Prevalence of skin diseases among new entrants to the medical faculty

Although skin diseases are common in the community, screening for their presence is not a part of the examination when university students enter universities. Therefore, we conducted a study in a batch of new entrants to the medical faculty to determine the prevalence of skin diseases among them.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in 2001 March, in 144 medical students. Demographical details were recorded using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and all were examined for the presence of skin diseases.

Acne (66.67%), seborrheic dermatitis (57.63%), and pitryiasis vesicolor (27.78%) were the commonest skin conditions found to be affecting the students. We conclude that skin diseases are common among the new entrants to medical faculties. Although they do not cause great suffering to those who are affected, many suffer psychologically due to the cosmetic effects of diseases. Therefore, we would like to suggest that screening for skin diseases to be included in the routine examination carried out on all new entrants to universities.