Hairdressers in Johannesburg: knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding occupational health

Introduction: Hairdressers are exposed to hazardous chemicals in haircare products, which can cause adverse respiratory, skin, and reproductive effects. The incidence of these effects can be reduced with good occupational health and safety (OHS) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Objective: The objective of the study was to assess Johannesburg hairdressers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards occupational health and safety. Methods: Three hundred and eighty-three hairdressers were recruited into this crosssectional study. They were categorised into employees/wage earners (earning a salary or wage, n = 151), or business owners (self-employed, n = 232). Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Frequency tables were generated and chi-square tests were used to test differences between KAP amongst business owners and wage earners. Results: Most of the study participant were female (n = 237, 61.9%). A higher proportion of business owners than wage earners knew that hairdressing was hazardous to their health, in general (n = 44, 29.1% and n = 120, 51.7%, respectively), and with regard to specific health risks such as asthma, cancer, and skin diseases. However, more of the wage earners than the business owners had good attitudes towards the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, (n = 143, 94.7% and n = 210, 90.5%, respectively). Overall, wage earners practised better OHS than business owners, e.g. 67.5% (n = 102) and 55.2% (n = 128) reported that they wore gloves, respectively. Conclusion: Wage earners had poorer OHS knowledge than those who owned or operated hairdressing salons. Both had good attitudes towards OHS, but self-employed hairdressers had poorer OHS practices. Training, including workshops and seminars, is needed to improve KAP regarding OHS amongst all hairdressers, regardless of their employment status.

A cliniccopathologic correlation study of 2396 histopathologic skin biopsy specimens

Clinicopathologic correlation of skin biopsies is relevant in a dermatology patient's management. The study aimed to conduct a clinicopathologic corellation of skin samples. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 2,396 skin biopsy specimens submitted between January 2015 and December 2021. Clinicopathologic correlation was done on only samples which had definitive clinical and histopathologic diagnosis. Data was analyzed with the R studio. Results: A total number of 2,396 skin biopsies were received from 2319 patients. Clinicopathologic correlation was conducted on 1,831 samples which had both definitive clinical and histopathological diagnoses. A definitive clinicopathologic correlation was obtained in 66.8% (1224/1831) and this was 64.8% for benign tumours, 60.4% for malignant tumours, 66.7% for inflammatory diseases, 70.8% for infections, 85.5% for scalp and hair disorders and 50% for dermal deposits. Conclusion: Clinicopathologic correlation of skin biopsies is high. Correlation is better with inflammatory diseases compared to neoplastic diseases

Occupational skin disorders in a subset of Nigerian hairdressers

Introduction: hairdressing is associated with a wide range of disorders. This is particularly true in the African hairdresser, who is saddled with the responsibility of 'taming' the rather difficult-to-manage African hair, and is thus exposed to a wide range of chemical, biological and physical materials in the hair grooming process. We therefore sought to determine the prevalence and pattern of occupational skin disorders among hairdressers in Ibadan, one of the oldest and largest cities in Nigeria.Methods: this was a cross sectional study of hairdressers conducted in 2013 in Ibadan, Nigeria. Hairdressers and their apprentices were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, following which a thorough physical examination was performed to identify any skin disorder.Results: a total of 226 hairstylists were recruited. The prevalence of occupational skin disorders in the study was 68.13%. The prevalence of specific skin disorders was 32.74% for nail disorders; 28.75% for traumatic skin disorders; and 2.64% for hand dermatitis.Conclusion: there is a high prevalence of occupational skin disorders among hairdressers, and this may have personal and public health implications

