title: Epidemiologic and etiologic features of pigmentation disorders observed during consultation at the Dermatology Center of Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
abstract: 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 4,510 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 service professionals (hairdressers, dressmakers, traders and switchboard operators) represented 50% of the patients with pigmentation disorders. Hyperchromia was common (48.49%) and was found in exposed areas of the skin. Most of the pigmentation disorders (60.94%) were of post-inflammation origin. Vitiligo was the most frequent etiology of systemic or endocrine dyschromia (92.63%). Among the hereditary 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 disorders are still a frequent reason for consultation due to their distressing consequences.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Center of Abidjan, Abidjan, Ivory Coast. burulici@globeaccess.net
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yoboue
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sangare
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaloga
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kouadio
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Djedje
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D007560:Cote d'Ivoire / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology