The Dermatologic Care Needs of a Rural Community in South Florida
February 2023
in “
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
”
TLDR Rural South Florida faces challenges in accessing dermatologic care, with many patients not attending specialist appointments.
This study investigated skin conditions and dermatologic care in a rural South Florida community, using records from the C.L. Brumback Primary Care Clinic in Belle Glade. Common conditions included fungal infections, dermatitis, pruritus, skin cancer concerns, alopecia, and autoimmune disorders. Medication prescription was the primary management strategy, with 21% of patients referred to specialists, 55% of whom were directed to dermatology, mainly for atopic dermatitis and alopecia. However, only 20% attended follow-up appointments, with an average referral distance of 21 miles. The study highlighted the unique dermatologic care needs and access issues in Belle Glade, emphasizing the public health challenge of specialist access in rural areas.