Les motifs d'hospitalisation chez les enfants de moins de 16 ans à Bamako

Introduction : Les maladies de peau constituent un motif fréquent de visite dans les centres de santé au Mali où elles représentent 10% des consultations. Le but de ce travail était de décrire les motifs d'hospitalisation chez les enfants de moins de 16 ans à Bamako.Matériel et méthodes : Du 1er janvier 2010 au 31 Décembre 2014, nous avons mené une étude transversale dans le service dermatologie du CNAM. Les patients âgés de moins de 16 ans hospitalisés ont été inclus et les dossiers correspondant ont été revus.Résultats : Au total sur 398 patients hospitalisés durant la période d'étude, 69 enfants de moins de 16 ans ont été recensés, soit une proportion de 17,34%. Parmi ces enfants hospitalisés, seuls 50 dont les dossiers étaient complets ont été inclus. L'âge des malades variait entre 1 et 15 ans avec une moyenne d'âge de 11,9±0,58 ans. Les principaux motifs d'hospitalisation étaient les dermatoses infectieuses (29 cas/58%), les toxidermies (7 cas/14%), les dermatoses bulleuses auto-immunes (5cas/10%), l'eczéma érythrodermique (2 cas/4%), les ulcères drépanocytaires (3 cas/6%), la dermatomyosite (3 cas/6%), l'épidermolyse bulleuse congénitale (1 cas/2%) et l'ecthyma gangreneux (1 cas/2%). Nous avons enregistré 3 cas de décès suite à une dermatomyosite sévère, d'une fasciite nécrosante et d'un syndrome de Lyell.Conclusion : Cette étude a monté la fréquence élevée des dermatoses bactériennes dominées par les dermo-hypodermites. Elle nous a également permis de confirmer l'effet aggravant des AINS et des médicaments de la pharmacopée traditionnelle sur les dermo-hypodermites

Management of skin diseases among community pharmacists in Lagos, Nigeria

amongst others. Pharmacists play an important role in identifying and managing skin problems, especially in Nigeria and other developing countries with few dermatologists found mainly in tertiary centres. This study aimed to evaluate and document community pharmacists' role in managing skin diseases in Lagos, Nigeria.Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 140 community pharmacists (70 each in Lagos Island and Lagos Mainland chosen from the zonal list of community pharmacists obtained from Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) Lagos State Branch. Data generated were collated and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package of Social Sciences) version 20.0. The results were presented as frequency tables and charts.Results: One hundred and twenty (120; 85.7%) questionnaires were returned for analysis. The results revealed that community pharmacists mainly treat patients with dermatological complaints with triple combination creams. The study shows that though pharmacists manage many patients with skin problems, their knowledge base is poor and treatment sub-optimal. The survey also shows that the most common skin problems encountered by community pharmacies are acne, bacterial infections and eczema.Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that pharmacists need to undergo training in management of skin diseases to help the many patients that approach them. It is recommended that community pharmacists undergo appropriate training programmes to improve their output

The Prevalence of Paediatric Skin Conditions at a Dermatology Clinic in KwaZulu-Natal Province over a 3-Month Period

Background. Skin conditions are common in children; and studying their spectrum in a tertiary dermatology clinic will assist in quantifying skin diseases associated with greatest burden. Objective. To investigate the spectrum and characteristics of paediatric skin disorders referred to a tertiary dermatology clinic in Durban; KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province; South Africa. Methods. A cross-sectional study of children attending the dermatology clinic at King Edward VIII Hospital; KZN; was carried out over 3 months. Relevant demographic information and clinical history pertaining to the skin conditions were recorded and diagnoses were made by specialist dermatologists. Data were analysed with EPI Info 2007 (USA).Results. There were 419 children included in the study; 222 (53%) were males and 197 (47%) were females. A total of 64 diagnosed skin conditions were classified into 16 categories. The most prevalent conditions by category were dermatitis (67.8%); infections (16.7%) and pigmentary disorders (5.5%). For the specific skin diseases; 60.1% were atopic dermatitis (AD); 7.2% were viral warts; 6% seborrhoeic dermatitis and 4.1% vitiligo. Dermatitis was significantly more common in males (p0.05). AD was the most common condition below 12 years of age; while the presence of viral warts was the most prevalent disorder among HIV-infected children. Approximately one-third (37.5%) of the disorders referred by other medical practitioners were misdiagnosed. Conclusions. AD constituted the highest burden both numerically and economically. Viral infections were a major contribution from HIV infection. The diverse spectrum and characteristics of skin diseases referred will assist in modifying the dermatology educational curriculum and bridge knowledge gaps among healthcare providers treating children

