Authors : Olayinka A. Olasode, E.B. Henshaw, N.A. Akpan and A.A. Otu
Abstract: Cutaneous infections in the tropics continue to be of importance because of the presence of a climate that supports the agents of transmission. Poor social and environmental conditions are also contributory to the spread of infection in the developing world. Lack of basic infrastructure and amenities like good water supply has a significant impact on transmission of infective dermatoses. About 82 consecutive patients with infective dermatoses presenting at a skin clinic in a developing country in the tropics over a 9 months period were compiled and analyzed in a prospective, descriptive study. The diagnosis were made by a dermatologist and confirmed by microbiology where necessary. The ages of affected ranged between 1-69 years with male to female ratio of 1:1.6. The peak age affected was 20-29 years of age. Fungal infections was highest with 55 (67%) patients affected followed by parasitic with 10 (12%) patients affected. Viral non exanthematic skin disease occurred in 9 (11%) patients while bacterial infections was documented in 8 (10%) of patients. The pattern of infective dermatoses was found to still follow the same pattern as in previous documented studies. It is logical to conclude that the same environmental and social conditions supporting the spread of infection and parasitic infestations in these environments has not been grossly changed. Cutaneous infections in the developing world continue to be a of public health importance. New measures to provide and sustain effective basic amenities with social facilities for better quality of life are suggested.
Olayinka A. Olasode, E.B. Henshaw, N.A. Akpan and A.A. Otu, 2010. Cutaneous Infections in Patients Presenting in a Skin Clinic in the Tropics. International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 5: 54-57.