International journal of dermatology
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Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common pruritic, eczematous skin disorder that runs a chronic and relapsing course. In Nigeria, it is currently on the increase, particularly amongst infants, and has created cost burdens for families. It occurs in association with a personal or family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Major and minor criteria exist as guidelines for arriving at a diagnosis of AD, and surveys from Western countries have shown that these features, in particular the minor features, vary with ethnicity and genetic background and can be used to aid diagnosis. African dermatologists have also voiced concern that the much used Hanifin criteria for diagnosis of AD may need some adaptation for use in Africa. ⋯ The prevalence of AD amongst south-eastern Nigerian Blacks is on the increase, as in other areas, although it is still lower here than in other parts of the world. Many conventional minor features were found, but some occurred less frequently than in other countries, which may be attributed to ethnicity. Further studies will be required to confirm the ethnic differences in these features of AD amongst Nigerians and other Africans, to clarify the features of AD that are peculiar to Africans.
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Sweet's syndrome is extremely rare in relapsing polychondritis. We report a rare case of Sweet's syndrome revealing relapsing polychondritis. A 77-year-old man presented with fever, associated with respiratory symptoms and non pruritic, painful, erythematous, papules and plaques mainly on the arms and legs. ⋯ A month and a half after admission, the patient presented with ear chondritis and dysphonia. Biopsy of the ear cartilage found a significant perichondral inflammatory cells infiltrate. The diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis was established and a steroid treatment was instituted with a complete regression of the cutaneous signs and chondritis.