The secular changes of skin and venereal diseases in Nigeria

A retrospective review of the changing phase of the incidence of dermatological and venereal diseases, as seen in University Teaching Hospital practice in Lagos, Nigeria is presented. About 8,849 new patients were seen over a 5-year-period. An analysis of the dermatological conditions encountered is made, while brief reports of few common skin conditions are also given. The clinical pattern was similar to those of Western countries, but with addition of a great number of dermatoses. This similarity has been modified by epidemiological factors. A national program for improvement of the environmental health including control of industrial and communicable diseases will ameliorate the increasing morbidity of tropical dermatology.