02083nas a2200325   4500000000100000008004100001653001500042653001000057653002100067653000900088653001000097653002100107653002500128653001100153653001100164653001400175653000900189653001600198653001700214653002100231653002100252653001800273653001300291100001800304245003600322300001000358490000700368520136800375022001401743       1996                            d10aAdolescent10aAdult10aAge Distribution10aAged10aChild10aChild, Preschool10aDeveloping countries10aFemale10aHumans10aIncidence10aMale10aMiddle Aged10aRisk Factors10aRural Population10aSex Distribution10aSkin Diseases10aTanzania1 aHenderson C A00aSkin disease in rural Tanzania.  a640-20 v353 a<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Skin disease is a common problem, accounting for significant morbidity in developing countries. Knowledge about the prevalence of different skin conditions allows appropriate planning for provision for these health needs. There are currently few data about the needs in rural areas; therefore, this study was set up to investigate skin abnormalities found in a village population in Tanzania.</p>

<p><strong>MATERIALS AND METHODS: </strong>A village with a population of 2,876 was chosen and one-third of the population was examined for cutaneous abnormalities.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>During the survey, 97.7% of the target population was examined. Signs of nutritional deficiency were common with koilonychia affecting 18.1% of the population examined and signs of hypoproteinemia being present in 3.4% of them. Infections and infestations were also frequently seen. Scabies was observed in 6.0% and pediculosis capitis in 5.3%. Dermatophyte infection was present in 5.1%. These were all most common in prepubertal children. Leg sores were seen in 5.1% and leg ulcers in 3.0% of the population.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>The survey reveals that easily treatable skin infections and infestations are common in a rural Tanzian population. Signs of nutritional deficiency are also frequently seen.</p>
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