Spectrum of Skin Diseases in Nasarawa State, North-centre, Nigeria

Background: There is limited information on the pattern of skin diseases seen in North central part of Nigeria. The dermatology clinic of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi started in February 2014 as the only dermatology clinic in Nasarawa State. We reviewed the pattern of skin diseases seen at the clinic between 2014 and 2019. Objective: To determine the pattern of skin diseases seen at the dermatology clinic at FMC Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria Methodology: This was a retrospective study to review clinic records of all the new patients seen from March 2014 to February 2019. The demographics and diagnoses were extracted. Data was analysed using SPSS 20 statistical software. This was compared with studies from other regions of the country. Result: 510 new patients were seen during the period under review. Atopic dermatitis (10.6%) was the commonest skin disease. Acne vulgaris (4.6%) was the commonest among adults. Dermatitis (22.5%) and Infections/Infestations (22.5%) were the commonest group of diseases. The ten leading causes of skin diseases were Atopic dermatitis (10.6%), Tinea infections (6.3%), Acne vulgaris (4.6%), Vitiligo (4.2%), Pityrosporum folliculitis (4.1%), Seborrheic dermatitis (3.9%), Warts (3.7%), Urticaria (3.0%), Contact dermatitis (3.0%), Lichen planus (2.6%).  Conclusion: A wide range of skin diseases was seen. Atopic dermatitis was the commonest disease in our study. There is an increasing trend of Pityrosporum folliculitis likely related to abuse of topical steroids for skin lightening. Community based studies to determine the determinants of these common diseases will be required.