Korsaga/Somé N, Salissou L, Tapsoba GP, Ouédraogo MS, Traoré F, Doulla M, Barro/Traoré F, Niamba P, Traoré A. [Ichthyosis and social stigma in Burkina Faso].
Ann Dermatol Venereol 2016;
143:554-8. [PMID:
27133359 DOI:
10.1016/j.annder.2016.03.013]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Through the story of two families presenting ichthyosis, we report the support and social integration difficulties inherent in these genetic diseases.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Family No. 1: a 38-year-old shepherd and his wife of 25 years both had lamellar ichthyosis that had been present continually since childhood. They had had 2 stillborn infants as well as a live newborn that were all presenting lamellar ichthyosis. Family No. 2: a 45-year-old housewife was seen at our consultation with her 3 youngest children aged 8 years, 6 years and 18 months. According to the mother, at birth, all 3 children were covered with a membrane resembling plastic that crackled during movement, and they had red eyes. Examination of the 3 children revealed a clinical picture of lamellar ichthyosis with ectropion, malformed ears and brachydactyly. Although they presented delayed growth and weight development, psychomotor development was normal. There was no consanguinity between the parents.
DISCUSSION
In both families, the visible nature of the dermatosis resulted in discrimination and ostracism. The precarious living conditions of the parents and the high cost of treatment in an African setting resulted in degradation of quality of life with exacerbation of the difficulties of social integration, resulting in a lack of schooling and a bleak future for these children.
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