Atopic dermatitis in children: Epidemiological and clinical aspects in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Few studies have been devoted to atopic dermatitis in children in sub-Saharan Africa. We therefore make this study in Côte d’Ivoire in order to contribute to a better knowledge of atopic dermatitis in children on black skin. In our study the prevalence was 9.2%. The duration of the disease before the consultation ranged from 3-45 days. Atopic dermatitis occurs more frequently in children from2 to 5 years old. More than half of the patients had a history of atopy and the lesions generally were localized in the folds. 60% of the lesions were dry and were trigged by dust. The pruritus was often insomnia and the scratching leads to hyperpigmentation of the lower eyelid; a characteristic sign on black skin not often reported in the literature.

Keywords

• Atopic dermatitis
• Children
• Black skin
• Cote d’Ivoire