Skin Diseases and Conditions Among Medical Students in Southern India

In a 2011 cross-sectional study of 278 medical students in Mangalore, India, the prevalence of skin and hair conditions was assessed. The study revealed that 66.6% of students experienced acne, 59.3% suffered from hair loss, and 52.9% had sun tan within the past year. Gender and geographic origin were significant factors, with males more likely to have fungal infections and severe acne, and females more prone to hair loss, split ends, and dandruff. Non-Mangalorean students reported higher instances of patterned baldness and sun tan. Dandruff was linked to hair loss, and sunscreen use was found to be protective against sun tan. The study highlighted the high occurrence of cosmetic skin problems among medical students and the influence of socio-demographic factors on these conditions. However, the study's reliance on self-reported data without dermatological confirmation suggests the need for further research.