connection with the case, during which many irregularities and documentary discrepancies were found, reports PTI.

As per a media report in The Indian Express, in the FIR, the CBI said that a payment of Rs 8.08 crore was released to the contractor/supplier of a Delhi-based company on November 1, 2019 and January 13, 2020, by the AIIMS, Rishikesh, against “contingent bill no 1 and 2”. In 2022, the CBI registered two separate cases against faculty members of AIIMS-Rishikesh and private companies for alleged corruption in setting up of a chemist shop on the AIIMS campus, among other malpractices.

The construction of the CCU, in whose name all the alleged wrongful transactions were done with the involvement of the top functionaries of AIIMS, Rishikesh, is still incomplete.

Also Read:AIIMS Rishikesh doctor ends life, note cites dissatisfaction with life

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Lupin bags USFDA approval for Rivaroxaban for Oral Suspension for thromboprophylaxis in pediatric patients

Mumbai: Global pharma major Lupin Limited has announced that it
has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its Abbreviated
New Drug Application (ANDA) for Rivaroxaban for Oral Suspension, 1 mg/mL which is bioequivalent to Xarelto for Oral Suspension, 1 mg/mL of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The product will be manufactured at Lupin’s
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility in India.
Rivaroxaban for Oral Suspension is indicated for:
• Treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and reduction in the risk of recurrent VTE in pediatric
patients from birth to less than 18 years after at least 5 days of initial parenteral anticoagulant
treatment.
Read also: Lupin Gets Expert Committee Nod To Conduct Phase I Trial of Certolizumab Pegol, IGRA TB Test Made Mandatory
• Treatment of thromboprophylaxis in pediatric patients 2 years and older with congenital heart disease
after the Fontan procedure.

In addition to the oral suspension approval, Lupin received approval for its ANDAs for 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg strengths of Rivaroxaban Tablets USP in May.

Read also: Lupin Rivaroxaban Tablets approved by USFDA

Rivaroxaban for Oral Suspension, 1 mg/mL (RLD Xarelto) had estimated annual sales of USD 11 million
in the U.S. (IQVIA MAT July 2025).
Lupin Limited is a global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Mumbai, India, with products distributed in
over 100 markets. Lupin specializes in pharmaceutical products, including branded and generic formulations,
complex generics, biotechnology products, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The company has a strong position in India and the U.S. across multiple
therapy areas, including respiratory, cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, gastrointestinal, central
nervous system, and women’s health. Lupin has 15 state-of-the-art manufacturing sites and 7 research centers
globally.
Read also: Lupin Gets Expert Committee Nod To Conduct Phase I Trial of Certolizumab Pegol, IGRA TB Test Made Mandatory

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Andhra Pradesh PHC doctors announce hunger strike from October 3

Vijayawada: Upset and frustrated over the government’s continued ignorance towards their basic demands, doctors working at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state have announced a hunger strike on October 3, suspending outpatient services if their demands, on issues such as promotions, allowances, increments, and other service-related concerns, are not addressed.   

Calling the doctors’ demands ‘unjustifiable’, the health department has deployed doctors from district and teaching hospitals to the PHCs to ensure zero disruption in providing medical services to the patients. The department has also urged the doctors to resume their duties and call off the strike. 

This comes after talks between the doctors and the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare failed to yield a resolution. Recently, the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare invited APPHCDA leaders for a discussion regarding their concerns. However, when the meeting did not yield any results, the doctors decided to intensify their protest. 

Also read- Andhra Pradesh doctor suspended over patient death at PHC

Doctors under the Andhra Pradesh Primary Health Centres Doctors Association (APPHCDA) recently submitted a strike notice to the Director of Public Health, Dr P Padma Sasidhar, and higher authorities, giving the government a five-day window to address their demands before launching agitation.

The association has planned a series of protests, including sit-ins at the district centres on September 30, October 1, and 2, to step up pressure on the government.

“Our demands are genuine and repeatedly ignored. Without immediate resolution, we will escalate with a hunger strike in Vijayawada beginning on October 3,” APPHCDA President Ravindra Naik told PTI.

He said that for 2025–26, the in-service PG quota was reduced to 15 per cent in only seven branches, compared to 20 per cent across all branches last year.

The doctors have demanded a uniform 15 per cent in-service quota across all specialities for the next three years to ensure fairness for Primary Health Centre (PHC) doctors pursuing postgraduate courses.

Another demand is time-bound promotions, noting that PHC doctors have served 20 years without advancement. In comparison, District Speciality Hospital (Andhra Pradesh Vaidya Vidhana Parishad) doctors were promoted within just three years of service.

The association also highlighted the absence of tribal allowances for PHC doctors working in remote forest areas, while District Speciality Hospital doctors have been receiving these benefits for two years.

Further demands include a mobile medical services allowance and other service-related issues, the association said.

However, the state government mentioned that a recent GO has allotted 15% clinical and 30% non-clinical PG seats for in-service doctors. Therefore, the government claimed that the protest is unjust. Approximately 1,000 PG doctors will join duties from November, vacancies in secondary hospitals will be filled by 2027, and teaching hospitals by 2028, said the government. 

In case the doctors continue with their hunger strike on October 3, the services at the PHCs will be severely hit, as 1 lakh patients a day on average, particularly in rural and tribal areas, receive their treatment from these centres, report TNIE. 

To ensure that the centres run smoothly without disruption, the health department deployed 1,014 PG students, senior residents, and MBBS tutors, and 1,017 MBBS doctors from other hospitals to the PHCs. 

Also read- Madras HC rejects plea for doctor’s appointment at PHC, says it’s a departmental matter

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