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Skin diseases in Ghana and the UK
P T Doe1, A Asiedu, J W Acheampong
1Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. prosperdoe@yahoo.com
International Journal of Dermatology
|September 14, 2001
Summary
Skin disease patterns differ significantly between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Infections are most common in Ghana, while skin cancers and tumors dominate UK diagnoses, highlighting disparities in dermatological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dermatology services are underdeveloped in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Limited data exists on skin disease patterns in this region.
Observation:
- A comparative study analyzed 2254 new dermatology patients in Ghana (KATH) and 3383 in the UK (WHH).
- Diagnoses of principal presenting complaints were recorded and compared.
Findings:
- Infections were the most common skin condition in Ghana (46.3%), contrasting with the UK (12%).
- Malignant/premalignant skin diseases (22.2%) and benign tumors (16.8%) were prevalent in the UK, but rare in Ghana (0.5% each).
- Dermatitis was common in both Ghana (18.4%) and the UK (16.0%). Fixed drug eruptions and complications from skin lightening creams were notable in Ghana, while rosacea was absent.
Implications:
- Significant differences in skin disease patterns exist between Ghana and the UK.
- Findings underscore the need for developing specialized dermatology services in Ghana.
- This research can inform public health strategies and resource allocation for dermatological care in sub-Saharan Africa.