Spectrum of Skin Diseases in Yemen (Hajjah and Adjacent Region)

The study conducted at the Dermatology Clinic of Saudi Hospital in Hajjah, Yemen, from January 1997 to December 1999, included 13,840 new patients and diagnosed 14,259 skin diseases. Dermatitis and eczematous disorders were the most common, comprising 27.2% of cases, followed by infections and infestations (24.2%), and acne and acneiform disorders (15.2%). The study highlighted that over 50% of skin diseases were related to dermatitis, eczematous disorders, and infections, influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors. Acne vulgaris was more prevalent compared to Saudi Arabia, psoriasis was more frequent than in South-East Asia but less than in Europe, and lichen planus was common, possibly due to strong sunlight. Vitiligo and melasma were also prevalent, with vitiligo rates similar to India and higher than in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Skin tumors were less common than in Europe, pemphigus was diagnosed more than pemphigoid, and genodermatoses were more frequent, likely due to consanguineous marriages. The authors recommended public health initiatives, health education, and enhanced dermatology training to prevent and manage these conditions.