THE PATTERN OF SKIN DISEASES IN ASIR REGION, SAUDI-ARABIA - A 12-MONTH PROSPECTIVE-STUDY IN A REFERRAL HOSPITAL

The literature on the pattern of skin diseases in Saudi Arabia is scan ty. We have attempted to analyze the pattern of skin diseases seen in the dermatology unit of Asir Central Hospital, Abha, Southern Saudi Ar abia, during a 12-month period from March 1992 to March 1993. All new patients who were seen for dermatological complaints in the skin clini cs, emergency room or in the wards were studied prospectively. A total of 1285 dermatoses were diagnosed in 1223 patients during the 12-mont h study period. Out of the top 12 groups of diseases, eczema/dermatiti s (25.68%) came first, followed by viral infections. Among the eczema group, atopic eczema accounted for 53.64% and was most frequently obse rved in children (110/177 or 62.14%) compared to adults. The main caus es of superficial mycoses were dermatophytosis and candidiasis. Psoria sis was the most common papulosquamous disorder. Scabies was seen in e xpatriate Egyptians and Asiatics only. Primary pyogenic infections of the skin were uncommon. The pattern of skin diseases in Saudi Arabia s hows a predominance of eczema. Viral infections and dermatophytosis ar e the most common infective dermatoses, while pyogenic infections are relatively uncommon.