ABSTRACT
Skin diseases are a major source of morbidity, loss of income and social exclusion in developing countries particularly rural areas. Epidemiological studies of skin diseases from Yemen are limited, so it is a pressing necessity to conduct such a study in South Yemen. To determine the prevalence of various skin diseases in rural areas of south Yemen. A cross-sectional community - based survey was followed. The survey included 4021 rural inhabitants of all ages and both sexes from Lahj governorate [South Yemen] the data were collected through personal interview at homes from January -December 2007. They showed that 2304 [57.30%] of the studied population had one or morc disease. Pigmentray disorders had rate or 14.62% among the total sample, acne vulgaris, 9.00%, hair and scalp disorders 7.54% and naevoids disorders 7.14%. Of infective-parasitic dermatoses, bacterial infections were the predominant group with prevalence rate [3.56%], followed parasitic infestations [3.28%].Non infective dermatoses are common problem in rural areas of South Yemen. Geographical and socioeconomic factors may play a role in prevalence of some skin diseases