Epidemiology, clinical features, and associated factors in 78 cases of lichen planus on black skin.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of lichen planus (LP) is mostly autoimmune, while psychological and infectious factors are recognized to trigger or aggravate the disease. An association with diabetes is reported. Our objective was to determine the epidemio-clinical characteristics of LP and its associated factors. METHODS: This multicentric, prospective study was conducted over a 6-month period. The histopathology was only performed for atypical forms. Patients with a notion of drug intake before the rash were excluded. Anti-hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibodies screening was systematical in case of mucosal damage. The data were analyzed using the SPSS IBM 20 software. RESULTS: The average age was 38 years. Women represented 84.6% (n = 66) of the studied population. The patients were married in 61.5%. Obesity or overweight status was noted in 41%. A marital or relational conflict was found in 25.6%. History of LP was reported in 24.4% (n = 19). Pruritus was found in 96.2%. The locations were as follows: skin (97.4%), mucous membranes (15.4%), and hair and nails (5.1%). Lesions were diffuse in 56.4%. The clinical forms were as follows: typical (52.6%), erythematosquamous (17%), warty (14.5%), pigmented (14.5%), and blaschkolinear (one case). Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of LP in 91.4%. Blood sugar level was high in one case. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was positive in 3.03%. Anti-HIV and anti-HCV antibodies were negative. CONCLUSION: Lichen planus is a relatively rare disease in sub-Saharan Africa and is seen more in adults. The clinical manifestations are polymorphic, but the mucosal damage is rarely isolated.

[Epidemiological and anatomoclinical features of scalp tumors in black Africans]. / Aspects épidémiologiques et anatomo-cliniques des tumeurs du cuir chevelu chez le noir africain.

INTRODUCTION: In Senegal, the studies on scalp tumors are almost non-existent. The purpose of our study was to determine the epidemiological and anatomoclinical features of scalp tumors in dermatology. METHODS: We conducted a prospective descriptive and analytical study in both Department of Dermatology at Dakar over a period of 16 months (01 March 2014-30 June 2015). Histopathological examination was used to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: We collected data from the medical records of 36 patients, of whom 14 had malignant tumors and 22 benign tumors. Sex ratio was 1.1, the average age of patients with malignant tumors was 51 years while the average age of patients with benign tumors was 39 years. Hospitalization rate was 0.18%. The average time of consultation in patients with malignant tumors was 14 months, while in patients with benign tumors was 52 months. In 11 patients with malignant tumors, first treatment was based on traditional therapy. Malignant tumors included: squamous cell carcinoma (n=8), basal-cell carcinoma (n=3), lymphoma, hidradenocarcinoma and Darier-Ferrand dermatofibrosarcoma (one case for each type). Benign tumors included: botriomycoma (n=5), trichilemmal cyst, sebaceous hamartoma, cylindroma and lipoma (2 cases for each type), heloid, syringocystadenoma papilliferum, schwannoma, neurofibroma and nevus (one case for each type). Tumor malignancy was associated to ulcero-budding appearance (p=0.003), diameter >4 cm (p=0.05), pain (p=0.009) and bleeding (p= 0.006). CONCLUSION: Scalp tumors in black people are usually benign. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant form.

Behçet's disease in black skin. A retrospective study of 50 cases in Dakar.

INTRODUCTION: Although Behçet's disease is well-documented in Eastern populations, epidemiologic data in Sub-Saharan African population is scarce. The aim of this study was to define the epidemiologic and therapeutic aspects as well as clinical course of Behçet's disease in African black population. RESULTS: The study included 50 patients with Behçet's disease. The average age was 32 (18-67) years. A total of 31 patients were men and 19 were women. Two patients had a positive family history of Behçet's disease. The oral and genital aphthous lesions were present in 100% of patients. The pathergy test was positive in 16 patients (32%). Following skin conditions were observed: pseudofolliculitis in 15 patients (30%), acneiform papules in 6 patients (12%), erythema nodosum in 4 patients (8%) and leg ulcers in one patient. Ocular involvement was reported in 22 patients (44%) and joint involvement in 20 patients (40%). Neurological abnormalities were noted in 12 patients (24%). Gastrointestinal involvement with wide and deep ulcerations in the ileocecal region was observed in a patient. As treatment, a combination of oral corticosteroids and colchicine was used in 97% of our patients. Thalidomide was introduced in 3 patients and anticoagulation treatment in 19 patients. Clinical improvement was noted in 25 patients (50%), recurrence in 14 patients (28%) and 3 patients were lost to follow (6%). CONCLUSION: The Behçet's disease is not uncommon in black skin and generally affects young adults. Severe aphthous ulcers of the oral cavity and genital area are the most consistent finding.

