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Age‑Specific Patterns of Childhood Skin Disease in Southwestern Nigeria: A Multicentre Study

Atinuke Arinola Ajani
,
Fatai Olatunde Olanrewaju
,
Mufutau Murphy Oripelaye
,
Olufikemi Fabusuyi
,
Temiloluwa Oyetoke

Published in June 2026 Issue 6 (Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2026)

Age‑Specific Patterns of Childhood Skin Disease in Southwestern Nigeria: A Multicentre Study - Issue cover

Keywords

DermatitisEczemaChildAdolescentMycosesPrevalence

Abstract

Background: Paediatric dermatoses contribute substantially to childhood morbidity and impaired quality of life, yet data from resource-poor settings remain limited. This study describes the age‑specific and geographic distribution of dermatoses in children attending dermatology clinics in suburban and semi‑urban centres in Southwestern Nigeria Results: Among 589 children (mean age 7.9±4.8 years; 53.7% male), non-infectious dermatoses (71.1%), particularly eczematous (29.2%) and hereditary disorders (10.2%) predominated. Infectious dermatoses (36.8%) were significantly more common among children aged 0–11 years (p=0.012). Fungal infections peaked among school-aged children (p=0.013), while viral dermatoses were most frequent in preschool-aged children (p<0.001). Children in the suburban cohort had significantly higher odds of infectious (OR=1.72; 95% CI 1.18–2.50; p=0.004) and eczematous dermatoses (OR=1.72; 95% CI 1.15–2.56; p=0.008). Whereas hereditary skin conditions (OR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.34–1.03; p = 0.061) and papulosquamous dermatoses (OR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.33–1.06; p = 0.098) were more frequently observed in the semi‑urban setting Conclusion: Eczematous dermatoses dominate paediatric-dermatology consultations in Southwestern Nigeria, with distinct age and geographic patterns. Early‑childhood programmes should prioritise recognition and management of infectious and eczematous conditions, while school health services should strengthen fungal screening and treatment.

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Authors (5)

Atinuke Arinola Ajani

Obafemi Awolowo University

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Fatai Olatunde Olanrewaju

Obafemi Awolowo University

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Mufutau Murphy Oripelaye

Obafemi Awolowo University

View all publications →

Olufikemi Fabusuyi

University of Medical Science ...

View all publications →

Temiloluwa Oyetoke

Obafemi Awolowo University Tea...

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Article Information

Published in:

June 2026 Issue 6 (Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2026)

BJMHR6130008

BJMHR-13-000032

71-86

2026-06-12

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Downloads:823

How to Cite

Arinola, A., & Olatunde, F. & Murphy, M. & Fabusuyi & Oyetoke (2026). Age‑Specific Patterns of Childhood Skin Disease in Southwestern Nigeria: A Multicentre Study. British Journal of Medical and Health Research, 13(6), 71-86. https://bjmhr.com/articles/BJMHR6130008

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