An Approach to Mild to Moderate Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is a chronic; relapsing inflammatory disease of the skin characterised by dryness and itching; with typical distribution on the elbows and knees in younger children and on the cubital and popliteal fossae in older children and adults. It can be classified as mild; moderate or severe

Impetigo in Children: A Clinical Guide and Treatment Options

Impetigo is a contagious; superficial bacterial infection of the skin; most frequently encountered in children. Causative organisms are almost always Staphylococcus aureus or streptococci; or a combination of the two. Predisposing factors are nasal and perineal colonisation; overcrowding; poor personal hygiene; minor skin trauma and preexisting skin diseases with disrupted skin barrier function; like eczema. Infection is mainly acquired through contact with sufferers or nasal carriers. Treatment should be given to avoid spread of the disease; and to minimise the risk of infecting others. Although the majority of cases of impetigo are self-limiting; under certain circumstances complications like toxic shock syndrome; staphylococcal osteomyelitis; septic arthritis and pneumonia can occur. Furthermore; certain strains of group A ?-haemolytic streptococci causing impetigo may result in poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis; just like streptococcal throat infections can result in rheumatic fever in children; but the pathogenesis remains poorly understood. It appears to be due to abnormal immune response or hypersensitivity to streptococcal antigens

Impetigo in Children: a Clinical Guide and Treatment Options

Impetigo is a contagious; superficial bacterial infection of the skin; most frequently encountered in children. Causative organisms are almost always Staphylococcus aureus or streptococci; or a combination of the two. Predisposing factors are nasal and perineal colonisation; overcrowding; poor personal hygiene; minor skin trauma and preexisting skin diseases with disrupted skin barrier function; like eczema. Infection is mainly acquired through contact with sufferers or nasal carriers. Treatment should be given to avoid spread of the disease; and to minimise the risk of infecting others. Although the majority of cases of impetigo are self-limiting; under certain circumstances complications like toxic shock syndrome; staphylococcal osteomyelitis; septic arthritis and pneumonia can occur. Furthermore; certain strains of group A ?-haemolytic streptococci causing impetigo may result in poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis; just like streptococcal throat infections can result in rheumatic fever in children; but the pathogenesis remains poorly understood. It appears to be due to abnormal immune response or hypersensitivity to streptococcal antigens

An Overview of Topical Treatment for Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is a chronic; relapsing inflammatory disease of the skin. It is characterised by dry; itchy skin and a typical distribution on the elbows and knees in younger children; and the cubital and popliteal fossae in older children and adults. Treatment modalities include emollients; topical corticosteroids; calcineurin inhibitors; phototherapy and immunosuppressive therapy. This article provides a brief overview of topical treatments for atopic eczema

Atopic Dermatitis: Tacrolimus Vs. Topical Corticosteroid Use

Atopic dermatitis (AD); the dermatological manifestation of the atopic diathesis; has a variety of clinical presentations. It is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory disorder; requiring a multifaceted treatment approach. Topical corticosteroids are the backbone of therapy. However; concerns over adverse drug reactions associated with their long-term application limit their use.Tacrolimus; on the other hand; has been shown to be effective in stabilising the symptoms of AD in the long-term setting; without the side-effects that hamper the use of topical corticosteroids. Long-term safety data up to ten years are available in the literature. Despite this; the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) black box warning of possible malignancies has resulted in much debate among experts.The main focus of this article is to compare the safety and efficacy of topical corticosteroids to calcineurin inhibitors; particularly tacrolimus. Furthermore; the aim is to evaluate the place of tacrolimus in AD therapy. A brief overview of the condition and other treatment modalities will also be discussed

La prevalence des dermatoses dans les ecoles coraniques a Dakar (Senegal)

