Prevalence of skin conditions in primary school children in Turkey: differences based on socioeconomic factors.
Skin diseases are associated with environmental factors and a public health approach is particularly important. We determined the prevalence of skin conditions and associated socioeconomic factors in primary school children in Turkey. A questionnaire for determining the socioeconomic level and a complete dermatologic examination were performed in 785 children in two primary schools in different socioeconomic areas of suburban and central Manisa, Turkey. The study included 345 (43.9%) girls and 440 (56.1%) boys with a mean age of 9.25 +/- 1.55 (range 6-14 years). Infectious skin diseases were frequently observed: pediculosis capitis in 74 children (9.4%), scabies in 17 (2.2%), viral skin diseases in 30 (3.8%), and fungal infections in 6 (0.7%). The other common conditions were melanocytic nevi (14.4%), keratosis pilaris (12.5%), pityriasis alba (12%), xerosis (11.8%), and atopic dermatitis (6.8%). Pediculosis capitis, acne, and dandruff were more common in girls. The rate of infections, atopic dermatitis, xerosis, and pityriasis alba were significantly higher in the school children with poor socioeconomic conditions. Improvement in socioeconomic conditions along with education may be needed to decrease the prevalence of some of these skin disorders in order to decrease costs related to treatment.
Inanir
Işil
I
Departments of Dermatology and Public Health, University of Celal Bayar, Manisa, Turkey. isilinanir@hotmail.com
Sahin
M Turhan
MT
Gündüz
Kamer
K
Dinç
Gönül
G
Türel
Aylin
A
Oztürkcan
Serap
S
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011336:Probability; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology