Photodermatoses in Lagos.

Light-sensitive dermatoses do not constitute a major problem among the black people in Nigeria. In a 10-year study, only 64 cases (about 0.4% of all dermatologic patients) had light-sensitive dermatoses. Seven of the 10 patients with endogenous photodermatoses were albinos. Two patients with polymorphic light eruption were visiting Caucasians. Only one normally pigmented black Nigerian had xeroderma pigmentosum. Fifty-four patients had photodermatoses from exogenous causes, of which hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis constituted the largest group of patients. Two women had estrogen-induced porphyria cutanea tarda.