Dermatological diseases in seamen's lower extremity: a prevalence study

Little is known about the impact of occupational seafaring on lower limb conditions. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of dermatological diseases affecting the feet and lower extremities of seafarers, as well as the possible impact of working conditions on the development of the pathologies analysed.

A prevalence study was performed through self-completed questionnaires at the "Instituto Social de la Marina" (ISM) centres at A Coruña, Ribeira, Noya and Cádiz (Spain). Sociodemographic, anthropometric and podiatric variables, as well as the type of maritime sector, duty on board and, working footwear, were studied (n = 137). The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of A Coruña (CE 13/2016).

The average age of the study subjects was 45.71 ± 9.90 years and the number of years sailed was 20.31 ± 11.64 years. The most prevalent pathologies were mycosis (21.9%), helomas and tylomas (29.9%) and hyperhidrosis (17.5%). A statistically significant relationship was obtained between pruritus and scabies (p ≤ 0.000), xerosis (p ≤ 0.005), eczema (p ≤ 0.000), obesity (p ≤ 0.018) and psoriasis (p ≤ 0.005). A significant relationship was also found between onychocryptosis, and psoriasis (p ≤ 0.000). Frequency with which the study participants have visited the podiatrist was significantly related to the presence of helomas and tylomas (p ≤ 0.013) and hyperhidrosis (p ≤ 0.025).

A high prevalence of diverse dermatological diseases has been found, revealing the importance of podiatric assessment in sea workers prior to boarding.