The frequency of skin diseases among Hajj pilgrims in skin clinic of Iran in Saudi Arabia, 1993 and 1999

Abstract

Background and aim: Skin diseases among pilgrims are considered to be one of the possible health problems. Data supporting this observation are scanty. The aim of this study was to report the most common skin diseases seen in Hajj season. Materials and Methods: Data regarding skin diseases were collected from piligrims whom were examined and diagnosed clinically at the skin clinics of Iran in Saudi Arabia in 1993 and 1999. Results: During the Hajj season in 1999, 362 patients were seen. The most common groups of diseases were eczemas of different types and related conditions (35.9%), mechanical and thermal injury (17.6%) and infections (16.5%), accounted for more than 70% of cases. During Hajj season in 1993, 560 patients were seen. The most common groups of diseases were infections (19.3%), eczema and related conditions (18.6%) and disorders of skin appendages (16.4%), accounted for about 54.2% of observed skin diseases.Conclusion: The finding of these most common skin disorders is important in training programmes and delivery of service for care of pilgrims, because they are preventable, easily diagnosed and curable in the majority of patients.