Skin infections in male pupils of primary schools in Al Ahsa

To determine the prevalence, the nature, and the possible socio-demographic risk factors involved in the development of common transmissible skin disorders [TSD] among the studied population. A cross-sectional consecutive survey was carried out from November 15, 2008 to May 14, 2009 in Al-Ahsa governorate. This study included 1337 male primary school children. Data were collected using the following tools: Socio-demographics and hygienic habits according to pre-established forms and a thorough dermatological examination of all the included children. The prevalence of TSD was 27.15% with a statistically significant difference according to rural/urban locations [33.74% vs. 22.27%]. Fungal infections were the leading diseases [9.1%] followed by bacterial infections [8.9%], parasitic infestations [4.3%], and viral infections [4.1%]. TSD were significantly more frequent in students whose fathers have a primary or preparatory educational status and in the students having the habit to play barefooted. Our study found that TSD was relatively frequent among male primary school students in Al-Ahsa. Our study has several limitations. One major limitation is that female primary school students were excluded from the study. Despite this major limitation, we hope the findings may be useful in planning health care programs for Saudi children with the hope of reducing the prevalence of TSD in the future

[Psychiatric morbidity and quality of life in vitiligo: a case control led study]

The aims of this study were to value the psychiatric morbidity and its influence on the quality of life of patients with vitiligo

Methods: It was a case-controlled study bearing on 60 outpatients with vitiligo examined in the department of Dermatology of the University Hospital of Monastir, compared to 60 controls matched according to age and sex, among outpatients with others dermatologic disorders as warts or superficial mycoses. The assessment consisted in the epidemiological and clinical evaluation, including these questionnaires: the Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI], the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS] and the Hamilton Anxiety Appreciation Scale [HAMA]

Results: Mean scores of depression in the MADRS and anxiety in the HAMA were significantly more elevated in patients with vitiligo [p=0,0005]. Quality of life was significantly more altered in patients with vitiligo: DLQI mean score = 9,4 +/- 17,1 versus 2,5 +/- 1,0 among the controls [p <0.0001]. A positive correlation has been noted between the quality of life scores and the MADRS depression scores [p<10[-10]] and the HAMA anxiety scores [p<10[-10]]

Conclusion: The quality of life decrease in patients with vitiligo is especially related to the psychiatric comorbidity underlining the multidisciplinary therapeutic necessity including the psychotherapeutic approach