[Evolution of autoantibodies profile in systemic lupus erythematosus according to age and clinical manifestations]. / Profil des réponses auto-anticorps suivant l'âge et la symptomatologie clinique chez des patients atteints de lupus érythémateux.

Clinical features and auto-antibodies profile of 35 Senegalese patients' diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were analyzed after measurement of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) by IFI, detection of Abs anti-DNA native by ELISA and evaluation of antibodies anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-SSA anti-SSB, anti-CCP2, anti-J0, and anti-Scl70 levels by immunodot. Mean age of 33 yrs (18-50 yrs) and sex ratio (F/M) of 16 were found. The most frequent clinical features were rheumatic (88.7%) and cutaneous (79.4%) disorders. ANA and anti-DNAn Abs were detected in 85.7% and 62.5% of the patients respectively. Abs anti-RNP, anti-Sm, anti-SSA, anti-SSB and anti-CCP2 were detected in 30 to 70% of patients. In young patients, the levels of anti-DNAn and anti-Sm Abs were higher than in patients older than 40 yrs (P<0.05). In addition, associations of cutaneous and rheumatic symptoms were characterized by high levels of anti-DNAn, anti-SSA and anti-SSB Abs. Our study shows the interest of a measurement of anti-DNAn, anti-SSA and anti-SSB Abs during the follow of SLE patients particularly in those presenting both rheumatic and cutaneous symptoms.

[Endemic Kaposi's sarcoma in Dakar: 29 cases]. / Maladie de kaposi endemique a Dakar: etude de 29 cas.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of data on endemic Kaposi's sarcoma in sub-Saharan Africa. The goal of this study was to clarify its epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects in that region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 7-years retrospective study, including all patients with endemic Kaposi's disease diagnosis was carried out. RESULTS: We identified 29 cases of endemic Kaposi's representing 1.2% of total hospitalizations and an incidence of 4.4. The mean age and the sex ratio were 63.2 years 2.22 respectively. The average delayed time to seek for medical care was 6.75 months. Cutaneous manifestations were dominated by angiomatous papulonodular lesions in 15 cases (51.72%) ulcerated lesions in 8 cases (27.58%), lymphedema in 5 cases (17.24%), a sarcomatous degeneration in 2 cases and verrucous papules in one case. Mucosal involvement was observed in 7 cases (24.13%). The extracutaneous lesions were noted in 18 cases, with 6 cases of bone, 5 cases of lymph nodes, 5 cases of gastrointestinal and 2 cases of lung involvement. The outcome was favorable for single-agent chemotherapy with bleomycin in more than half of the cases. Recurrences were observed in 2 patients, 2 cases were died and 7 cases never came back. CONCLUSION: Endemic Kaposi's disease is more frequent in elderly people with a higher frequency of extracutaneous involvement and florid forms.

