IADVL Postgraduate Thesis topic bank proposed by SIGs (IADVL Academy) - (2022)

The thesis topics are compiled by the respective SIG. These are only ideas and not well-formed research questions and are required to be modified by the researchers as per the feasibility and relevance. Researchers are advised to select appropriate methodology too.

SIG Aesthetics

1. MNRF with PRP vs MNRF in striae – A comparative, clinico- histopathological study.
2. The efficacy of PRF or Biofiller in Acne scars – A clinicohistopathological study with grading of scars.
3. Dermal threads vs 5% minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia
4. Botulinum toxin vs Microneedle Radiofrequency in axillary hyperhidrosis – A comparative assessment
5. PRP vs tranexamic acid mesotherapy – A split face comparative study
6. Scar revision outcome analysis with and without botulinum toxin
7. DLQI of patients attending aesthetics clinic

SIG Dermatology Clinical Research

1. Randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of intralesional vitamin D versus cryotherapy in the treatment of verruca vulgaris
2. A randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of intradermal MMR versus 10% KOH in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children
3. A randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of topical timolol versus oral propranolol in the treatment of infantile hemangioma
4. A randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of oral cochicine versus oral isotretinoin in the treatment of lichen planus pigmentosus
5. A randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of oral Cyclosporine versus oral corticosteroids in the treatment of atopic eczema
6. A randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy and safety of daily oral corticosteroids versus mini-pulse in the treatment of rapidly progressive non-segmental vitiligo
7. Risk factors for STI in CSWs/ MSM/ STI clinic attendees
8. Prevalence of acquired ichthyosis in diabetes and its relationship with systemic complications
9. Costing of care in pemphigus
10. Comparison of quality of life / expenses in various treatments in psoriasis.
11. Prevalence and outcome of telogen effluvium in primi gravida
12. Quality of life outcomes in acne vulgaris
13. Assessment of insulin resistance and metabolic panel in psoriasis, acne, acne inversa, AGA, vitiligo.
14. RCT comparing the efficacy and safety of excimer vs targeted broad band UV B in the treatment of focal, non-segmental vitiligo
15. Dermoscopy in topical steroid damaged face
16. Validating a severity score in TSDF
17. RCT – microneedling vs MNRF for acne scars
18. RCT – microneedling vs MNRF for striae
19. RCT single wavelength vs combination lasers in hair removal
20. Risk factors for development of infantile hemangioma
21. Assessment of neuropsychatric manifestations in atopic eczema
22. Quality of life in patients with alopecia areata
23. ACE receptors in hair roots- Could that explain severe hair loss post Covid?
24. Sexual problems in patients suffering from genital psoriasis.
25. Topical tofacitinib for acral vitiligo
26. Compliance of treatment in acne patients - clinical factors
27. Efficacy and safety of DPCP in AA
28. Dermoscopy in follicular disorders
29. Oral minoxidil for AGA

