Bashir Ahmad Barakzaie
Herat Regional Hospital, Afghanistan
Title: Incidence of Severe Phytophotodermatitis in Hospitalized Patients in the Dermatology Department of Herat Regional Hospital During 2018
Biography
Biography: Bashir Ahmad Barakzaie
Abstract
Background:
Topical exposure to plant-derived substances may cause a phototoxic reaction termed phytophotodermatitis. Phytophotodermatitis occurs most commonly after exposure to limes and other plants. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of severe phytophotodermatitis in admitted patients during 2018 in the dermatology department of Herat Hospital
Methodology:
This descriptive case series study was done in the Dermatology Department of Herat Regional Hospital from April – June 2018. We admitted 17 cases for acute severe photodamaged due to eatable plant names (Shorak) the original name of which is (Salsa Rigid). The data was collected through a designed form and all the information was collected from patients' files. EPI info 7 was used for data analyzes and the patients' photos were taken when appropriate
Result :
Out of 17 patients, 5 (29.4%) were men, and 12 (70.6%) women. 6 (35.2%) of patients were from Herat Province, and the rest 11(64.8%) from Badghis. Both Herat and Badghis patients were all from the districts and rural areas. The age ranged from 2-56 years with an average of 22 years. The hospital staying time was between 1 – 17 days with an average length of stay of 5.9 days. The face was involved in all patients (100%), hands, feet, and necks affected by 64.7%, 53%, and 5.3% respectively.
Conclusion:
Even though phytophotodermatitis in particularly severe form is rare in other countries, it is still highly prevalent in our community leading to lifelong, disfiguring, and disabilities. Hence, Strong efforts by policy-makers are required to deal with this public health challenge.