Skin Disease Among Latino Farmworkers in North Carolina

In a 2004 study of 59 Latino farmworkers in North Carolina, 77.7% of the male participants and 100% of the female participants were found to have skin diseases. The most common conditions among men were onychomycosis (31.5%), tinea pedis (27.8%), and acne (24.1%), while women had various diagnoses including melasma and xerosis. The prevalence of skin disease was not significantly different between workers from two camps with different crops and seasons. The study highlighted that fungal infections were the most frequent skin diseases and that having more than six years of education significantly reduced the likelihood of having any skin disease. Additionally, those aged 28 or older were more likely to have an infectious skin disease. The findings suggest that skin diseases are prevalent among Latino farmworkers, and there is a need for improved educational and treatment services for this group.