Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Aquagenic Pruritus among Medical and Pharmacy Students in Lomé (Togo).

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of aquagenic pruritus (AP) in medical students in Lomé (Togo).

Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study conducted among medical students in Lomé from June 1^st to August 30^th, 2019. The data collection questionnaire was anonymous composed of sociodemographic variables, bathing habits, and history of allergy responding to the concept of aquagenic pruritus and its characteristics.

Results: In our study, 129/591 medical students had AP, giving a prevalence of AP to 21.8%. The average age of students with AP was 23.9 years, and the M/F sex ratio was 1.5. AP was not present after each bath in 100% of the medical students who suffered from it and lasted an average of 9.09 minutes. It was characteristically pruritic (60.5%) or tingling (38.0%) and localized (45.0%) or generalized (55.0%) in respondents with history of AP. There was a significant association between the presence of AP and a personal history of allergic rhinitis (p < 0.01) and the presence of AP and a family AP (p < 0.01). Twenty-six (20.2%) respondents with AP feared taking a bath. Bathing with warm or lukewarm water (29.5%) or applying menthol ointment (27.1%) were the main precautions taken to reduce AP.

Conclusion: Aquagenic pruritus is a common condition in medical students in Togo. It occurs mainly in males and can be familial.