Chronic skin ulcers, Burkina Faso: review of consultation trends and patient types treated between 2013 and 2023 in the dermatology departments of Souro Sanou and Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospitals

Social stigma surrounding chronic skin Ulcer leads patients to hide their wounds or delay seeking medical care. The aim of this study was to explore the types and causes of chronic skin ulcers among patients seen in the dermatology departments of two university hospitals in Burkina Faso. This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study covering an 11-year period, from 2013 to 2023. A review of consultation records allowed for the collection of sociodemographic and clinical data from 104 patients who were seen for chronic skin ulcers over the 11-year period, averaging 9 patients per year. The patients were primarily adults (n=60) and older adults (n=21). Leg ulcers were the condition observed in most patients (n=59). Eight cases of Buruli ulcer (7.69%) were identified among the 104 patients. Five of the eight cases, or 62.50%, were aged between 0 and 19 years. Half of the eight patients resided in Ouagadougou. These results highlight low utilization of dermatology services for chronic skin ulcers. Furthermore, indigenous cases of Buruli ulcer have been identified in Burkina Faso. Consequently, our findings call for the implementation of strategies focused on addressing social perceptions of these ulcers and on the screening and management of this disease.