# Profile of dermatoses in extreme weather events: case series during floods in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

## TL;DR

This study examines skin conditions in people affected by floods in Brazil, finding that infections and injuries were most common.

## Contribution

The study provides the first Brazilian data on dermatological issues during extreme weather events like floods.

## Key findings

- Dermatoparasitosis, pyoderma, and trauma-related skin conditions were the most prevalent dermatoses.
- Male individuals were more likely to have traumatic dermatoses, while females were more likely to have pyoderma.
- Infectious and traumatic skin diseases were the primary concerns during the climate crisis in the region.

## Abstract

The skin is the first organ of the human body to be exposed to flood water, with local and possibly systemic consequences. There are no Brazilian data on dermatological diseases during recent climate catastrophes related in the country.

To assess the demographic profile and dermatological diagnoses in people displaced from their homes and sheltered in collective housing and among rescue workers during the extreme climate crisis in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2024.

This was a cross-sectional and observational study. Information was collected in person or through records, retrospectively.

Data were collected from 371 people with dermatological complaints, and a total of 423 dermatoses were diagnosed. The most prevalent dermatological diseases were dermatoparasitosis, pyoderma, and skin conditions due to trauma and/or injuries. The male gender was statistically associated with traumatic dermatoses/injuries, and females with pyoderma (p < 0.05).

In the recent episode of extreme climate crisis in Brazil, infectious and traumatic dermatoses were the most prevalent among the affected persons. The role of dermatologists in providing care for this population, as well as guiding other colleagues in the management of skin diseases during the floods is highlighted.

The study was conducted in shelters, and some data were evaluated retrospectively. No complementary exams were used for diagnosis.