Cross-Sectional Study of Trichoscopy Features, Prevalence, Types of Hair Loss and Hair Care Practices at a Lagos Urban Market

BACKGROUND

Hair loss studies have mostly been clinical with no trichoscopy features of the hair loss documented in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the community prevalence, types of hair loss, trichoschopy features and the risk factors for the observed hair loss types.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of traders (Fitz Patrick's skin types V-VI) at an urban market. The traders were clinically evaluated for hair loss. Sociodemographic, clinical and trichoscopy data were recorded using a study questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Statistics such as means, medians, frequencies, t-test and chi-square test were presented. Levels of significance of all tests was set at, P<0.05%.

RESULTS

A total of 307 participants (32.6% male and 67.4% female) with a mean age of 42.7±12.8 years were studied. The prevalence of hair loss was 68.7% (51% in males and 77.3% in females) and the mean age of those with hair loss was 44.8±12.3 years. The pattern of hair loss was patterned, diffuse and localized in 94.3%, 3.8% and 1.9% respectively. The main types of hair loss were androgenetic alopecia (26.9%) and traction alopecia (71.7%). The prevalent hair practices were; braids and weave-on (extensions) in 78.2%, turban-like head gear in 76.9%, and chemical relaxers in 73.8%. Trichoscopy features characteristic of the observed hair loss types were documented.

CONCLUSION

Hair loss is common in the community. The common hair care practices and increasing age could be contributors to hair loss.

The Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Adult Female Acne Vulgaris in Lagos, Nigeria

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Studies of adult female acne vulgaris are few despite its increasing presentation in dermatology clinics. Adult female acne is classified as either late onset, persistent acne or return acne with a mixed pattern of inflammation in most females. The aim of this study was to document the socio-demographic characteristics (late onset, persistent acne, age, pre-menstrual flare) and clinical profile (severity, pattern, type of lesions, scarring and type of scars) of adult female acne patients.

METHODOLOGY

Cross sectional descriptive study of 56 adult female acne patients aged 25 years and above. Patients were clinically examined and severity of acne graded with the Comprehensive Acne Severity Scale. Socio-demographic data and clinical profile was documented using a questionnaire designed for the study. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS version 22. Level of significance of all tests was set at 5%.

RESULTS

Age range was 25-67 years with a mean age of 33.4 years. Prevalence of adult female acne was 19.3% amongst female patients seen in the clinic. Acne was persistent in 55.4%, late onset in 44.6%, only inflammatory in 5.4%, only non-inflammatory in 42.9%, and a mixed pattern of inflammation in 51.8%. Location of acne was facial only in 80.4% with extra facial involvement in 19.6%. Acne was severe, moderate and mild in 35.7%, 44.6%, and 19.6% respectively. Acne scar was present in 87.5%, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in 65.3%.

CONCLUSION

Adult female acne is increasing in prevalence. Acne in adult females is mostly persistent in nature with mixed inflammatory pattern. It affects the whole face and it is associated with scarring.