Les couches socio economiques defavorisees se sont elargies aux eleves ou talibes des daaras ou ecoles coraniques. L'objectif de notre etude etait d'evaluer la prevalence des dermatoses chez les talibes. Une etude descriptive a ete effectuee chez 105 talibes repartis dans 4 daaras. Les daaras etaient caracterises par une insalubrite et une promiscuite et les talibes vetus d'habits sales et sans chaussures pratiquaient la mendicite. Quatre vingt pourcent des talibes presentaient une dermatose dont une teigne dans 42;66des cas; une gale dans 23;33; un impetigo dans 15;33des cas; une keratodermie plantaire dans 100des cas. Plusieurs dermatoses etaient associees dans 34;52des cas. Un antecedent de dermatose infectieuse etait note dans 89;5des cas. Une dermatite atopique etait note dans 2;38des cas. Les autres affections frequentes etaient les parasitoses digestives dans 71;42des cas et la hernie ombilicale (6;66). L'evolution de l'ensemble des dermatoses n'etait favorable que dans 50des cas apres 2 mois de traitement. La guerison des cas de teigne n'a ete obtenue qu'apres 4 mois de traitement antimycosique par voie orale et en topique. La forte prevalence des dermatoses infectieuses comparee a celle des autres dermatoses non infectieuses et celle non dermatologiques et leur persistance malgre le traitement est lie a la precarite et a la persistance des facteurs de contagiosite

Prevalence of skin diseases in Nigerian Children: - (The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital) Experience

Background: Skin diseases are frequently encountered in the tropics and are a serious cause of morbidity, disfigurement and distress in all age groups. The aim of this study is to determine prevalence and common dermatological conditions encountered in UPTH. Methods: Children aged 0-16 years attending the dermatology clinic in UPTH from June 2005 to November 2007 were prospectively studied. Results: A total of 1,226 skin disorders were seen, 247 (20.1%) were children aged 0-16 years. Skin disorder was commoner in females 139(56.3%) than males 108(43.7%). Papular urticaria 36(14.6%), atopic dermatitis 34(13.8%) and tinea 31(12.6%) were the most commonly observed childhood skin diseases. Conclusions: Skin diseases such as papular urticaria and atopic dermatitis are important dermatological problems in our environment. Implementation of public health policies and improvement in personal hygiene would reduce the prevalence of skin diseases in Nigerian children

Occupational skin disease A review of international and South African literature and data

"In the absence of prevalence and incidence studies; data on occupational skin disease (OSD) is extrapolated from case studies; case series; reports from health care workers and compensation claims. It is generally stated in the literature that OSD is under-reported; under-diagnosed and undercompensated; and it is estimated in international literature that its true incidence varies from 5 to 19 cases per 10 000 workers per year. The vast majority of cases of OSD are occupational contact dermatitis (OCD). The terms OSD and OCD are used almost interchangeably in the literature. South African statistics obtained from private insurers in the mining and construction industries are comparable to those in the US and UK; ranging from 0.4 to 2 cases per 10 000 workers per year. Statistics obtained from the Department of Labour's Compensation Fund however; are a fraction of those reported in other countries. The authors must assume that the South African OSD burden is indeed a ""hidden epidemic."

Chronic Plaque Psoriasis

Chronic plaque psoriasis; the most common form of psoriasis; is a papulosquamous disease defined by erythematous plaques with a silvery scale. The diagnosis usually is clinical; but occasionally a biopsy is necessary. Psoriasis affects 0.6 to 4.8 percent of the U.S. population; and about 30 percent of affected patients have a first-degree relative with the disease. Psoriasis is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease; but certain medications and infections are well-known risk factors. Management of psoriasis includes education about chronicity; realistic expectations; and use of medication. Steroids and vitamin D derivatives (e.g.; calcipotriene) are the mainstays of topical therapy. Topical steroids and calcipotriene together may work better than either agent alone. Patients with psoriasis involving more than 20 percent of their skin or those not responding to topical therapy are candidates for light therapy; traditional systemic therapy; or systemic treatment with immunomodulatory drugs such as alefacept; efalizumab; and etanercept

"Action du savon fait à partir des huiles de Mitracarpus Scaber (Rubiaceae)-""Misca""; Mareya Micrantha (Euphorbiaceae)- ""G243"" et de Cassia Alata (CaesalPiniaceae) sur lacroissance in vitro de Candida Albicans.et Trichophyton Mentagrophytes."

