Exploring ethnic disparities in pediatric molluscum contagiosum in Southern Israel

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a prevalent pediatric skin infection globally.
• Israel's diverse population includes significant Jewish and Arab communities, with known health disparities in other diseases.
• Limited research exists on dermatological care differences between these groups in Israel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Molluscum contagiosum (MC) as a potential indicator of dermatological care disparities between Arab and Jewish children in Israel.
• To compare MC characteristics, management, and outcomes in pediatric populations of different ethnicities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of MC cases in children aged 0-18 years from 2013-2022.
• Data collected from Soroka University Medical Center, serving a large, diverse population.
• Comparison of lesion characteristics, inflammation markers, location, management, treatment response, and outcomes between Jewish and Arab children.

Main Results:

• A total of 615 pediatric MC cases were analyzed; 95.2% were Jewish and 4.8% were Arab.
• No significant differences were observed in lesion quantity, diameter, inflammation markers, or location between ethnic groups.
• Management strategies, treatment responses, and overall outcomes were similar across both groups.

Conclusions:

• The disproportionately low representation of Arab children in the study suggests potential differences in healthcare-seeking behaviors.
• While clinical presentation and treatment outcomes for MC were similar, disparities in access or preference for self-management (e.g., traditional medicine) among Arab populations may exist.
• Understanding these potential differences is crucial for tailoring dermatological care to diverse populations and improving health equity.