Pattern of skin diseases in the Central Iran, Yazd Province

Abstract

Background The pattern of skin diseases differs from region to region based on geographical, racial and cultural circumstances. For the purpose of education and reeducation of physicians, it is necessary to have knowledge of the conditions and distribution of diseases.Objective To elicit pattern of common skin diseases in the region of Central Iran, Yazd Province. Patients and methods Two separate descriptive studies were conducted in order to analyze the dermatoses seen in outpatients and inpatients at the Dermatology Department, Shahid Sadoughi Medical Science University, Yazd, Iran. Patient files who visited the dermatologists were reviewed.Diagnosis was coded, categorized, discussed and analyzed according to International Classification of Diseases, revision 10 (ICD-10).Results Skin infections with 23.4% were the most common cause of referral to dermatology outpatients, followed by dermatitis 19.2%, acne 10.8%, melasma 7.8% and urticaria 5.3%. Melasma in women and psoriasis in men were significantly more common. In inpatient group skin infectionswere the most common 34.3%, followed by dermatitis 13.2%, drug reactions 11.2%, psoriasis 9.6% and malignant tumors. Psoriasis was significantly more common in men and viral infections (herpes zoster) in women.Conclusion The high occurrence rate of skin infections and dermatitis in our study population requires further study in order to pinpoint its root causes. Improving the socio-economic status, environmental and personal hygiene, as well as specific instruction to the at-risk group can be beneficial.