The incidence of atopic dermatitis in Nigeria

The incidence of atopic dermatitis among a recent group of 4000 consecutive dermatology patients was assessed; 3.1 percent of the patients had atopic dermatitis. The ratio of F:M was 1.3:1. Sixty-five percent gave family histories of atopic diathesis. Twenty-three percent of the patients were born and residing in temperate countries when the dermatitis started. Patients tend to report late because of widespread use of topical corticosteroid preparations. Secondary bacterial infections were common, and it is not advisable to avoid the use of soap in this environment.