Abstract

MORENO, Tatiana et al. Skin Diseases in children living in shelters in flooded areas. Pediatr. (Asunción) [online]. 2016, vol.43, n.1, pp.39-44. ISSN 1683-9803.  https://doi.org/10.18004/ped.2016.abril.39-44.

Introduction: Floods result in a significant adverse impact on the health of the population and also directly affect health systems operations and basic health services. Skin diseases are commonly described in populations affected by natural disasters of this type. The pediatric population is always the most vulnerable; there is also a scarcity of studies regarding the impact of skin diseases in this age group in the context of flooding. Objectives: To determine the most frequent dermatosis, the most affected pediatric age group seeking care, the most frequent reason for dermatologic consultation, and the time of evolution of the lesions and their relationship from the time of displacement of the community to their arrival at the current shelter. Material and Methods: This was an observational, descriptive study of pediatric patients treated for skin diseases at the Cerro Guy (Lambaré) community on July, 2014.  Results: 100 pediatric patients were treated. Impetigo (16%) and pediculosis capitis (36%) were the most frequent pathologies. Other diagnosed skin diseases were scabies, ringworm, xerosis, and tinea corporis. 56% of patients were female and the most affected age group was the 6-years and under age group. 94% of patients consulted for itching. 82% of patients began developing skin lesions at the time of their move to the current shelter (1 month). Of the patients afflicted with scabies and pediculosis, 74% were cohabiting with other pediatric patients diagnosed with the same pathology. Conclusions: The most frequent dermatoses were pediculosis capitis, scabies, impetigo and ringworm, with all of these conditions corresponding to diseases caused by ectoparasites and infectious diseases of bacterial or fungal cause. The most affected age group corresponded to children aged 0-5 years. The most frequent reason for dermatologic consultation was pruritus, the time of evolution of the lesions was less than a month and in most cases was related to the displacement of the community to their current shelter.

Keywords : Floods; skin infections; dermatoses.

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