Burden of dermatologic diseases in Pakistan: insights for global dermatology

Dermatologic conditions, including dermatophytosis, scabies, and skin lightening-associated contact dermatitis have been prevalent in certain Pakistani cities. However, the overall burden and age-specific prevalence of dermatologic diseases in Pakistan has not been thoroughly studied. Our study aims to investigate the prevalence of dermatologic conditions across Pakistan to help improve patient outcomes.

The Global Burden of Disease 2021 database was used to analyze the prevalence of skin diseases in the Pakistani population ages 5–94 years. Data was stratified according by condition type, with percent prevalence and contribution to disability-adjusted life-years calculated.

The highest prevalence of identified skin diseases included fungal skin diseases (6.12%), scabies (3.50%), acne vulgaris (2.60%), and atopic dermatitis (1.80%). Conditions with the lowest prevalence were alopecia areata (0.18%) and decubitus ulcers (0.002%). Prevalence of skin and subcutaneous diseases was 27.44% in Pakistanis ages 5–19 years, with a decline to 19.44% for people ages 20–24 years. The prevalence then increased steadily with age, ranging between 42.20% and 54.45% in Pakistanis over 80 years old.

Our study characterizes dermatologic disease burden across all age groups in Pakistan, with fungal diseases, scabies, acne, and atopic dermatitis being the most prevalent conditions. Communicable diseases may be caused by poor hygiene, communal living, and humid climate, while acne may result from stress and widespread use of skin lightening creams. We recommend that dermatologists be mindful of these conditions when treating individuals from Pakistan. This study provides a basis for future prospective studies to evaluate risk of these conditions over time.