ABSTRACT
To study the regional variations in the frequency and pattern of dermatoses in amputees in earthquake affected areas. District headquarter hospitals, Mansehra and Abbottabad. All patients with amputations and associated skin disease belonging to any age groups and gender were enrolled for the study. Three visits were made to the research areas. The first visit was for publicizing the time and venue of camps. In the second visit all patients presenting with any major or minor amputation acquired after the earthquake were enrolled in the study. A detailed history was taken and physical examination carried out by a qualified dermatologist. The presence or absence of amputation related dermatoses were specifically recorded and treated. At the third visit all the patients who were managed at the last visit were re-evaluated and assessed in relation to the guidelines provided to them. A total of 210 amputees [159 males and 51 females] volunteered for the study and were enrolled. Their ages ranged from 2 years to 85 years. A total of 210 cases 54 [25.7%] persons had skin lesions including ulcers [n=15], contact dermatitis [10 M, 4 F], adherent scars [6 M, 5 F], abrasions [5 M, 4 F], folliculitis [2 M], inclusion cyst [1 M], hypopigmentation [IF] and hyperpigmentation [IF]. Of the total 54 lesions, 31 lesions were seen in lower and 23 lesions were seen in the upper limb. Ulcers were the most common findings followed by allergic contact dermatitis is another significant problem. Measures should be taken to avoid unnecessary trauma and all patients with dermatitis on the residual limb should be patch tested to determine the cause