Vitiligo in the City of Bukavu ( Democratic Republic of Congo).

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by selective loss of melanocytes resulting in circumscribed, depigmented macules and patches. Although it does not cause physical pain that warrants a patient to complain, its effects can be psychological, leading to stigmatization and suicidal ideation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim over a period of one year and 8 months (February 1, 2019, to September 30, 2020). The patients attending the dermatology-venereology services of the University Clinics of Bukavu (CUB) and the Saint-Luc Clinic of Bukavu (CSLB) were recruited into the study. It focused on patients received in consultation for vitiligo. The diagnosis of vitiligo was made based on clinical examination and when in doubt, a skin biopsy was carried out to confirm histological diagnosis. The data were entered and analysed using Epi info3.5.1.

RESULTS

The prevalence of vitiligo in this study was 2.0%. The mean age was 24.5 years and range from 6 months to 73 years. The age group most affected was 0 to 9 years with 41.9%. The female sex represented 61.3% and the M/F sex ratio was 1.5. Stress (12.9) and repeated trauma (6.5) were the most reported triggers. Family history was present in 29.0% of cases. Atopy (29.0%) and thyroiditis (9.7%) were the most common associated pathologies. Preferred lesion locations were the face (48.4%), external genitalia (41.9%) and extremities (22.6%). The predominant clinical form was non-segmental vitiligo (80.6%). Among the paraclinical examinations carried out, the inflammatory assessment was the most disturbed (9.7%).

CONCLUSION

Vitiligo is a dermatosis that can affect anyone; regardless of gender, age or race.