title: Epidemiologic study of dermatologic disorders among children in South Sinai, Egypt.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Few epidemiologic surveys have been carried out to determine the prevalence of skin diseases in the population of Egypt, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula. Thus, the necessity of such research in South Sinai is pressing. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of various skin diseases among children in South Sinai.
  
  
  METHODS
  A community-based protocol was followed. The study included 2194 children of both genders, 18 years of age and younger, and in six different localities within South Sinai. Data were collected by taking a full history and by systemic and dermatologic clinical examination that included the site, severity, distribution, and extent of skin lesions if present. Subjects were surveyed at general morbidity consultations and campaign field visits. The study was conducted from August 2008 to August 2009. Data were tabulated and analyzed statistically using Pearson's chi-squared test. Differences were considered significant at a P-value of < 0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings revealed that 71.4% of the studied population had one or more skin diseases. The highest rate of prevalence applied to parasitic skin infestations (pediculosis capitis, 37.6%). Eczema or dermatitis were found in 25.8% of participants. Pityriasis alba occurred at a rate of 18.3% and seborrheic dermatitis at a rate of 6.7%. Xerosis was found in 11.8% of subjects, viral warts in 4.1%, photosensitivity in 4.1%, acne vulgaris in 2.6%, and fungal skin infections in 1.0%. Other skin diseases diagnosed in low numbers in the study children included impetigo, freckles, and scabies. Prevalences of vitiligo and psoriasis were very low (0.18% and 0.05%, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Infective parasitic diseases are a major health problem, particularly among younger children and in subjects of low socioeconomic status.
authors: Department of Pediatrics Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.
authors: Gamal A
authors: GA
authors: Yamamah
authors: Hanaa M
authors: HM
authors: Emam
authors: Mahmoud F
authors: MF
authors: Abdelhamid
authors: Mohamed L
authors: ML
authors: Elsaie
authors: Hany
authors: H
authors: Shehata
authors: Tarek
authors: T
authors: Farid
authors: Mohammed Ismail
authors: MI
authors: Kamel
authors: Ahmed A
authors: AA
authors: Taalat
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004534:Egypt / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology