Endemic Diseases with Associated Skin Manifestations - 20 Years Ago and Now

摘要

Twenty years ago, some various endemic diseases in Egypt produced distinctiveskin manifestations. Pallor was due to blood loss, from hookworm infection or from schistosomal colonic polyposis was prevalent. A severe rash on sun exposed skin was seen with pellagra or after niridazole treatment for schistosomiasis. A purpuric rash due to salmonella vasculitis was seen in schistosomal patients. Favus (Tenia capitis) was seen in patients with debilitating conditions such as schistosomal polyposis or advanced hepatosplenomegaly. Pityriasis alba (depigmented patches) was frequent in prepubertal patients with parasitic diseases. Angular stomatitis due to vitamin B2 deficiency and Bitot spots due to vitamin A deficiency were also observed. Since the late 1980's, pityriasis alba has continued with almost the same frequency but the prevalence of hookworm, schistosomal polyps and pellagra has decreased appreciably. Urticarial rash for praziquantel treatment has been seen in patients with polyps. This improvement since the 80's is probably due to the use of safer drugs. Television has also brought about better knowledge of nutrition and how to treat and avoid parasitic infection. An itchy papular rash is now being seen for the first time in city dwellers who have had water contact in the Nile or its canals. This is a sign of acute schistosomiasis infection.