Epidemioclinical Profile of Dermatoses in Children Aged 0 to 18 Years in the Dermatology -Venereology Department of the National Hospital and University Centre - HKM of Cotonou

Abstract

Introduction: Skin diseases are a public health problem in all developing countries. In most African countries they are dominated by infectious, immuno-allergic, inflammatory and tumourous skin diseases. So far, no studies have been carried out on paediatric dermatoses in hospitals in our country. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study running from July to November 2019 with an exhaustive sampling that included all children aged 0 to 18 years seen during the study period for the first time in the Dermatology-Venereology Department of the NHUC-HKM in Cotonou. EPI data version 3.0 software was used for the statistical analysis. Results: 119 children were included. The sex ratio was 2:1. The age group [0-5] years was the most represented (35.3%). Immuno-Allergic Dermatoses (IADs) predominated (47.1%) followed by infectious dermatoses (40.4%). Atopic eczema (25.2%) and prurigo strophulus(14.3%) were the most frequent IADs, while candidiasis (29.1%) was the most frequent mycotic infection. Conclusion: This study confirms the frequency of skin diseases in children in specialised hospitals in Benin. They are dominated by immuno-allergic dermatoses including atopic dermatitis and prurigo strophulus.