SIG Dermatopathology

1. Dermoscopic and histopathologic correlation in lichen planus
2. Clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical study of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte subsets in lichen planus
3. Role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in differentiating conditions with interface dermatitis
4. Histopathological features of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
5. Clinicopathological correlation in connective tissue diseases and correlation with ANA titer
6. Study of clinical and histological features of pityriasis rosea, pityriasis lichenoides, guttate psoriasis: a comparative study
7. Clinical, histopathologic and immunofluorescence study in cutaneous amyloidosis
8. Clinico-dermoscopic-histopathological correlation of cicatricial alopecias
9. Clinico-immunopathological correlation in vasculitis
10. Study of T lymphocytes (CD4, CD8, regulatory cells), B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, FOXP3, TGF-β1 AND IL-10 mRNA levels in blood using real time PCR and expression of CD4, CD8, granzyme B, TGF- β1 and IL-10 in skin biopsy using IHC in vasculitis and their comparison post treatment
11. Invisible dermatoses: a histological spectrum (clinically invisible)/ True invisible dermatoses (clinical and histological), can CPC help?
12. Neutrophils in stratum corneum on an acanthotic epidermis: a spectrum
13. Dermoscopic-histologic correlation in vitiligo activity
14. Histopathological spectrum of cutaneous reactions to novel targeted chemotherapeutic agents
15. Clinico-histopathologic study of erythrodermas
16. Clinico-histopathological study of porokeratosis
17. Clinico-histopathological spectrum of panniculitis
18. Clinico-histopathological spectrum of allergic contact dermatitis
19. Clinico-histopathological correlation in prurigo nodularis
20. Clinico-histopathologic study of reactions to tattoos
21. Eosinophilic dermatoses: A clinical and histopathological spectrum
22. Correlation of BI in slit skin smears (SSS) versus histopathology
23. Sensitivity of earlobe SSS in patients with no clinical ear lobe thickening
24. Sensitivity of SSS vis a vis type of leprosy
25. Clinicopathological and radiological correlation in Hansen’s disease
26. Dermoscopic and histopathological correlation in various poles of leprosy: a prospective study
27. Macrophage differentiation (M1/M2) in different types of leprosy and correlation with treatment outcome
28. Role of B cells and plasma cells in leprosy
29. Role of regulatory T cells in leprosy and correlation with treatment outcome
30. Study of different types of granulomas in common granulomatous disorders
31. Clinico-histopathologic study of rash in secondary syphilis
32. Clinico-pathological correlation of subcutaneous/ deep fungal infections
33. Necrobiotic granulomas: A clinical and histopathological spectrum
34. IHC vs. DIF in immunobullous disorders
35. Clinico-histopathologic study of epidermolysis bullosa
36. Clinico-histopathologic and immunofluorescence study in dermatitis herpetiformis
37. Role of DIF in sub-epidermal bullous diseases
38. Dermoscopic-histologic correlation in skin tumors
39. Immunohistochemistry as an aid in the diagnosis of adnexal tumors
40. Comparative immune-histochemical studies for mycosis fungoides and parapsoriasis
41. Benign vs. malignant cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates: role of histopathology and immune-histochemical studies

SIG Dermoscopy

1. Dermoscopic in monitoring treatment of warts.
2. Dermoscopic and histological comparison of palmoplantar eczema and palmoplantar psoriasis.
3. Dermoscopy in noninfective granulomatous disorders.
4. Dermoscopic prognostic factors of alopecia areata in relation to intralesional triamcinolone actonide monotherapy.
5. A cross-sectional study of clinicodermoscopic features of various causes of pigmentation of the face of middle-aged individuals (acanthosis/ postinflammatory hyperpigmentation/amyloidosis/melasma/ maturational hyperpigmentation).
6. Comparative dermoscopic study of alopecia areata and trichotillomania.
7. Dermoscopic features of cutaneous T cell lymphoma - a cross-sectional study.
8. Clinico-dermoscopic and histopathological correlation in nail tumors.
9. Therapeutic monitoring of scabies treatment by dermoscopy.
10. Clinical and dermoscopic features of palmoplantar keratodermas.
11. A clinical and dermoscopic study of inflammatory follicular disorders.
12. Onychoscopy to evaluate treatment response in onychomycosis.
13. Dermoscopy to evaluate treatment response in rosacea/ demodicosis.
14. Clinico-dermoscopic study of topical steroid damaged facies (TSDF).
15. Clinicodermoscopic assessment of facial aging - a comparison between males and females.
16. Role of dermoscopy in assessing therapeutic response to tacrolimus or topical clobetasol in limited alopecia areata.
17. Role of dermoscopy in differentiating guttate vitiligo, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis and guttate lichen sclerosus.
18. A longitudnal study to delineate specific signs of alopecia areata across the subtypes - Acute, chronic, patchy, total. (histological correlation if feasible)
19. Dermatoscopic features of macular amyloidosis.

