Cutaneous disorders in the "bairro Inhamudima" of Beira, Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: There are no reliable data on the prevalence of skin diseases in Mozambique.

AIM: To address this issue and to apply the findings to the dermatology teaching program at the Universidade Católica de Moçambique.

METHODS: Medical students attempted to identify the most common skin disorders in the "bairro Inhamudima" of Beira, Mozambique by conducting a population survey. During a 3-month period, the students visited families in a slum area. Information on gender, age, human immunodeficiency virus status, cutaneous abnormalities, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical course was recorded.

RESULTS: Eleven per cent of the study population suffered from cutaneous disease. More than half the patients (57%) sought medical assistance, but 39% could not be diagnosed by the medical students. The most common disorder was scabies. Other problems included fungal infections, viral infections, allergies, and dermatitis with or without secondary bacterial infection.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a major dermatologic need in the slum areas of Beira, Mozambique. The dermatology teaching program should pay particular attention to training in the diagnosis and management of infections and infestations.