INTRODUCTION: En Afrique sub-saharienne il existe peu de données concernant la maladie de kaposi endémique. L'objectif de ce travail, était de préciser ses aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques. MALADES ET MÉTHODES: Une étude rétrospective d'une durée de 7 ans, recensant tous les malades présentant une maladie de kaposi endémique. RÉSULTATS: Nous avions recensé 29 cas de maladie de kaposi endémique représentant 1,2% des hospitalisés soit une fréquence annuelle de 4,14 cas par an. La moyenne d'âge était de 63,2 ans et le sex-ratio de 2,22. Le délai moyen de consultation était de 6.75 mois. Les manifestations cutanées étaient dominées par les lésions papulo-nodulaires angiomateuses dans 15 cas (51,72%), de lésions ulcérées dans 8 cas (27,58 %), d'un lymphœdème dans 5 cas (17,24%), une dégénérescence sarcomateuse sans 2 cas et des papules verruqueuses dans un cas. Les localisations muqueuses étaient notées dans 7 cas (24,13%). Les atteintes extracutanées notées dans 18 cas, étaient osseuses dans 6 cas, ganglionnaires dans 5 cas, digestives dans 5 cas et pulmonaires dans 2 cas. L'évolution était favorable sous monochimiothérapie à la bléomycine dans plus de la moitié des cas. Les récidives étaient observées chez 2 malades, des perdus de vus dans 7cas et 2 cas de décès. CONCLUSION: La maladie de kaposi endémique prédomine chez les personnes âgées avec une fréquence élevée des atteintes extracutanées et des formes florides.

The vitiligo in senegal.

The aim of our study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical aspects of vitiligo in the largest dermatology department of Senegal. A cross-sectional and descriptive study in a period of 5 months was performed covering all the vitiligo cases. Fifty patients were identified (26 women and 24 men). The mean age was 26.5 years. A family history of vitiligo was found in 11 cases and a psychoaffective disturbance in 6 cases. The clinical forms distinguished were generalized vitiligo (n = 33), localized vitiligo (n = 16), vitiligo universalis (n = 4), and segmental vitiligo (n = 1). The Koebner phenomenon was found in 7 cases. Associated diseases were atopic dermatitis (n = 2), contact dermatitis (n = 1), diabetes (n = 1), and Graves' disease (n = 1). The disgraceful character of Vitiligo was the predominance of generalized forms and the elective localization in sun-exposed areas. The family character, the psychoaffective disturbances, the Koebner phenomenon increased by the lifestyle and the itching dermatosis were the aggravating factors.

Epidemiologic and clinicopathologic aspects of Leprosy in Dakar; evaluation of 73 new cases.

Hundreds of new leprosy cases are still diagnosed in Dakar despite all the efforts in the struggle by the national program for elimination of leprosy by the Institute of Applied Leprosy in Dakar. The aim of our study was to evaluate the epidemiological, clinicopathological and outcome of new cases of leprosy. A prospective study was conducted over a period of one year listing all new cases of leprosy based on clinical diagnosis, bacteriology and histology. 73 new cases were recorded. The sex ratio was 1.5 and the mean age of 39.5 years. Children aged from 0 to 15 years old represented 12%. The clinical forms were rated in order of decreasing frequency Borderline 47.94%, 30.13% lepromatous lepromatous, indeterminate 8.21, borderline lepromatous 6.84, TT: 5.47%, 1.36 and neurological bb%. Neurological signs were enlarged nerve in 50 cases, a neurological deficit in 16 cases and a sensitive deficit in 16 cases. The complications were burns and ulcerations in 10 cases, a claw in 7 cases, a reversal reaction in 7 cases, erythema nodosum in 4 cases and neuritis in 8 cases. The number of new cases mutilated was 24.65%. The smear was positive in 42% and histology contribution in 91.37% of cases. Our study highlights the significant number of patients with multibacillary contagious, affected children, the high proportion of disability grade 2/OMS reflecting the delay in diagnosis. This delay is due to ignorance, to traditional treatments and low socio-economic status and lack of trained diagnostic teams in different areas apart from referral centres.

[Skin disease in Koranic schools in Dakar (Senegal)]. / La prevalence des dermatoses dans les ecoles coraniques a Dakar (Senegal).

The koranic schools are in poor socio-economical conditions in Dakar and skin diseases are common in these conditions. The goal of our descriptive study was to determine the prevalence of skin diseases occurring in these situations. One hundred five boys from four koranic schools of Dakar were examined. Eighty percent of the examined boys were with unless one skin disease. Tinea capitis (42.66%), scabiosis (13.33%), pyoderma (15.33%), plantar keratodermia (100%) were the skin diseases. In 34.52% these skin disease were associated and antecedents of skin infections diseases were reported in 89.5% of boys. Atopic dermatitis was in 2.38% cases, keloid in 1.19%. The other frequent diseases were abdominal parasitosis (71.42%), umbilical hernia (6.66%). All skin diseases were improved only in 50% of cases after two months of treatment. Tinea capitis was cured in 4 months after treatment. The high prevalence and the chronicity of the skin disease were due to poor socio-economical conditions.

