Clinical Medicine Insights: Dermatology

Background: The WHO recommends increased priority given to dermatoses in developing countries as they cause high morbidity and impacts quality of life. This study is to determine the prevalence and pattern of skin disorders in adults presenting to dermatologists at OAU Teaching Hospitals’ Complex (OAUTHC).

Materials and methods: This is a prospective study based on age, sex, and dermatological condition of new patients at OAUTHC Dermatology Clinics in Ile-Ife and Ilesha, Osun State, from October 2009 to September 2012. The results were compared with other geographical zones in Nigeria and Africa.

Results: A total of 1013 patients were studied, with ages 18–90 years, 55% were women. Prevailing dermatoses were dermatophytes (9.8%), acne (9.5%), pityriasis versicolor (4.6%), warts (3.8%), lichen planus (3.7%), and seborrheic eczema (3.6%).

Conclusion: Dermatoses mostly presenting to dermatologists in Nigeria and Africa were skin infections and eczemas. Concerted effort need to be made to control these conditions.