Seborrheic Dermatitis in Black Skin: Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects, Evolution, And Associated Factors In 111 Patients with Review of the Literature

Abstract

Assane Diop, Mame Tene Ndiaye, Amal Chairat, Jade Kaddoura, Saer Diadie, Boubacar Ahi Diatta, Maodo Ndiaye, Fatimata Ly and Suzanne Oumou Niang

Introduction: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic, recurrent dermatosis. In Africa, studies on seborrheic dermatitis are very rare.

Objective: Our aim was to determine the epidemiological and clinical aspects and factors associated with SD in black-skinned adults in Dakar.

Material and Methods: Cross-sectional, analytic study with prospective data collection, conducted from April 1st to September 30th of 2018, in Dakar's two dermatology referral departments and one dermatology consultation unit.

Results: We enrolled 111 patients, representing a hospital frequency of 1.6%. The mean age of patients was 33 years, with a sex ratio of 0.2. Singles accounted for 54% and married for 42% of cases. Pupils or students accounted for 32% and housewives for 28%. Stress was present in 40.54% of cases, systemic disease in 23.42% and atopy in 21.62%. Pruritus was absent in 53%. Scaling was found in 88% (n=98) of cases. The scalp was affected in 83.78% and the face in 47%. Acne was noted in 14.4%. HIV serology was negative in 97% (n=108) of patients who tested positive. There was a statistically significant relationship between scalp localization and factors such as stress (p=0.034), female gender (p= 0.023), married status (p=0.021) and the existence of a systemic disease (p=0.048). Facial localization was related to male gender (p=0.0204).

Conclusion: SD is relatively common in skin of color adults in Dakar. Women are mainly affected. Factors associated with this condition include psychosocial status and systemic diseases.

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