Evolving dermatological complaints following the 2023 Turkey and Syria earthquake: insights from a disaster-affected region

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, significantly impact public health, including dermatological conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the dermatological complaints of patients who presented to the dermatology outpatient clinic of Hatay Hassa State Hospital following the February 2023 Turkey and Syria earthquake. This retrospective descriptive study analyzed dermatological complaints between April 2023 and January 2024. Patients were categorized into three time periods: Group 1 (April-June 2023), Group 2 (July-September 2023), and Group 3 (October 2023-January 2024). Complaints were classified into 17 groups, and temporal trends were analyzed. A total of 5103 patients were included, with a female predominance (60.7%) and a median age of 26 years (IQR: 18–43). Infections and infestations (Group 1) were the most frequent complaints throughout the study, peaking immediately after the earthquake (38%). Acne (Group 2) and neurocutaneous disorders showed temporal declines, while hair disorders (Group 14) and disorders due to physical agents (Group 13) exhibited seasonal peaks. Hygiene challenges, communal living, and stress were identified as contributing factors to the observed trends. Scabies outbreaks were notable, underscoring the importance of treatment algorithms and national guidelines in managing infectious skin diseases. Dermatological complaints in post-disaster settings evolve over time, reflecting the interplay of environmental, psychological, and seasonal factors. Integrating hygiene interventions and evidence-based dermatological care into disaster response strategies is critical for addressing both acute and chronic conditions. Future research should explore the psychological dimensions of dermatological health in disaster-affected populations.