[Atopic dermatitis in Tunisia: epidemiological and clinical aspects]

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis is usually high in western countries, varying from 18 p. 100 to 20 p. 100. Recent studies suggest an increasing of this frequency. The aim of our study is to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of atopic dermatitis in Tunisia through the analysis of a retrospective cohort.

We retrospectively studied all the medical reports of atopic dermatitis registrated in the department of dermatology during a 7 years period (1992-1998). We analysed epidemiological and clinical features of every medical report. We used diagnosis criteria of Hanifin and Rajka.

Four hundred fifty-one cases of atopic dermatitis have been diagnosed (54 adults and 397 infants). Relative frequency of new cases of atopic dermatitis compared to new diagnosis was 0.37 p. 100 in 1992 and 0.72 p. 100 in 1998. Mean age was 3.2 years. A personal history of atopy was observed for 15.2 p. 100 of patients and a family history of atopy for 35.9 p. 100. A few numbers of complications were observed. Bacterial infections interested 15.3 p. 100 of cases. Hospitalisation was needed for 4 patients (0.88 p. 100). Class III and IV topical corticosteroids were usually used (84.8 p. 100). Potent corticosteroids (class I) were required for only 3.2 p. 100 of cases.

We notice a low frequency of atopic dermatitis in this study and a predominance of mild forms of the disease. Other studies are needed to confirm these results and to determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Tunisia.