Aesthetic problems associated with the cosmetic use of bleaching products.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The use of skin bleaching products for cosmetic purposes is a frequent practice (25-96%) in women from sub-Saharan Africa. The dermatologic complications associated with this practice have been comprehensively reported. The aim of this work was to study the epidemiologic, clinical, and cosmetic aspects of these complications in order to produce better therapeutic guidelines for their management. METHODS: This was a prospective, descriptive study performed over a 6-month period. All women aged between 15 and 50 years, who consulted a dermatologist (Le Dantec Hospital or Institute of Social Hygiene), experienced a complication associated with artificial depigmentation, and agreed to take part in the study, were included. The data were input and analyzed using Epi info version 6.0. RESULTS: Eighty-six female patients were included, with a mean age of 29.34 years (range, 16-49 years). The breakdown by level of education was as follows: primary (48.8%), secondary (18.3%), and higher (8.5%) education. Twenty-two per cent of our population had not attended school. The mean monthly cost of skin bleaching products was 6.22 euros. The initial skin tone before using skin bleaching products was black in 41.5% of patients, light in 32.9%, and intermediate in 25.6%. The mean duration of exposure was 6.7 +/- 5 years (range, 1-30 years). The breakdown by skin bleaching products showed that topical corticosteroids were the most frequently used (78%), followed by hydroquinone (56%), products based on vegetable extracts (31.7%), caustic products (8.5%), and, finally, products of unknown composition (41.4%). Two components or more were frequently combined (86.5%). The aesthetic complications of artificial depigmentation were the reason for consulting a dermatologist in 10 patients (12%). Nineteen types of aesthetic complication were reported in our sample. Hyperpigmentation of the joints was the most frequently found complication (85.4%), followed by striae atrophicae (72%) and skin atrophy (59.8%). The number of aesthetic complications found in the patients varied from one to nine. Patients frequently presented (71.9%) with other complications associated with artificial depigmentation. CONCLUSIONS: Aesthetic complications associated with artificial depigmentation are common, but rarely the reason for consulting a dermatologist. In the absence of suitable therapeutic agents, prevention, based on informing women of the damaging effects of artificial depigmentation, is the only way forward.

Epidemiologic, clinical, and therapeutic features of acne in Dakar, Senegal.

BACKGROUND: Acne, a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of the pilosebaceous follicle, is very widespread worldwide, affecting 75-80% of adolescents, with an impact on their quality of life. The etiologic factors are not always the same, and the treatments proposed are not always well tolerated in black individuals. AIMS: To determine how acne affects the black population in Dakar, Senegal, and to assess the results of and tolerance to treatment. METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted on a sample of patients who attended consultations for acne in our dermatology department between December 2002 and March 2003, and who agreed to take part in the study (informed consent was obtained). An anonymous questionnaire was used as a support. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients were included in the study, with a hospital frequency of 5.3% and an average age of onset of acne of 25.58 years. In 75% of cases, the acne sufferers were young women, 76.3% of whom were single. Acne was of the superficial inflammatory type in 76.3%, retentional in 67.7%, and nodulocystic in 12.9% (Some patients who have acne vulgaris may have pustules, papules and nodules or cystic lesions so the percentages add up to 100). Signs of hyperandrogeny were observed in 19.1%, with hirsutism in 93.8%. Artificial depigmentation was noted in 38.7%. Stress was found in 89.2% and a depressive state in 3.4%. Solar exposure aggravated the lesions in 52.7%. In terms of therapy, only 1.1% received oral retinoids. An improvement was noted in 67.2%, and resistance was observed in 7.3%. DISCUSSION: In Dakar, Senegal, patients with acne consult later than elsewhere. The majority of cases are women, contrary to certain other studies. The inflammatory forms predominate in adult women. The most frequent location is on the face. An evolution to pigmentary disorders is found in 67.7%. Predisposing factors include the use of depigmenting cosmetic products and sun exposure. Local treatment, such as benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids, which promote melanoderma in black skin, is widely used. The exorbitant cost of oral retinoids considerably limits their use in Senegal. CONCLUSION: Acne, an adolescent pathology, is increasingly being observed in adults using depigmenting cosmetics. The multiple clinical forms are dominated by inflammatory acne. The many relapses and cost of treatment have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of patients.

