Skin Diseases in Ghana and the UK

The study analyzed skin disease patterns by evaluating diagnoses from 2254 new patients in Ghana and 3383 new patients in the UK. It found significant differences in disease prevalence between the countries. Infections were most common in Ghana, accounting for 46.3% of cases, while malignant and premalignant skin diseases were most prevalent in the UK at 22.2%. Dermatitis was frequently diagnosed in both countries, but psoriasis was more common in the UK (6.2%) compared to Ghana (0.4%). Issues like fixed drug eruption, often due to cotrimoxazole, and complications from cosmetic skin lightening creams were notable in Ghana. Rosacea was absent in the Ghanaian sample but present in 1.6% of UK cases. The study highlighted the distinct skin disease patterns in the two countries and the need for improved dermatological services in Ghana.