The Vitiligo in Senegal

S O Niang,Boubacar Ahy Diatta,Moussa Diallo,Assane Kane,Mame Thierno Dieng,Maodo Ndiaye,Sonia Bouksani,Assane Diop,Fatimata Ly

doi:10.5402/2012/932163

S O Niang, Boubacar Ahy Diatta + Show 7 more

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https://doi.org/10.5402/2012/932163

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Abstract

The aim of our study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical aspects of vitiligo in the largest dermatology department of Senegal. A cross-sectional and descriptive study in a period of 5 months was performed covering all the vitiligo cases. Fifty patients were identified (26 women and 24 men). The mean age was 26.5 years. A family history of vitiligo was found in 11 cases and a psychoaffective disturbance in 6 cases. The clinical forms distinguished were generalized vitiligo (n = 33), localized vitiligo (n = 16), vitiligo universalis (n = 4), and segmental vitiligo (n = 1). The Koebner phenomenon was found in 7 cases. Associated diseases were atopic dermatitis (n = 2), contact dermatitis (n = 1), diabetes (n = 1), and Graves' disease (n = 1). The disgraceful character of Vitiligo was the predominance of generalized forms and the elective localization in sun-exposed areas. The family character, the psychoaffective disturbances, the Koebner phenomenon increased by the lifestyle and the itching dermatosis were the aggravating factors.

Highlights

Vitiligo is a depigmenting condition characterized by a loss of functional melanocytes or by the decrease of melanin in the epidermis
The examination searched for the family history of vitiligo, a psychoaffective shock in the 3 years preceding the onset of lesions and a Koebner phenomenon
It searched for another associated autoimmune disease such as type I diabetes, Graves’ disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis

Summary

Introduction

Vitiligo is a depigmenting condition characterized by a loss of functional melanocytes or by the decrease of melanin in the epidermis. Its prevalence is about 0.1 to 2% depending on the country [1]. Asymptomatic and non-disabling, vitiligo is a very debilitating disease because of its exhibited and highly unpleasant character on dark skin. No pathophysiological mechanism has been yet elucidated. Antibodies against melanocytes and free radicals affecting cell membranes or cytoplasmic components have been suspected till today [2,3,4]. Very few studies have been devoted to this disease in Africa and none in Senegal.

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