Dermatosis papulosa nigra in Dakar, Senegal.

BACKGROUND: Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign epithelial tumour, common in the black population. It is a special topographic form of ethnic seborrheic keratosis, which is more common in the white population. Its benign character has meant that very few studies have been performed. In Senegal, no investigation has been carried out to date. AIM: To determine the epidemiologic and semiological characteristics of DPN, and the aesthetic results of DPN exeresis. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out over a period of 6 months (November 2005 to April 2006) at the Dermatology Department, Le Dantec CHU, Dakar, Senegal. The diagnosis of DPN was clinical. If desired, exeresis of the lesions by fine-needle or fine-scissor electrosurgery was carried out, and the results were evaluated over a period of 6 weeks. RESULTS: Thirty patients were evaluated: 21 women and nine men. The average age was 39.8 years (range, 25-70 years). A family predisposition was found in 93.3% of cases. The average age of onset of the lesions was 22 years, with a progressive increase in size and number. The lesions appeared initially on the face and then spread to all photoexposed areas. The lesions were profuse, numbering between 50 and 100 in 66.6% of cases, and coalesced to form plaques in 26.6%. In other cases, the lesions were papular, pediculate, or wide-based brown to deep black in colour, and with a keratotic appearance. Eight of the 21 women practiced artificial depigmentation and presented with profuse lesions. Aesthetic problems were found in 60% of patients. When performed, exeresis was satisfactory without scarring in 60% of cases at day 45. Hypochromic scars persisted in four patients who practiced artificial depigmentation and in one who had been treated with carbon dioxide snow. CONCLUSION: This study on 30 cases of DPN is the first in Senegal. The classic female predominance, family predisposition, and photodistribution of the lesions were found. The lesions were profuse, with a background of artificial depigmentation. This suggests that the sun may be an etiopathogenic factor. Aesthetic problems are an indication for ablation of the lesions using a method that minimises the risk of scarring. Artificial depigmentation may cause delayed healing and dyschromic scars, as may the application of carbon dioxide snow.

[Occupational allergic contact dermatitis in Dakar]. / Les eczemas de contact professionnels a Dakar.

Occupational dermatitis, mainly allergic contact dermatitis and skin irritations are increasing because of new allergens and diversity of the industrial procedures. In Senegal occupational contact dermatitis are currently observed and they are not declared at our social security institution. The aim of our trial was to determinate the frequency of occupational allergic contact dermatitis, the allergens responsible and the exposed occupations. We included in a one year lasting prospective trial, all patients with occupational contact dermatitis confirmed by positive cutaneous allergological tests. Among 201 cases of contact dermatitis, 27 (12,91%) were included and predominant occupational sectors were building, mechanics, health, cleaning and trade. Main responsible allergens were dichromate of potassium (7), N-isopropyl N-phenylparaphenylenediamine (3), fragrance mix (3), thiuram mix (3), colophane (3), formaldehyde (2), nickel sulphate (2), Chalk (2). Building sector was the most frequent source because of high use of dichromate of potassium in cement and formaldehyde in painting-glue. In mechanics, N-isopropyl N-phenylparaphenylenediamine is present in rubbers and fragrance mix in oils. Occupational dermatitis in health workers are due to presence of thiuram mix in the gloves, and dichromate of potassium found in antiseptics. To decrease the incidence of occupational contact dermatitis in our country, we have to promote prevention among workers by using individual protective outfits and increasing workers medical survey and information about risks and means of prevention.