Atopic Dermatitis in Nigeria

The incidence of atopic dermatitis rose from 0.3% in 1962 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, to 2.6% in 1972. A prospective study was designed to find the incidence nearly three decades after, as well as the presenting clinical features, factors influencing the disease, and the laboratory profile. The analysis of the 64 patients diagnosed during the 1.5-year study period is documented and discussed. The incidence of atopic dermatitis was 6.1%. The increase was attributed partly to increased hospital awareness in this university town and partly to a fall in infective dermatoses. There was paucity of the history of atopic diseases. Sixty-two and one half percent of parents and patients had postprimary education. Two thirds of the people belonged to the middle and high social classes. Self-medication was a frequent finding. No seasonal influence was implicated in 49 cases (76.5%). Heat was the most implicated aggravating factor (21.8%). Postinflammatory dyspigmentation was a common clinical feature. The proportion of patients with significantly high serum IgE stood out clearly.