The pattern of childhood skin diseases in Jamaica

ABSTRACT

A review has been made of the skin disorders seen in children under 11 years of age at the Skin Clinic of the University Hospital of the West Indies during the 5-year period 1971 - 1975. Eczema (all types) was found to be the commonest condition (46.7 percent) followed by infections and infestations (25 percent). The third commonest disorder was papular urticaria (11 percent). The age pattern of the various diseases shows that infants are at greatest risk of developing skin diseases since 40 percent of all the disorders were seen during this age period. The possible factors responsible for the commoner skin diseases are discussed and suggestions are made for possible ways of dealing with them (AU)