Patient Care and Treatment Strategies for Skin Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: Role of Traditional and Western Medicines

Abstract

The perspective of the people of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) toward both traditional and western healthcare systems varies. The goal of the current study was to examine the SSA's unique skin disease health care system. This study comprises numerous research that sought to examine how the general public felt about the SSA's current healthcare system. In this review, common skin conditions such atopic dermatitis, buruli ulcers, dermatophytosis, and scabies were addressed. According to this report, government agencies must pay particular attention to skin illnesses in SSA and raise public awareness. Availability of medical care, socioeconomic factors, degree of education, and other factors influence patient attitudes toward traditional and western health care differently in different geographic areas. Facts suggested that self-medication is the preference of the majority of patients before seeking dermatological care. The present study concludes that the magnitude of skin diseases is neglected or underestimated in many regions of SSA, also western health care facilities of many SSA are not up to the mark. The present study recommends that proper access to the health care system and awareness about skin diseases through various government programs can be helpful in the regulation of skin disorders among people of SSA.