A survey of skin disease and skin-related issues in Arab Americans.
BACKGROUND
There is a paucity of knowledge relating to dermatologic conditions in Arab Americans.


OBJECTIVE
To assess common skin diseases and concerns and to evaluate access to dermatologic care and perception of skin in Arab Americans.


METHODS
Arab Americans from 3 Southeast Michigan locations (community health center [n = 207], mosque [n = 95], and church [n = 99]) completed a survey questionnaire.


RESULTS
The most common self-reported skin conditions were acne, eczema/dermatitis, warts, fungal skin infections, and melasma. The most pressing skin concerns were uneven skin tone, skin discoloration, dry skin, acne, and facial hair. Significant associations exist between socioeconomic status and having seen a dermatologist. Attitudes surrounding skin perception were related to the number of years of residence in the United States.


CONCLUSIONS
The skin condition data were gathered from a self-reported survey.


CONCLUSIONS
Skin conditions and other related issues that affect Arab Americans are similar to those which affect other skin-of-color populations.
El-Essawi
Dina
D
Multicultural Dermatology Center, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, USA.
Musial
Joseph L
JL
Hammad
Adnan
A
Lim
Henry W
HW
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000208:ethnology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000208:ethnology; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000208:ethnology; D008824:Michigan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008877:Middle East / Q000208:ethnology; D015995:Prevalence; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000208:ethnology*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D014860:Warts / Q000208:ethnology