Pigmentary skin disorders in black Africans of Sierra Leon
Keywords:
Disorders of pigmentation, ethnic dermatoses, dyspigmentation, Africans.Abstract
Background Eighty percent of the world's population consists of individuals with pigmented skin. Darker skin differs from Caucasian skin in its reactivity and disease presentation. ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to see the prevalence of disorders of pigmentation in black Africans of eastern province of Sierra Leone and to compare the differences with other ethnic populations. Patients and methods The study was carried out in eastern province (Kenema) of Sierra Leone from Nov, 2004 to Oct, 2005. It was an observational/descriptive study. Local black patients of all age groups presenting in dermatology out patient department of Pak Field Hospital (established as a part of UN peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone) were included. After clinical history & physical examination, laboratory investigations were carried out when indicated. Skin diseases were broadly classified into two major categories i.e. pigmentary and non pigmentary. Non-black settlers in the area and UN troops were not included in the study. Data was recorded & analyzed by Microsoft Excel. ResultsA total of 3011 patients belonging to different local tribes having a variety of skin disorders were seen during the study period. Patients were of all ages & both sexes ranging from 1 month to 73 years of age. Sex ratio was almost equal. The pigmentary skin disorders were seen in 228 (7.6%) patients and most prevalent disorders were post inflammatory hyper and hypopigmentation, followed by melasma, vitiligo and albinism. ConclusionPigmentary disorders in blacks are not infrequent and can be of significant concern. ÂReferences
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