La peau est sujette a de nombreuses agressions physiques; chimiques et microbiennes qui engendrent des maladies nommees dermatoses. L'importance de ces maladies cutanees est soulignee par: la gravite de certaines dermatoses comme le melanome malin; le deficit fonctionnel qu'elles entrainent; le prejudice esthetique entraine par les dermatoses qui pose des problemes physiques et sociaux et enfin la symptomatologie fonctionnelle severe (prurit; douleurs). Dans le but d'apporter notre contribution a la luttecontre les mycoses cutanees; notre equipe a teste un savon dermo-pharmaceutique associant les huiles de plantes de la pharmacopee ivoirienne traitant les infections cutanees (Mitracarpus scaber; Cassia alata et Mareya micrantha) sur la croissance in vitro de deux souches de champignons pathogenes Candida albicans et Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Les resultats obtenus montrent que le savon a une activite antifongique effective. in vitro sur Candida albicans et Trichophyton mentagrophytes. La comparaison des valeurs des CMF et CI50 de ces deux souches a permis de montrer que le savon est tres actif contre Trichophyton mentagrophytes qui possede la meilleure activite inhibitrice. Candida albicans est la plus resistante. L'hexane est donc un solvant qui permet la concentration des principes actifs dans les extraits des trois plantes

Etude phytochimique et pharmacologique de cassia nigricans Vahl (Caesalpiniaceae) utilise dans le traitement des dermatoses au Tchad

L'etude que nous avons effectuee s'est faite sur la partie aerienne de Cassia nigricans Vahl; utilisee dans le traitement des dermatoses. Notre choix s'est porte sur elle a la suite de l'analyse d'une enquete ethnobotanique menee au Tchad. C'est a partir de la matiere premiere que nous avons faite un screening phytochimique et les tests antibacteriens; antifongiques; antiradicalaires et anti-inflammatoires. Les reactions de caracterisation confirmees par la chromatographie sur couche mince; ont mis en exergue un certain nombre de constituants qui pourraient etre a l'origine de l'activite biologique de Cassia nigricans. Parmi ces constituants se trouvent les anthraquinones; les tanins; les flavonoides. Les resultats que nous avons obtenus peuvent confirmer l'utilisation traditionnelle de Cassia nigricans dans le traitement des dermatoses

Les hypereosinophilie en dermatologie : a propos de 200 cas colliges au centre de de Dermatologie du CHU de Treichville au cours de l'annee 2004

Cette etude transversale sur 06 mois; allant du 1er Janvier au ler juillet 2004; s'est deroulee dans le centre de dermatologie venerologie du CHU de Treichville. Il s'agit d'une etude prospective portant sur 200 cas de dermatoses associees a une hypereosinophilie sanguine. Les dermatoses connues associees a une hypereosinophilie representant 43pour cent etaient dominees par les eczemas (50pour cent). Les dermatoses non connues associees a une hypereosinophilie representant 57pour cent etaient dominees par le psoriasis (23;6pour cent); l'erysipele (20;1pour cent) et la fasciite necrosante (18;4pour cent). L'anguillulose etait l'hehminthiase la plus retrouvee. Les antibiotiques et les anti-inflammatoires non steroidiens etaient les medicaments favorisants une hypereosinophilie les plus retrouves. L age moyen des patients etait de 37;4 ans. Le sexe ratio etait de 1;6 pour les dermatoses connues associees a une hypereosinophilie et de 1;1 pour les dermatoses non connues associees a une hypereosinophilie. Les sujets du niveau socio-professionnel bas et moyen etaient les plus touches