According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 1<\/small> , skin diseases are the fourth leading
\ncause of disability worldwide, yet dermatology is not often a global health priority. Anja & Co.
\npresent \u201c Recognition and management of congenital ichthyosis in low income setting\u201d, a case
\nof a 3 week old Gambian female brought to an urban hospital by her mother due to the
\nabnormal appearance of her skin since birth. \u201c On examination, her skin showed thick fissured
\nhyperkeratosis..associated mild eclabium and more pronounced ectropium with difficulty in eye-
\nclosure bilaterally\u201d 2<\/small> .<\/p>\n
The use of Telemedicine in a setting where \u201cit was the first such diagnosis to be made at this
\nhospital\u201d 3<\/small> proved to a useful tool to access specialists, dertamologists and opthamologists, for
\ndiagnosis consult and treatment plan. In low and medium income countries the access to
\nspecialists and diagnostics tools, such as genetic testing, can be scarce. This case shows the
\nvalue of such tool, especially in rare diseases.<\/p>\n
Barriers to successful maintenance of care include access to medication, presentation for follow
\nups, time availability of a care giver and stigma of disease.<\/p>\n
Tailoring a treatment plan to fit individuals according to their socio economic status, locally
\navailable resources, and ability for follow up can increase positive medical outcomes.
\nDecreasing complications and increasing compliance is an essential for optimal management.
\nPart of medical care revolves around educating the family and \/ or society about the disease.\u201c I
\nfelt very sad after my baby was born. Her skin was very dry and others in the village were
\nworried she was cursed\u201d \u201cThe hospital took care of her and told me why it happened\u2026.I\u2019m very
\nhappy the hospital helped me and my daughter\u201d 4<\/small> . Traditional beliefs play an important role in
\nmany cultures around the globe and we must work alongside them. The consequence of
\nnegative tradition beliefs can lead to failure to seek medical treatment, social isolation 5<\/small> and
\nneglect of the affected individual, underlying the importance disease education.<\/p>\n
This case report sheds light on diagnosing, treating and managing a rare dermatological
\ndisease in a setting with limited resources.<\/p>\n
1: JAMA Dermatol. 2017 May 1;153(5):406-412. doi: 10.1001\/jamadermatol.2016.5538.
\n2: Saso A, Dowsing B, Forrest K, et al. BMJ Case Rep 2019;12:e228313. doi:10.1136\/bcr-2018-
\n228313
\n3: Saso A, Dowsing B, Forrest K, et al. BMJ Case Rep 2019;12:e228313. doi:10.1136\/bcr-2018-
\n228313
\n4: Saso A, Dowsing B, Forrest K, et al. BMJ Case Rep 2019;12:e228313. doi:10.1136\/bcr-2018-
\n228313
\n5: Ahogo Kouadio C, Enoh J, Gbery Ildevert P, et al. Lamellar Ichthyosis in SubSaharan Africa:
\nSocial Stigmatization and Therapeutic Difficulties. JAMA Dermatol 2017;153:476\u20137.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Rare dermatological disease management in low income settings According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013 1 , skin diseases are the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide, yet dermatology is not often a global health priority. Anja & Co. present \u201c Recognition and management of congenital ichthyosis in low income setting\u201d, a case […]<\/p>\n