Stigmata of Atopy in children in Dermatology-Venerology department of National University Hospital Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga of Cotonou

Abstract

Introduction : manifestations of atopy such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and food allergy constitute atopic disease. They are accompanied by minor signs which are the stigmata or particular expressions of atopy. These stigmata of atopy have been the subject of few studies in Africa. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted in the Dermatology-Venerology department of NUHC-HKM (Cotonou-Benin). It examined the records of children aged 0-14 years seen between January 1st, 2003 and December 31th, 2007 and in whom atopic stigmata was recorded. Results: The prevalence was 32.80%. The mean age of atopic children was 5.54 years. The sex ratio male/female was 0.92. Allergic asthma and rhinitis were the most frequent antecedents in atopic children. The stigmata of atopy were found in 43.87% of children. The clinical stigmata most frequently observed in atopic children were: skin xerosis (22%); the sign of Dennie Morgan (14.5%) and eczematides (10.6%).