Mucocutaneous lichen in pigmented skin: Epidemiological, clinical, and prognostic features at the university dermatology and venereology clinic of CNHU-HKM in Cotonou

Abstract

Introduction: The scarcity of studies on the characteristics of mucocutaneous lichen (MCL) in pigmented skin motivated this investigation, which aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and evolutionary features of MCL in a hospital setting. Methods: A cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection was conducted at the university dermatology and venereology clinic of the Hubert Koutoukou Maga National and University Hospital Center (CUDEV/CNHU-HKM) in Cotonou, over a 10-year period. Patients diagnosed with MCL based on clinical criteria were included. Data were analyzed using Epi Data 3.1 software, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The hospital frequency of MCL was 1.83% (218/11,917 patients). The sex ratio was 0.86, and the mean age was 34.12±15.69 years. Of the 36 patients who reported triggering factors, 83.33% mentioned psychological disorders and 16.67% sleep disturbances. The main clinical forms were classic cutaneous (62.84%), mucocutaneous (14.22%), and verrucous (9.63%). Complete remission at six weeks, following corticosteroid therapy initiated in 94.87% of cases, was achieved in 65.33% of patients. A recurrence was observed in 8% of cases after six months of follow-up. Discussion: As previously reported in studies from the subregion, MCL at CUDEV/CNHU-HKM more frequently affected young female patients, often preceded by psycho-emotional disorders. The classic cutaneous form was predominant, with a frequently diffuse distribution. Corticosteroid therapy showed relative effectiveness. Conclusion: In dermatology practice in Cotonou, mucocutaneous lichen affected more frequently young female patients. The classic cutaneous form was predominant, most often with a diffuse distribution. Recurrence was observed in a non-negligible proportion of cases.