Pattern of Skin Diseases in Yenagoa, Nigeria: A Hospital Based Study

Abstract

Background: There are no studies about the prevalence of skin diseases in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state. An area of swamp, mangrove and tropical rain forest with various factors influencing skin diseases. Aim: To find out the pattern of skin diseases in relation to age and sex and compare with similar studies. Methods: Collection of data of all new patients that attended the Dermatology out-patient clinic of the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa within an 8 months period from May to December 2020. Diagnosis was mostly made on clinical basis, though laboratory investigations requested to confirm our diagnosis when needed. Results: The total number of new patients attended to in the dermatology out-patient clinic between May to December of 2020 was 167. Comprising of children 41 (24.6%) and adults 143 (75.4%), among which males were 65 (38.9%) and 102 (61.1%) were females. Overall, infective conditions of the skin and subcutaneous tissues were the most common (36%), followed by papulosquamous disorders (34%) and eczema (30%). With pigmentary disorders, pruritus and urticaria and autoimmune disorders accounting for 17%, 13% and 3% respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of infective dermatoses was found to be higher than non-infective dermatoses. This provide baseline information on the prevalence of skin disease in the study population and assist with ensuring the right services are made available to meet patient’s needs.