Factors Associated with Voluntary Cosmetic Depigmentation in Schools in the Collines Department (Benin)

Skin depigmentation is a worrying practice that is gaining popularity, particularly among young girls. However, this practice poses health risks. It also reflects a negative view of black skin color. This was a cross-sectional study carried out between April and May 2023 which involved 1039 female students from schools and universities in the Collines department selected by stratified sampling. Data was collected during a face-to-face interview using a questionnaire providing information on the demographic, socio-cultural, and economic characteristics of the girls. The depigmentation products used were identified as well as the complications caused by the use of these products. Statistical analysis made it possible to calculate the frequencies and logistic regression made it possible to identify the factors associated with depigmentation. The prevalence of depigmentation among the girls surveyed was 78.2%. The main products used were soaps based on mercurial derivative and hydroquinone (21.6%) and lotions based on hydroquinone and corticosteroids (75.7%). The factors associated with the practice of depigmentation were the ethnicity of the respondents (OR = 2.52;95% CI = [0.47 - 13.33], p = 0.001);the average monthly income of the parents (OR = 3.26;95% CI = [1.71 - 6.09], p = 0.003);the opinion of the respondents on depigmentation (OR = 2.48;95% CI = [0.84 - 7.3], p < 0.001) and the value given to light skin versus black skin (OR = 3.41;95% CI = [2.32 - 5.01], p < 0.001). In conclusion, the prevalence of depigmentation among the girls surveyed is high. Consequently, reinforced awareness measures and stricter control of bleaching products are imperative to address this high prevalence of the phenomenon.

Etiologies and Associated Factors of Generalised Pruritus Sine Materia in the Dermatology-Venerology Department of CHUD-Borgou/Alibori (Benin)

Introduction: The aim was to identify the etiologies of generalised pruritus sine materia and to determine the associated factors in Parakou. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted from January 2011 to June 2022. The patients included were of all ages and both sexes in whom the sine materia nature of the pruritus was noted after clinical examination. These patients had an etiological assessment available or not, complete or partial. For each patient, socio-demographic, socio-cultural, socio-economic and clinical data were collected using a pre-established survey form. They were then processed and analysed using Epi Data 3.1 and SPSS version 21 software respectively. Results: The incidence of generalised pruritus sine materia was 0.89% (73 cases/8214 consultants). The predominant etiologies were aquagenic pruritus (16.4%) and intestinal parasitosis (12.3%). After a bi-variate analysis, two risk factors were identified: frequency of towel change greater than 1 month (OR = 3.02;CI95% = 0.98 - 9.31;P = 0.0486) and use of cold water for bath (OR = 3.28;CI95% = 1.09 - 9.81;P = 0.0274). Conclusion: The etiologies and associated factors of generalised pruritus sine materia found in Parakou are varied but are linked to lifestyle. There is an urgent need to raise public awareness of the need to improve lifestyle in order to reduce the frequency of pruritus sine materia. .

Buruli Ulcer: Epidemiological, Clinical and Biological Profile of Patients in the Centre de Depistage et de Traitement d’Allada (Benin) from 2010 to 2014

Introduction: The objective of our work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and biological profile of Buruli ulcer in “Centre de Dépistage et de traitement de l’ulcère de Buruli” (CDTUB) in Allada. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study focused on new cases of Buruli ulcer received in the CDTUB of Allada from 2010 to 2014. The diagnosis of Buruli ulcer was based on epidemiological, clinical and biological arguments. Results: Over 5 years, 274 new cases of Buruli ulcer have been diagnosed. The average age of the patients was 12 years and the sex ratio was 0.8. The average time to first consultation was 45 days. Clinically, 61% had a joint functional limitation. Lesions were ulcerated in 69% of cases, category I (26%), category II (53%), category III (21%) and were present on the lower limbs in 57% of cases. Microscopy was positive in 65.7% of cases and PCR in 78.1% of cases. Microscopy supplemented by PCR confirmed the diagnosis in 81% of cases. Conclusion: The epidemiological, clinical and biological profile of Buruli ulcer in Allada was characterized by a predominant disease in children, a predominance of ulcerated forms and a decisive contribution of PCR to the diagnosis.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma over Cutaneous Verrucous Lichen: One Case in Parakou (Benin)

