Hi !
Biscuits
Here’s a breakdown of the most common skin diseases in Pakistan, heavily influenced by the climate (hot, humid summers, seasonal monsoons), socioeconomic factors, hygiene practices, and environmental conditions:
- Fungal Infections (Superficial Mycoses):Extremely Common
- Tinea (Ringworm): Affects various body parts: scalp (Tinea capitis – common in children), body (Tinea corporis), groin (Tinea cruris – “Jock itch”), feet (Tinea pedis – “Athlete’s foot”). Hot, humid weather and sweating promote growth.
- Pityriasis Versicolor (Tinea Versicolor): Caused by Malassezia yeast. Causes discolored (lighter or darker) patches on the chest, back, and shoulders. Very common in hot, humid weather.
- Candidiasis: Yeast infection affecting skin folds (armpits, groin, under breasts), mouth (oral thrush), and genital areas. Moisture and heat are major triggers.
- Bacterial Infections:
- Pyoderma (Skin sores/pustules): Includes:
- Impetigo: Highly contagious, honey-colored crusted sores, common in children.
- Folliculitis: Infected hair follicles causing pustules.
- Furuncles/Carbuncles: Boils; deeper, painful infections often around hair follicles.
- Poor hygiene, overcrowding, minor skin injuries, and hot weather contribute significantly.
- Pyoderma (Skin sores/pustules): Includes:
- Parasitic Infestations:
- Scabies: Very Common, especially in crowded living conditions (urban slums, villages, institutions). Caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite burrowing into the skin, causing intense itching (worse at night) and a characteristic rash, often between fingers, wrists, elbows, waistline, genitals.
- Viral Infections:
- Viral Warts (HPV): Common on hands, feet (plantar warts), and face.
- Molluscum Contagiosum: Small, flesh-colored bumps with a central dimple. Common in children and spreads easily through contact.
- Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores/Genital Herpes): Recurrent viral infection causing blisters.
- Chickenpox (Varicella) & Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Still prevalent.
- Eczema/Dermatitis (Inflammatory Conditions):
- Atopic Dermatitis: Common in children and those with a family history of allergies/asthma/eczema. Causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin.
- Contact Dermatitis: Allergic (e.g., to nickel, cosmetics, plants) or Irritant (e.g., from soaps, detergents, solvents, hard water). Occupational exposure is a significant factor.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Affects oily areas (scalp – dandruff, face, chest). Flares can be linked to stress and weather changes.
- Acne Vulgaris: Extremely common in adolescents and young adults. Hormonal changes, stress, diet (debated), and humid weather can exacerbate it.
- Pigmentary Disorders:
- Melasma: Dark patches on the face (cheeks, forehead, upper lip), very common in women, triggered/revealed by sun exposure and hormonal factors (pregnancy, OCPs).
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark spots left behind after skin inflammation heals (e.g., after acne, eczema, insect bites, infections). Very common concern, especially in darker skin types predominant in Pakistan.
- Vitiligo: Loss of skin pigment causing white patches. Has significant social stigma in some communities.
- Hair and Scalp Disorders:
- Androgenetic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Hair Loss): Common.
- Telogen Effluvium: Temporary hair shedding due to stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies, or postpartum.
- Dandruff (Pityriasis Simplex Capitis) & Seborrheic Dermatitis of Scalp: Very common.
- Tinea Capitis (Fungal Scalp Infection): Especially in children.
- Heat-Related Conditions:
- Miliaria (Prickly Heat): Blocked sweat ducts causing itchy red bumps or tiny blisters. Very common in hot, humid summers.
- Urticaria (Hives): Allergic reactions to food, medications, insect bites/stings, infections, or environmental triggers causing itchy welts.
Key Contributing Factors in Pakistan:
- Climate: Heat and humidity promote fungal and bacterial growth, miliaria, and worsen eczema.
- Overcrowding: Facilitates the spread of contagious infections like scabies, impetigo, viral infections.
- Water Quality & Availability: Limited access to clean water for bathing and laundry impacts hygiene, increasing infection risk. Hard water can worsen eczema/contact dermatitis.
- Socioeconomic Status: Poverty affects nutrition, access to healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and living conditions.
- Occupational Hazards: Farmers (sun exposure, pesticides), laborers (irritants, trauma), mechanics (oils, solvents) face specific risks.
- Self-Medication & Misuse: Overuse and misuse of potent topical steroids (often bought over the counter) for various rashes is a major problem, leading to complications like steroid-induced acne, skin thinning, and worsening fungal infections.
- Diet: Nutritional deficiencies (vitamins, zinc) can affect skin health.
- Sun Exposure: Intense sun contributes to melasma, PIH, sunburns, and skin cancer risk (though less commonly diagnosed, it occurs).
- Cultural Practices: Certain traditional remedies or shared grooming tools (barbers) can sometimes contribute to spread.