ABSTRACT

Background: The fact that there are more children with skin diseases indicates that the disease is a significant reason for children's health issues. Knowledge about the prevalence of skin diseases is minimal.

Aim: To compare, in general practice, the occurrence of skin diseases in infants.

Methods: This study has compared the data of all children aged 1-17 years from two different surveys. A longitudinal register of GP consultations was made over 12 months. For each disease episode, a primary care provider diagnosed and coded it. Incident rates for skin diseases were calculated by dividing all new cases by the average study population at risk. Socio-demographic characteristics were stratified.

Results: The overall incidence rate of all skin diseases decreased between 2018 and 2019. Incidence increased among babies. Girls got more skin problems. In general practice, cases of specific skin diseases increased, whereas warts, skin injuries and contact dermatitis decreased.

Conclusion: In total, the incidence rate of all skin diseases decreased, while the incidence rates of bacterial, mycotic, and atopic skin diseases increased.

Keywords: Skin, displaced, Iraq, Mosu