[Self-medication for dermatologic conditions in Lomé, Togo]. / L'automédication au cours des affections dermatologiques à Lomé.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe features of self-medication for skin conditions observed at public dermatology centres in Lome, Togo. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to September 30, 2008 in 3 public dermatology centres in Lome-Commune. All patients consulting at the study centres for the first time were recruited, interviewed and examined. RESULTS: Of 600 patients enlisted in the study, 264 (44%) had practiced self-medication. There were more women than men (sex ratio: 0.8). In most cases, products used for self-medication were recommended by a friend and/or relative (72%). Most products were obtained from either pharmacies (42.4%) or street vendors (37.9%). The average cost of self-medication was 520 FCFA (0.79 euros). Products applied by the topical route were the most common (72%) and most patients reported dissatisfaction with results (67.8%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that self-medication is widely practiced for dermatologic conditions in Lome and provides insight into the circumstances, reasons and sources of self-medication.

[Risk factors and allergic manifestations associated with atopic dermatitis in Lomé (Togo): a multicenter study of 476 children aged 0-15 years]. / Facteurs de risque et manifestations allergiques associés à la dermatite atopique à Lomé (Togo) : étude multicentrique portant sur 476 enfants de 0 à 15 ans.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and document the risk factors and allergic reactions associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) in children in Lomé. METHOD: This cross-sectional multicenter study took place from March to June 2013 in four health facilities in Lomé. It applied the criteria of the United Kingdom Working Party (UKWP). RESULTS: We included 476 children aged 0-15 years who came for a vaccination or pediatric consultation; 31.3% were diagnosed with AD. The mean age of the children with AD was 33.91 ± 37 months, and the sex ratio (M/F) 0.96. In the univariate analysis, several risk factors and allergic reactions were significantly associated with AD including weaning, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis in infants, and prurigo. In the multivariate analysis, AD was associated with prurigo (aOR = 15.59, 95% CI = 7.54 to 32.21), allergic rhinitis (aOR = 7.51, 95% CI = 4.31 to 13.10), and food allergy (aOR = 5.32 95% CI = 1.20 to 23.48) were associated with AD. CONCLUSION: AD is common in children in Lomé. Prurigo, allergic rhinitis and food allergy are allergic manifestations associated with it. These results deserve confirmation by a prospective study over a longer period.