Dermatological Disorders amongst Primary School Children in Riyom Community, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Dermatologic disorders are common and a significant burden of skin diseases in school children. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and possible socio-demographic risk factors involved in common transmissible skin disorders (TSD) among Primary school children in Riyom community. A total 150 samples from pupils of seven (7) primary schools within the community comprising 80 (53.3%) males and 70(46.7%) females were randomly selected for the study. Dermatological diagnosis was made mainly by Laboratory investigations. Samples obtained from volunteer subjects were cultured into aSabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) incorporated with Chloraphenicol and Streptomycin. Each were Inoculated and incubated at 37 , while growth was monitored daily. The result obtained showed infection to be common among the males than the females and found to be frequent among the children between ages of 3and 8 years.Species of dermatophytes isolated from the various forms of the infection, includes Trichophyton species found in57( 38%)has the highest number of fungal isolates,this is followed closely by the Aspergillus species in 40(26.7%) among the samples screened,while the Microsporum speciewere found in34 (22.6) pupils. Other opportunistic mycosis isolated includes Aspergillus species, candida species, mucor species and penicllum species. Species associated with Aspergillusin this work include Aspergillusfumigatus(13.3%), Aspergillus Niger (10%) and Aspergillusflavus has( 40%). In candida, candida albcanis has 3.3% candida spp has 2.0%, mucors species has 6.0% and penicillum species has 1.3%.The prevalence rate of dermatological disorders reflects hygienic conditions and socio- economic status.Ringworm therefore is not a reportable disease but is a cause for concern because of its contagious nature.