SIG Dermatosurgery

1. Surgical intervention in keloids and relapse rates
2. Dermaroller vs Fractional CO2 laser with/without PRP in acne scars (split face study)
3. Nail biopsy success rate in diagnosis
4. Radio frequency subcision vs subcision in acne scars
5. Platelet rich fibrin efficacy in periorbital wrinkles
6. Intralesional triamcinolone with or without dermaroller in alopecia areata
7. Dermaroller with or without PRP in split scalp trials for AGA
8. Comparative study of different vitiligo surgeries on bilateral lesions
9. Comparison of PRP preparation with different techniques to assess platelet counts
10. Potential scarification of scalp with multiple PRP sessions and its effect on results of hair transplant

SIG Female Genital Dermatoses

1. Study on Psychological morbidity in vulvar pruritus
2. Study of sexual dysfunction in cases of painful genital conditions
3. Pediatric vulvar dermatoses- etiopathogenic and clinical study
4. Clinical and etiological study of vulvovaginal itching
5. Clinical and etiological study of inflammatory vulvar dermatoses
6. Assessment of female sexual dysfunction and quality of life in females with chronic vulvar dermatoses
7. Clinical and etiopathogenic study of vulvovaginal discharge
8. Questionnaire based study on genital hygiene practices in women with and without chronic vulvar dermatoses

SIG Lasers

1. Combined effect of MNRF and Fractional CO2 Laser in moderate to severe acne scars
2. Effect of fractional CO2 in hypertrophic scar
3. Fractional CO2 or erbium YAG laser in Tentative cuts
4. Comparative study of effect of nail lacquer versus fractional CO2 laser in onychomycosis
5. Q switched versus LP Nd YAG laser in onychomycosis
6. MNRF in Androgenetic alopecia
7. Q switched and YAG for the treatment of Xanthelesma palpebrum.
8. Ultra pulse co2 laser versus Q switched Nd YAG for mole removal comparative study
9. Efficacy of fractional co2 laser (vaginal probe ) for vaginal tightening
10. Combination of Fractional CO2 and PRP in stable non-segmental vitiligo.
11. Combined fractional and q switched Nd Yag lasers for tattoo removal
12. Combination of Q switched Nd Yag and long pulse Nd Yag for Beckers nevus
13. Fractional Mnrf Vs co2 laser split face study
14. Q switched nd yag laser vs co2 and q switched combined for tattoos
15. Co2 laser efficacy in keloids
16. CO2 laser plus PRP efficacy in striae
17. Laser hair reduction in skin of colour.
18. Treatment of Spider Veins Using 810 nm Diode Laser
19. Difficult to treat scars management with combination therapy.
20. A comparative study of q switched ndYag + fractional CO2 versus Q switched ndyag alone for tattoo removal
21. Comparative study of triple wavelength hair removal laser low fluence multiple pass to high fluence single pass
22. Treatment of hidradenitis suppurative with lasers
23. Laser treatment of Acne keloidalis nuchae
24. Treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa with lasers
25. Laser treatment of Acne keloidalis nuchae
26. Laser treatment for periorbital melanosis
27. Laser treatment for Lip pigmentation
28. Comparative study of Fractional CO2 laser v/s LP/QSw Nd:YAG laser for for the treatment of Onycomycosis.
29. Comparative study of Fractional CO2 v/s MNRF for striae.
30. Q SW Nd:YAG v/s combination of Fractional CO2 + Q Sw NdYAG for Nevus if Ota
31. Comparative study of pin point CO2 laser v/s intralesional RF for papular acne scars.
32. Efficiency of Gold Toning + topical Clindamycin for acne v/s only Gold toning.
33. Fractional Nd:YAG for melasma
34. Q SW Nd:YAG v/s arginine peel for periorbital hypermelanosis

