Abstract

Introduction: Bacterial dermohypodermatitis (BDH) is the leading cause of hospitalization in dermatology departments in Dakar. They constitute a public health challenge. The prevalence in France is estimated at 10 to 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with a predominance of lower limb localization. Upper limb forms are rarely reported. The aim of our study was to determine the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of BDH of the upper limb. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of the records of patients hospitalized for upper limb DHB in the Dermatology Department of the Aristide Le Dantec hospital over a 10-year (January 2011 to December 2021). Results: We collected 21 cases of BDH of the upper limb, representing a hospital frequency of 0.62%. The sex ratio was 0.16. The mean age of patients was 46 years. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were used in 7 cases (33.3%), with symptoms worsening in 87.7%. Bacterial dermohypodermatitis was non-necrotizing in 15 cases (71.4%), and necrotizing in 6 (28.6%). There was a point of entry in 10 cases (47.6%). Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid has been used in 18 cases (85.71%). Surgical debridement has been performed in 5 cases (23.8%). Progress was favorable in 17 cases (80.95%). The factors associated with DHB of the upper limb were: artificial depigmentation in 11 cases (52.4%), obesity in 6 cases (28.57%) and diabetes in 4 cases (19%). Skin local risk factors included lymphedema in one case secondary to lymph node dissection (4.8%). Conclusion: Our study confirms the rarity of DHB of the upper limb, with a clear female predominance. Lymphedema, the existence of an entry point and artificial depigmentation are the main factors associated with DHB of the upper limb.