ABSTRACT
A keloid scar is a benign skin tumor and we aimed to assess the Quality of Life (QoL) of black Africans with keloid scars based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in the department of dermatology of the teaching hospital of Treichville in Ivory Coast. We recruited 132 patients with keloid and 3612 dermatoses without keloid: The prevalence was 3.50% (132/3753). We included 120 patients aged from 16 to 63 years old, the sex ratio was 0.46 (38/82) and the mean age was 34.20 years. Keloid scars were mostly secondary to skin trauma in 30.00 % and infection in 21.67%. The commonest site was the ear in 29.17 %. We reported Keloid with pain in 53.33% and pruritus in 95.00%. We observed psychological impact in 65.83%. The DLQI scores were moderate and high in 61.66 %. QoL was impacted significantly when keloid was associated with pain (p=0.046), pruritus (p=0.81) and functional disorders (p=0.29). The DLQI score could be a valuable tool to assess QoL in black African patients with keloid, for better treatment option.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous depigmentation for cosmeticis purposes is a widespread practice among black African women. It has many complications that have been well documented for decades. However, the reasons of practitioners are not well known. The aim of our study was to understand the motivating reasons of these women in order to conduct a communication campaign for behavior change. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional KAP survey (Knowledge/Attitudes/Practices) at the Dermatology Department of the University Hospital of Treichville (Abidjan) Data were analyzed using Epi Info 3.5.1. and 6.04 software. RESULTS: Practitioners were mostly young urban single, literate and professionally active women (20-40 years). Cutaneous depigmentation and its consequences were known to women, however, they thought that women with the lightest complexion were more attractive. They were influenced by media and friends. The most frequently observed complications were exogenous ochronosis and stretch marks. The local means of communication remained what essentially sustained the information needs of these women, because they help them to change their behavior. CONCLUSION: The development of local communication strategies for behavior change seems necessary to stop the phenomenon of cutaneous depigmentation for cosmetic purposes in black female population in Abidjan.
Subject(s)
Black People/psychology , Cosmetic Techniques/psychology , Skin Lightening Preparations/administration & dosage , Skin Pigmentation/drug effects , Adolescent , Adult , Communication , Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects , Cote d'Ivoire , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Behavior , Humans , Middle Aged , Motivation , Skin Lightening Preparations/adverse effects , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Abscess formation is a frequent local complication of leg erysipelas. In this study we aimed at identifying factors associated with abscess formation of leg erysipelas in patients in sub-Saharan African countries. METHOD: This is a multicenter prospective study conducted in dermatology units in eight sub-Saharan African countries from October 2013 to September 2014. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to compare characteristics among the group of patients with leg erysipelas complicated with abscess against those without this complication. RESULTS: In this study, 562 cases of leg erysipelas were recruited in the eight sub-Saharan African countries. The mean age of patients was 43.67 years (SD =16.8) (Range: 15 to 88 years) with a sex-ratio (M/F) of 5/1. Out of the 562 cases, 63 patients (11.2%) had abscess formation as a complication. In multivariate analysis showed that the main associated factors with this complication were: nicotine addiction (aOR = 3.7; 95 % CI = [1.3 - 10.7]) and delayed antibiotic treatment initiation (delay of 10 days or more) (aOR = 4.6; 95 % CI = [1.8 - 11.8]). CONCLUSION: Delayed antibiotics treatment and nicotine addiction are the main risk factors associated with abscess formation of leg erysipelas in these countries. However, chronic alcohol intake, which is currently found in Europe as a potential risk factor, was less frequent in our study.
