Clinical profile of atopic dermatitis in Benin City, Nigeria

To study the clinical presentation and management problems of atopic dermatitis in Benin City, Nigeria.

A 15-year retrospective study from May 1985 to April 2000.

Dermatology clinics of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.

All new cases of atopic dermatitis presenting to the clinic during the study period.

594 patients suffering from atopic dermatitis, representing 7.92% of new dermatological cases were seen during the study period. There was a slight male preponderance; the male to female ratio was 1.2: 1. Most patients were below 30 years of age with the peak incidence in the 0 9-year age group, with most presenting in the first six months of life. Forty-six percent of the patients had a positive family history of atopy, while 73% also had other atopic disorders. The clinical patterns seen were infantile, childhood and adult forms, which is in keeping with reports from other parts of the world. Precipitating factors were most often obscure; however, high temperatures and humidity were the most common aggravating factors. The important problems encountered were misuse of topical medications, oral antibiotics, anti-fungal drugs and a high follow-up default rate.

The clinical characteristics of atopic dermatitis in our study population were similar to the pattern in other parts of the world. There is need for increased awareness of its importance as a cause of morbidity especially in children.