Nosological Profile of Dermatological Consultations in Brazil

The study analyzed 57,343 dermatological consultations in Brazil from May 22-26, 2006, to identify the prevalence of skin conditions. Acne was the most common diagnosis, making up 14% of visits, with superficial mycoses, pigmentation disorders, and actinic keratosis following. In those aged 65 and older, actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma were the most frequent diagnoses. The study found a wide variety of conditions, with 1010 different ICD subcategories recorded. It also highlighted regional differences, such as the prevalence of scabies in the Northern Region and leprosy being more common in the Central West. The data suggested that skin conditions like acne, skin cancer, and leprosy are significant public health concerns in Brazil. The study concluded that there is a need for better health education and access to dermatological care to address these issues, with a particular focus on the public sector and populations with black skin color, who may face greater socioeconomic barriers to healthcare.