Contact dermatitis in Nigeria

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Contact dermatitis is a prevalent skin condition with varying etiological factors globally.
• Understanding regional differences in sensitizers is crucial for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
• Lagos presents unique environmental and cultural factors that may influence the incidence of contact dermatitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the most common contact sensitizers in the Lagos population.
• To investigate the prevalence of specific types of dermatitis, such as nickel allergy and occupational dermatoses.
• To explore the influence of cultural and climatic factors on contact dermatitis patterns in Lagos.

Main Methods:

• A patch testing study was conducted on 453 patients presenting with suspected contact dermatitis.
• Patients were tested for common allergens, with a focus on nickel, chromates, and substances from leather and rubber processing.
• Clinical data regarding patient demographics, lifestyle, and potential exposure sources were collected.

Main Results:

• Nickel was identified as the most significant sensitizer, with a prevalence of 12.3% among the tested patients.
• No significant sex difference was observed in nickel sensitization, attributed to fashion trends in jewelry.
• Dermatitis related to additives in leather and rubber footwear processing was the second most common cause, followed by chromate sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Nickel allergy is a primary concern for contact dermatitis in Lagos.
• Occupational exposures, particularly from footwear and construction materials (leather, cement), contribute significantly to dermatitis.
• Cultural practices and climate play a substantial role in shaping the epidemiological profile of contact dermatitis in Lagos, differentiating it from other global regions.