[Darier's disease: three cases of psychosocial difficulties in an African setting]

Abstract

Background: Darier's disease is a rare disease. Multiple clinical forms have been observed, but the psychosocial aspects in Africa are rarely described. We report three cases involving difficulties regarding social integration.

Observations: Case no. 1: a 19-year-old woman consulted for hyperchromic, greyish, keratotic papules, grouped in small plaques scattered all over the body. She had trouble finding a husband and was rejected by her peers. Case no. 2: a 20-year-old woman presented generalized keratotic, vegetative lesions. She was rejected by her husband because of the lesions. Like patient no. 1, she was unable to purchase her prescribed treatment. Case no. 3: a 33-year-old blacksmith presented Darier's disease with lesions on the interscapular region and chest. He was epileptic and depressive and was partly rejected by his family.

Discussion: Darier's disease, diagnosed on the basis of anatomoclinical factors, had a major impact on the social integration of all three patients. These generalised disfiguring forms of the disease adversely affect the quality of life and their association with neuropsychiatric disorders is another major handicap.

Conclusion: Difficulties concerning social integration and therapeutic problems must be considered in the management of Darier's disease in Africa.