Spectrum of winter dermatoses in rural Yemen

What is it about?

Abstract Background Surveys that have been carried out to determine the prevalence of skin diseases in rural Yemen are scarce or not available. Objective To investigate the spectrum of winter dermatoses in a rural Yemeni community. Methods A retrospective study was conducted at the dermatology outpatient clinic of the Al-Helal Specialized Hospital (Radaa’ district of Al Bayda’ Governorate) using data analysis of 700 selected records of patients managed during four months of the 2013–14 winter season. Results Seven hundred patients with 730 diseases were reported in this study; the major bulk of patients (46.57%) were in the >18–40-year age group, and females outnumbered males. By far, dermatitis, eczematous, and allergic disorders (38.49%) topped the list of the most frequent skin disorders groups, followed by skin infections and infestations (20%) and the pigmentary disorders (13.70%) group. Contact dermatitis (10.68%) was the most prevalent skin disorder, followed by hyperpigmentations (8.77%), acne (8.08%), viral infections (5.75%), atopic dermatitis (5.62%), and parasitic infestations (5.34%). Conclusion This survey has documented the spectrum of winter dermatoses in a rural Yemeni community but also reflects the pattern of common dermatoses in the whole country. Dermatitis, eczematous, and allergic disorders, skin infections, and pigmentary disorders are the commonest groups. Contact dermatitis is the most prevalent disorder, and leishmaniasis is the most prevalent skin infectious disease. Climate, occupational, social, and environmental factors are the main contributors. Such statistics can form an important basis for community-based health policies.

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Why is it important?

Conclusion This survey has documented spectrum and relative magnitude of winter dermatoses in a rural community of central Yemen but also reflects the pattern of common skin disorders in the rural Yemeni population and the country as a whole. Females and adults are predominantly the most affected groups. Dermatitis, eczematous, and allergic disorders, followed by skin infections and infestations, and pigmentary disorders are the commonest skin disorder groups. Contact dermatitis (allergic and irritant), followed by hyperpigmentations, acne, viral infections, atopic dermatitis, and parasitic infestations topped the list of the most prevalent skin disorders. Leishmaniasis is the most prevalent skin infectious disease, and climate, occupational, social, cultural, psychological, and environmental factors contribute greatly to that situation. It is likely that this survey underestimates the burden of skin disease among rural communities, and such statistics can form an important basis for community-based health policies.