Atopic dermatitis: incidence presentation and management problems as seen in arar, northern Saudi Arabia

To study the incidence, presentation and management problems of patients with atopic dermatitis as seen in Arar Central Hospital and compare them with other studies elsewhere. 5-year [January 1991 - December 1995] retrospective study of patients' data as collected from their files. Arar Central Hospital, Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia. 1,015 new cases of atopic dermatitis The overall annual incidence rate of atopic dermatitis was 203 per 100,000 base population. The incidence rate has increased over the last 5 years from 146 per 100,000 in 1991 to 302 per 100,000 in 1995. Seventy percent of new patients with atopic dermatitis were below 2 years, with a median age of 4 months in infants, 6 years in older children and 23 years in young adults. The male to female ratio was 1.1 to 1, with a positive family history of atopy [asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis] elicited in 35% of patients. Eighty of the patients were Saudis. One hundred and sixty six [63%] of 264 infants with the disorder, available for re-evaluation after 3 years were free of symptoms of the disease. In older children and adults the disease was punctuated by frequent flare-ups and long periods of resolution. Bacteria skin infection, commonly due to staphylococcus aureus was the most common complication. No case of eczema vaccinatum or herpeticum was encountered. Varicella infection ran a more prolonged course in some of our patients with atopic dermatitis. Follow-up of patients was associated with a high default rate, probably related to the frustrations with the disorder and an elusive search for a cure. As compared to studies in Europe, the first symptoms of atopic dermatitis in infants occur a little later [8-12 weeks compared to 6-8 weeks] otherwise, the presentation and course were similar. The study illustrates the increasing incidence of atopic dermatitis in the population studied. There is therefore, a need for increased awareness and understanding by the general public

Rhinosporidiosis of the conjunctiva

A case of rhinosporidiosis affecting the tarsal conjunctiva in a 24-year-old man is reported. The lesion was clinically diagnosed as a papilloma but histologically a diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis was made. The authors believe this to be of interest due to its rarity in Saudi Arabia