[Reasons of consultation in Lomé dermatology departments (Togo)]

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to list the various dermatoses observed in consultations at dermatology departments in Lomé. Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted over a 16-year period (1 January 2005 to 31 December 2020) in the public dermatology departments of Lomé. Patient files were reviewed. Pathologies were grouped into immuno-allergic, inflammatory, infectious and tumoral dermatoses, sexually transmitted infections and other dermatoses. Results: During the study period, 42523 patient files were reviewed, 2730 files (6.4%) were excluded for incomplete information. July was the month with the highest frequency of consultations (11%). The average age of patients was 26.36 +/- 16.85 years (range: 1 month to 102 years) and the sex ratio (M/F) was 0.6. The age range 0-15 years was the most represented 29%. Immuno-allergic dermatoses accounted for 40.9% of consultations, followed by inflammatory dermatoses (21.4%) and infectious dermatoses (20.7%). The top 5 causes of consultation in general were: eczema 23.5%; prurigo 9.3%; irritant dermatitis 8.9%; acne 5.5% and pruritus 4.4%. Conclusion: Our study shows a high frequency of immunoallergic dermatoses in Lomé. Dermatoses are also influenced by climate change, the country’s development and various social trends.