The frequency of common nonmalignant skin conditions in adults in central Victoria, Australia.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nonmalignant skin conditions are believed to be common in adults, although there are very few community-based studies to determine their exact frequency. OBJECTIVE: To record the prevalence of common, nonmalignant skin conditions in adults in central Victoria, Australia. METHODS: A total of 1457 respondents from a random selection of adults aged 20 years and over from Maryborough, central Victoria, were given a total body examination by a dermatologist or dermatology trainee. People with any nail or skin signs suggestive of tinea had scrapings taken for fungal culture. RESULTS: The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of warts was 7.1% (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.8-8.4%), acne 12.8% (95% CI, 11.0-14.5%), atopic dermatitis 6.9% (95% CI, 5.6-8.3%), seborrheic dermatitis 9. 7% (95% CI, 8.2-11.2%), asteatotic dermatitis 8.6% (95% CI, 7.1-10. 0%), psoriasis 6.6% (95% CI, 5.7-7.9%), culture-positive tinea 12% (95% CI, 10.3-13.6%), seborrheic keratoses 58.2% (95% CI, 55.6-60. 7%), and Campbell de Morgan spots (cherry angiomas) 54.4% (95% CI, 51.9-57.0%). There was variation in the prevalence of many of these conditions with age. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that nonmalignant skin conditions are common in adults in Australia. Their diagnosis and management represent a considerable burden not only to those suffering from the conditions, but also to the health system which provides for their care.