Common Skin Issues in Nigeria

Like many tropical countries, Nigeria faces various dermatological challenges that affect millions of people daily.

The hot, humid climate, intense sunlight, and varying socioeconomic conditions combine to create an environment that fosters the growth of certain skin diseases.

It is an essential step to understand the causes of these diseases to know the right way to prevent them or receive adequate treatment. If this step is missed, these diseases spread rapidly, and it becomes challenging to overcome them.

According to recent medical studies, the rate of skin diseases in Nigeria has significantly increased over the past three decades, making allergies and inflammation as common as infections.

In this article, we will learn about the most common skin issues in Nigeria, providing you with the essential information you need to recognize, prevent, manage, and treat these health conditions.

Pityriasis versicolor 

Image source: ImageSearchMan 

This is one of the most common skin conditions in Nigeria, which affects millions of people.

Pityriasis versicolor is popularly known as IFO, especially in the south-west region of the country. 

Although many people mistakenly identify this skin issue as eczema, it is not eczema, and it isn't contagious.

Many Nigerians become nervous when they apply a cosmetic and notice a whitish reaction on their skin, leading them to wonder if it's pityriasis. 

This is because some Nigerians have the ideology that this skin condition is caused by dirt, and anyone with it is an unclean person, but this isn't true.

IFO is caused by a fungus that lives on the skin, which later produces an acid that can cause skin lightening due to changes in immunity or skin condition.

The activities on the skin, especially when the skin color lightens, are what result in the condition known as "IFO".

This skin issue is treatable, and it doesn't support or trigger the growth of cancer.

To effectively treat pityriasis versicolor, it is best to consult a doctor.

Eczema

Image source: ImageSearchMan 

Eczema, also known as Atopic dermatitis, is a skin disease that causes rashes, dry patches, and infection. It primarily affects children, but can occur in anyone at any age.

The rate of atopic dermatitis cases in Nigeria increases every day. However, it is more common in Northern Nigeria compared to other regions.

Research indicates that the incidence of this skin disease has doubled over the past two decades, rising from approximately 5% to 14% of cases in some regions.

This increase is a result of more people living in cities and improved living standards. People are eating more processed foods, and these cities have a significant amount of pollutants in the air.

Eczema is a chronic and long-lasting condition that tends to flare up sometimes. Although it can be irritating, it's not contagious.

Eczema has no cure. It can only be managed, and for proper management, different approaches such as regularly moisturizing one's skin, avoiding certain fabrics and harsh soaps, using prescribed medications during flare-ups, and adhering to other skincare habits can help reduce itching and prevent new flares.

For severe cases, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for personalized recommendations of additional treatments that will work best for your skin type.

Ringworm

Image source: ImageSearchMan 

Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis or tinea, is a fungal skin infection that is extremely common in Nigeria. This infection appears as a ring-shaped lesion on the skin or exhibits other symptoms, affecting different parts of the body.

Ringworm is contagious and is contracted through contact with an infected person, animal, or object.

This infection can be identified by different names depending on the part of your body that gets affected. 

Tinea corporis is the name for the ringworm found on the body. This type of ringworm is mainly found on your arms, face, and legs.

Other types of ringworm are:

Tinea barbae: This type of ringworm is found on the cheeks, chin, and neck. It appears as patches that might later get covered with a hard layer or filled with pus.

Tinea pedis, also known as Athlete's foot, is a fungal infection characterized by an itchy, burning skin rash between the toes and the soles of the feet. This causes issues such as developed blisters, scaly skin, and offensive odour on your feet.

Tinea manuum: This type affects the hands, causing ring-like patches and cracked palms.

The best way to treat ringworm is by using antifungal medication prescribed by your physician.

Acne

Image source: ImageSearchMan 

Acne, scientifically known as acne vulgaris, is a common skin issue in Nigeria that primarily affects adolescents and young adults.

This skin condition is common among teenagers due to hormonal changes during puberty. Also, many adults in their twenties and thirties continue to experience this breakout as well.

In Nigeria, acne is exacerbated by the hot, humid weather, which increases facial oil production, sweating, the use of strong cosmetic products, and stress.

What makes acne even more challenging for Nigerians is the amount of dark spots left on the face after pimples heal.

These dark spots are particularly noticeable in people with lighter skin tones, making it evident to others, which can lead the affected person to seek solutions that may even worsen the dark spots aggressively.

To effectively manage acne on your skin, gently clean your face daily with a mild soap and avoid squeezing or picking at pimples. 

There are other ways to manage this skin condition, but the best approach is to visit a dermatologist to determine the necessary measures for treating the acne on your skin.

Contact Dermatitis

Image source: ImageSearchMan 

This is a common skin issue that occurs when a person comes in direct contact with a substance or has an allergic reaction to that particular substance.

In Nigeria, substances that cause this health condition are: certain cosmetic products, detergents, and harsh soaps.

Contact dermatitis isn't contagious, but it causes the affected person to develop an itchy rash, making them feel very uncomfortable. This rash becomes visible after 2 to 4 weeks of exposure.

The best way to treat contact dermatitis is to identify and avoid the substance that causes your reaction. When the cause of your reaction is avoided, the rash typically clears up within 2 to 4 weeks.

Common symptoms of contact dermatitis are:

Burning, swelling, or tenderness

Blisters and bumps

An itchy rash

Dry, scaly skin

Conclusion

Having a skin issue has become a norm in Nigeria, and this is due to various factors such as genetics, environment, lifestyle choices, and socioeconomic status.

Other factors include sharing of personal items, inadequate nutrition, poor hygiene, misdiagnosis and lack of awareness, financial barriers, and stigma.

To manage these skin conditions, it is essential to follow simple steps, such as protecting your skin from the sun by using sunscreen tailored to your skin type, eating a healthy diet, maintaining good hygiene, using the right skincare products suited to Nigeria's weather, and consulting a dermatologist for expert advice.

Additionally, consuming fruits like carrots, cucumbers, oranges, avocados, mangoes, pineapples, strawberries, and watermelon is another approach that can be taken, as it helps maintain your skin and gives you the glow you've always wanted.

These approaches are essential and shouldn't be skipped. When taken, they accelerate the healing process, promote healthy skin, and mitigate the effects of these skin conditions.

As Nigeria continues to evolve and develop, raising awareness about these common skin issues must be taken seriously because it is essential.

To sum it up, investing in dermatological healthcare is a great idea, as it can boost skincare and improve overall quality of life.