Introduction: We report an unusual case of squamous cell carcinoma on a verrucous lichen of chronic evolution taken in charge in Borgou/Alibori UHC in Parakou (Bénin). Observation: A 75-year old Beninese woman with a history of portal hypertension post-viral cirrhosis C treated with negative viral load, had consulted for a large chronic ulceration of the right foot back. The beginning of the symptomatology would go back to about 30 years, marked by lichenified, pruriginous popular lesions;these lesions would initially be treated as eczema and then mycosis by health personnel not specialised in dermatology and multitreated with unspecified topicals. General state was altered. In addition to ulceration, the dermatological examination found plates of hyperpigmented lichen lesion, homogeneous and well limited bilateral and symmetrical topography on the pelvic limbs making difficult to walk. Anatomopathological examination of the biopsy sample straddling the ulceration and its edges suggested a hypertrophic cutaneous lichen associated with keratinizing, infiltrating epidermal carcinoma. The chest-abdominal-pelvic scan showed no metastasis. A complete amputation of the right leg and knee was performed after a psychological interview. The follow-up was marked by an over-infection of the amputation stump by Escherichia coli, which was successfully treated. Healed, she is waiting for orthopedic equipment and possible chemotherapy. Conclusion: This clinical case indicates the need for adequate management of certain potentially precancerous dermatoses, in order to limit the progression to carcinogenic transformation.

Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Neonatal Dermatoses at the National Teaching Hospital HKM of Cotonou Benin

Neonatal dermatoses (NND) are frequent, varied and of variable prognosis. The objective of this work was to study the epidemiological and clinical aspects of NND at the NTH-HKM. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study from December 1, 2014 to February 28, 2015. All newborns received in the Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics and with dermatosis were included. The diagnosis of dermatoses was clinical. Results: During the study period, 355 newborns had at least one NND on a total of 580 newborns received, a prevalence of 61.2%. The sex ratio was 1.54 and the average age was 3.11 days. Transient dermatoses were more frequent (80%), dominated by desquamation + xerosis (33.75%). Congenital melanocytic nevi (40.74%) and malformations and vascular tumors (18.52%) were the most noted pathological neonatal dermatoses. Only age was statistically associated with NND. Conclusion: DNH is common in newborns at the NTH-HKM. They were mostly transitory. Pathological conditions should be treated where appropriate.

Original Support of an after Piercing Lobular Keloid Scar: About a Case

Keloids are tissue repair formed by exuberant fibrosis appearing after a skin wound, burn, vaccination or post inflammatory (folliculitis or acne lesion). This condition causes standard aesthetic prejudice to those who are affected. Its management is difficult and its evolution meshes recurrences. We report here a case of giant keloid in the right ear lobe after a piercing and its support.

Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects of Acne in the Dermatology Department of the Teaching Hospital of Parakou (Benin)

Introduction: Acne is an affection that concerns 80% of young people in the world with a significant impact on their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the acne in the Dermatology Department of the Teaching Hospital of Parakou (THP). Patients and Methods: We achieved a cross sectional study carrying on 167 files collected on a 20-month period in the Dermatology Department of the THP. Results: The prevalence of the acne was 31.21%. Female subjects represented 69.46%. Vulgaris acne was the most prevailing clinical form (47.30%). A peak of frequency was noted in the age bracket of 21 - 25 years in the 2 sexes. The lesions were mainly located on the face (82.63%). Some factors influencing the eruption have been evoked by the patients notably: foods, cosmetics products and stress respectively to 41.00%, 33.33% and 25.67%. Conclusion: Our study allowed confirming the female ascendancy of acne. Besides, the adults are more represented, precisely women because of depigmenting practice. It seems in favor of an influence of the food in the intervening of the acne. Vulgaris acne was the predominant clinical form as described in literature.