Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Fixed Pigmented Erythema at the Departmental University Hospital Center Borgou/Alibori (Benin).

INTRODUCTION

Fixed pigmented erythema (FPE) is a common toxidermia characterized by the appearance of one or more annular, erythematous and hyperpigmented spots, following the systemic administration of a drug. The main aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of fixed pigmented erythema at the Departmental University Hospital Center Borgou/Alibori (DUHC-B/A) from 2009 to 2022.

METHODS

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection, based on the records of patients seen in the Dermatology-Venerology Unit for FPE. Initially, all files bearing the diagnosis of toxidermia were identified; then, those with the diagnosis of FPE with usable data were retained. Data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using EpiData Analysis.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were enrolled during the study period. The prevalence of FPE was 0.73%, with a male predominance. The most common drug identified was cotrimoxazole, followed by paracetamol and quinine. Over half of the patients (52.9%) were self-medicating.

CONCLUSION

Although FPE occurs rarely, it remains the most frequent toxidermia at the DUHC-B/A. It can be severe in its generalized bullous form. Avoiding the practice of self-medication could help reduce its prevalence.