Clinical Features and Risk Factors of Dermatitis Cruris Pustulosa et Atrophicans in Southwestern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Dermatitis cruris pustulosa et atrophicans (DCPA), a chronic skin inflammatory condition involving the shins, is a marginally recognized disorder in Uganda. Purpose: To describe the clinical manifestation of DCPA and risk factors among populations in southwestern Uganda. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted in Mbarara and Kabale Regional Referral Hospital Skin Clinics. Demographic data and digital images of affected shins were taken and stored on remote server. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, data was collected from 405 participants from 02/November/2022 to 04/January/2024 and was analyzed using R, a data visualization and statistical computing programming language. Results: Most patients (74.9%) were aged 0-25 years, with a mean age of 21.6 years (SD = 15.1). Females constituted 71.9% of cases. Patients were almost evenly distributed between Mbarara (46.2%) and Kabale (53.8%) Hospitals. The largest affected groups were students (38%) and pupils/infants (25.4%) followed by Farmers (16%) and semiskilled laborers (8.9%). Petroleum jelly was the most topical application (28.6%) while herbal remedies (11.9%), Systemic antibiotics (8.9%) and topical antifungal treatments (5.2%) were less frequently used. Conclusion: DCPA presents with itching, pus discharge, and atrophic skin changes. In southwestern Uganda, it mainly affects young females. In its multifactorial etiopathogenesis oily cosmetic products is a contributory factor.These findings, supported by Mbarara University Data Science Research Hub (MUDSReH), highlight the need for improved diagnostic tools and targeted interventions for DCPA. Further research is needed to assess the broader impact of DCPA in Uganda.