[Public health and dermatology in developing countries]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Context:

• Common skin diseases (SD), including pyoderma, scabies, and superficial mycosis, are increasingly recognized as significant public health concerns in developing countries (DC).
• Prevalence studies reveal high rates of infectious SD in the general population and substantial consultation numbers in both specialized and non-specialized health centers.
• Despite low lethality, SD incur significant costs due to inefficient management by undertrained health agents.

Purpose:

• To highlight the underestimated public health significance of common skin diseases in developing countries.
• To advocate for a re-evaluation of SD priority by health authorities, considering expressed population demand.
• To propose actionable strategies for improving the management and prevention of SD within the context of developing countries' health systems.

Summary:

• Common infectious skin diseases (SD) represent a substantial burden in developing countries, constituting a significant portion of healthcare consultations.
• While classical complications are rare, the economic impact of SD is considerable, exacerbated by inadequate training of healthcare providers.
• Proposed interventions include prioritizing SD, training non-specialized health workers, ensuring availability of low-cost dermatologic drugs, and public health education.

Impact:

• Re-prioritization of skin diseases in public health agendas within developing countries.
• Enhanced capacity of primary healthcare systems to manage common skin conditions.
• Improved health outcomes and reduced economic burden associated with skin diseases.