SIG Leprosy

1. Assessing effectiveness of alternative drug regimes in Leprosy
2. High frequency ultrasound to study the changes in nerve pre and post treatment
3. Comparative histopathology of skin and nerve in leprosy patients
4. Study of oxidative stress in lepra reaction
5. Observational study on ocular changes in leprosy in the post elimination era
6. Assessing effectiveness of prophylactic prednisolone vs therapeutic prednisolone for leprosy neuropathy
7. Use of Immunofluorescence microscopy (Rhodamine-O) staining Vs Slit skin smear for Acid fast bacilli
8. Efficacy of alternative antimicrobials in the treatment of leprosy
9. Assessing efficacy of chemoprophylaxis/immunoprophylaxis in leprosy
10. Psychosocial burden in leprosy
11. Social stigma and leprosy
12. Dermatoscopic evaluation of cutaneous lesions of leprosy
13. Nutritional assessment of patients with leprosy
14. Clinical and histopathological evaluation of safety, efficacy, tolerability of current three drug MDT PB regimen vs the two-drug regime in paucibacillary Hansen's disease
15. Plantar arch assessment in patients with plantar hypoesthesia and trophic ulcers in Leprosy
16. An exploratory study of Microbiomes in plantar ulcers
17. Study of Grade 2 disabilities in new leprosy patients
18. Study of grade 2 disabilities in childhood leprosy
19. Study of childhood leprosy in a Dermatology OPD over 1 year period
20. Study of leprosy in elderly leprosy patients > 60 years of age
21. Study of residual deformities and disabilities in Released From Treatment (RFT) patients
22. A study of benefits of use of EMLA cream before performing slit skin smears in suspected leprosy patients
23. Clinical and histological study of BB leprosy and its annular / ring shaped lesions
24. Use of different regimens/ schedules of prednisolone in type 1 reactions in leprosy patients
25. Study of use of thalidomide in type 2 reactions, its dosage, tolerability and adverse effects
26. Slit skin smear examination in MB leprosy: inter-site variations
27. Use of MiP vaccine as adjuvant in MB leprosy- clinico-histologial study
28. Dermatoscopic study of clofazimine induced pigmentation
29. Study of facial lesions in leprosy patients
30. Study of use of SW filaments in sensory assessment in young v/s older leprosy patients
31. Use of cosmetic camouflage in facial leprosy patches for improving Life quality index

SIG Neglected tropical diseases

1. Study on type of cutaneous tuberculosis and its dermoscopic features
2. Comparative study on oral ivermectin + topical ivermectin and oral ivermectin + topical permethrin in scabies and ivermectin alone
3. Secondary bacterial infection in scabies patients and its determinants
4. Incidence and clinical characteristics of childhood leprosy. Observational study in tertiary care hospital
5. Histopathological patterns of cutaneous tuberculosis
6. Histopathological study of Cutaneous leishmaniasis
7. Dermatological manifestations in lymphatic filariasis and their management
8. Clinical, microbiological (smears and culture) and histopathological characteristics of subcutaneous mycosis and mycetoma
9. Positivity rate of LD bodies in cutaneous leishmaniasis tissue smear and factors modifying it
10. To study the patterns of treatment response and multi-drug resistance in late / non-responders to first line anti-tubercular treatment in cutaneous tuberculosis
11. Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility testing in subcutaneous mycoses
12. Comparison of tissue culture and polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of atypical mycobacterial infections
13. Apremilast in type 2 Lepra reaction
14. Azathioprine in type 2 lepra reaction
15. Factors affecting Grade 2 disability in leprosy
16. Comparison of IL-17 levels among leprosy patients with and without reaction

SIG Pediatric Dermatology

1. Comparative study of efficacy of topical Ozenoxacin versus Mupirocin in Impetigo Contagiosa
2. Efficacy and Safety of Apremilast in childhood Alopecia Areata
3. Spectrum of Ocular changes in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis : A Observational study
4. Comparative study on PRP versus ILS in pediatric Alopecia Areata
5. RCT on the safety and efficacy of Bilastine vs Levocetrizine in Chronic spontaneous Urticaria
6. RCT on JAK inhibitor Tofacitinib vs conventional OMP in the management of Childhood Vitiligo
7. Clinico epidemiological profile of Psychocutaneous Disorders in Adolescence
8. Dermoscopic and Histopathological correlation in Pediatric Psoriasis
9. Clinical, dermoscopic and epidemiological study of alopecia in pediatric age group.
10. Spectrum of nutritional dermatoses in pediatric age group
11. Spectrum of SCAR - severe cutaneous ADR in pediatric group
12. Clinical and investigative study of Autoimmune Connective Tissue Disorders in pediatric age group
13. PPD verses Vit D3 injections in warts in peadiatric pts, comparitive study

