Prevalence and pattern of skin disorders among female schoolchildren in Eastern Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of skin disorders among female schoolchildren in primary and intermediate schools in Al-Khobar city, Eastern Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Al-Khobar city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period from January-March 2003. It involved 2239 female schoolchildren randomly selected from 30 regular public and private primary and preparatory schools. We used a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation. We collected data using a pre-designed structured questionnaire and clinical examination.

Results: The prevalence of skin diseases among female schoolchildren in Al-Khobar city was 98.6%. The most common skin disease and conditions group was the pigmentary disorders (91.6%), followed by a group of dermatitis/eczema and related conditions (26.7%), and disorders of skin appendages (25.3%). The common skin diseases and conditions in this study were melanocytic nevi (MN) (68%), post-inflammatory pigmentation (56.6%), scars (26.8%), acne (22.5%), dandruff (18.1%), pediculosis capitis (5.2%) and eczema (3.1%). Postinflammatory hyper/hypo pigmentation was more common among primary schoolchildren, whereas MN, dandruff, keratosis pilaris, acne and folliculitis were significantly more common among preparatory schoolchildren.

Conclusion: The prevalence of skin disorders among female schoolchildren in Al-Khobar city was very high. Therefore, we recommended the introduction of a preventive health education program for schoolchildren at different levels and their families and teachers on skin diseases.