Prevalence of skin diseases among students with disabilities in Mansoura, Egypt

Abstract

Children with disabilities may be particularly susceptible to skin disorders, therefore the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of skin disease among such children in Mansoura, Egypt. A total of 636 students with disabilities (76 blind, 446 deaf-mute and 114 mentally retarded) and 720 sex and age matched students (control) who did not have these disabilities were given a thorough dermatological examination. We found 89.5% of blind students, 99.3% of deaf students and 100% of mentally retarded students had 1 or more skin diseases (both infectious and non-infectious) in comparison to 24.2% of the control group. Strict hygienic measures, periodic skin examination and health education of persons caring for students with disabilities are recommended.