SIG Pigmentary diseases

1. Suction blister graft versus excimer for acro facial lip vitiligo
2. Dermascopy in ADMH
3. A clinico-histopathologic and dermoscopic correlation of facial melanosis
4. Patch test in facial melanosis
5. Endocrinal profile of progressive vitiligo

SIG Pruritus

1. To evaluate the burden of chronic pruritus in cancer patients in an oncology center
2. Clinical and immune-pathological study of chronic pruritus in geriatric population
3. Study of genital itch in patients attending dermatology and gynecology outpatient department in a tertiary care center
4. Clinico epidemiological study of scalp pruritus
5. Clinical and immune-pathological study of chronic prurigo
6. Post herpetic itch - A clinico epidemiological study
7. To evaluate association of hematological parameters with severity of itch in chronic pruritus of non dermatological origin
8. Pruritus ani: A clinico-investigative study

SIG Psoriasis

1. Lipid Accumulation Product Index as Visceral Obesity Indicator in Psoriasis
2. Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Psoriasis Patients and its Relation to Disease Duration
3. Atherogenic index of plasma in psoriasis patients
4. C-reactive protein and cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis.
5. Dyslipidaemia & oxidative stress in patients of psoriasis
6. Comprehensive lipid tetrad index as a marker for increased cardiovascular risk in psoriasis
7. Methotrexate vs Apremilast in treatment of palmoplantar psoriasis
8. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and anti- cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in nail psoriasis
9. Coexistence of onychomycosis in psoriatic nails
10. Alcoholism in psoriasis
11. Comorbidities in childhood psoriasis
12. Renal dysfunction in chronic plaque psoriasis
13. USG evaluation of enthesial thickness in psoriasis patients
14. Mometasone Vs Mometasone + Tazarotene in management of limited lesions of plaque psoriasis
15. Incidence of Co-morbidities in patients having moderate psoriasis (PASI>5)
16. Comparative study of therapeutic response with oral systemic drugs in patients with moderate psoriasis ( metho, Acetretin, cyclosporine, alert,tofacitinib) 10-15 patients in each group
17. Correlation between histopathologic and dermoscopic findings in various types of psoriasis
18. Comparison of NBUVB VS NBUVB plus Apremilast in moderate to severe psoriasis- an observational study
19. Evaluation of serum “THYMIC STROMAL LYMPHOPOIETIN (TSLP) in Psoriasis patients in comparison to controls- a case-control study
20. Correlation of CXCL 10 and PEST (Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool ) in patients of Psoriasis-A prospective study
21. Study of health-related Quality of life in moderate to severe psoriasis pediatric age group
22. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of Apremilast in refractory scalp psoriasis-A prospective study

SIG Recalcitrant Dermatophytoses

1. Correlation of MIC levels, mutations with clinical response to Antifungals
2. Role of immunity  in extensive,  atypical and aggressive  Dermatophytosis
3. Intra familial cases
4. Clinico-mycological study of the association of onychomycosis with chronic dermatophytosis versus naive cases of dermatophytosis
5. Clinical, dermoscopic and mycological study of tinea pseudo imbricata
6. Clinical epidemiological and mycological study of dermatophytosis in children
7. Clinical epidemiological and mycological study of dermatophytosis in pregnancy
8. Adverse drug reactions to oral antifungal drugs
9. Prevalence of atopy in chronic dermatophytosis
10. The sensitivity of oral antifungals in immunocompetent versus immunosuppressed individuals
11. Treatment response when oral terbinafine is combined with topical terbinafine versus oral terbinafine with azole topical
12. Resistance studies vis a vis species of dermatophyte

SIG Trichology & hair transplant

1. Comparison of PRP VS IPRF -split scalp prospective study
2. Finasteride vs Dutasteride in patterned hair loss
3. Tofacitinib in alopecia areata, comparative analysis of 5mg vs 10mg vs 20mg
4. Comparative study of Topical minoxidil with finasteride vs dutasteride lotion