Patterns of dermatological emergencies at a tertiary hospital in Southwestern Saudi Arabia: A descriptive study

To examine the patterns and characteristics of dermatological emergencies managed at a tertiary hospital in the Southwest Region of Saudi Arabia.

This study employed a retrospective cross-sectional design conducted at King Khalid Hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia. The study included patients who either visited the dermatology or emergency departments or were hospitalized due to dermatological conditions treated between January 2019 and December 2024.

The study included 126 patients, with an almost equal distribution of males (50.8%) and females (49.2%), predominantly Saudi nationals (78.6%). Most patients were aged 18-60 (65.1%) years. The most common skin lesion was vesiculobullous (23.3%), and infectious diseases (42%) were the leading diagnoses. Lesions were mainly generalized (43.7%). Outcomes showed 31% full recovery, 59% recovery with complications, and 10% mortality. Complications included hepatitis (24%) and hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation (23%). Most patients (77%) had no co-morbidities. All received supportive treatments, with 88.9% given systemic therapies, predominantly systemic steroids (42%).

This study highlights the diverse spectrum of dermatological emergencies at a tertiary hospital in Southwest Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the predominance of infectious diseases and significant complications faced by patients. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive management strategies and prompt interventions to improve patient outcomes. Enhanced understanding of demographic factors, common diagnoses, and treatment patterns can guide future healthcare policies and resource sallocation.