Prevalence of skin diseases among handicapped students in Mansoura, Egypt.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of skin diseases among handicapped children in Mansoura, Egypt. A total of 636 handicapped students [76 blinds, 446 deaf-mutes and 114 mentally retarded] and 720 sex and age matched normal students [control] were subjected to thorough dermatological examination. 89.5% of blinds, 99.3% of deaf- mutes and all mentally retarded students had one or more skin diseases in comparison with 24.2% of the controls. Skin diseases, either the infectious or the noninfectious, were significantly higher among handicapped cases compared with the controls. Strict hygienic measures, periodic skin examination and health education to personnel caring for those handicapped were recommended