摘要
Skin color is important to people in many societies. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the causes of skin disorders in patients presenting for consultation over a period of 5 years were assessed and identified. A total of 4510 dyschromia cases were recorded, representing 9%of the total number of patients attending for consultations at the Dermatology Center of Abidjan over this period. Pigmentation disorders were more often found in female patients (53.56%; sex ratio female:male=1.44) and were predominant in patients 20-30 years old (50%) . All socio-professional categories were represented. However, students and ser vice professionals (hairdressers, dressmakers, traders and switchboard operators ) represented 50%of the patientswith pigmentation disorders. Hyperchromiawas co mmon (48.49%) and was found in exposed areas of the skin. Most of the pigmentat ion disorders (60.94%) were of post-inflammation origin.Vitiligo was the most frequent etiology of systemic or endocrine dyschromia (92.63%). Among the hered itary pigmentation disorders,pigmented naevus was the most commonly found (41.5 %). Dyschromic chemical eruptions appeared most frequently in the form of fixed pigmented erythema (84.55%). This study demonstrates that pigmentation disorde rs are still a frequent reason for consultation due to their distressing consequences.
Skin color is important to people in many societies. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the causes of skin disorders in patients presenting for consultation over a period of 5 years were assessed and identified. A total of 4510 dyschromia cases were recorded, representing 9%of the total number of patients attending for consultations at the Dermatology Center of Abidjan over this period. Pigmentation disorders were more often found in female patients (53.56%; sex ratio female:male=1.44) and were predominant in patients 20-30 years old (50%) . All socio-professional categories were represented. However, students and ser vice professionals (hairdressers, dressmakers, traders and switchboard operators ) represented 50%of the patientswith pigmentation disorders. Hyperchromiawas co mmon (48.49%) and was found in exposed areas of the skin. Most of the pigmentat ion disorders (60.94%) were of post-inflammation origin.Vitiligo was the most frequent etiology of systemic or endocrine dyschromia (92.63%). Among the hered itary pigmentation disorders,pigmented naevus was the most commonly found (41.5 %). Dyschromic chemical eruptions appeared most frequently in the form of fixed pigmented erythema (84.55%). This study demonstrates that pigmentation disorde rs are still a frequent reason for consultation due to their distressing consequences.
