# Prevalence and Patterns of Skin Diseases among School Children in Egypt: A National Cross-sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study found that nearly 38% of Egyptian schoolchildren have skin diseases, highlighting the need for better healthcare and hygiene education.

## Contribution

The study provides nationally representative data on pediatric dermatoses in Egypt, identifying underreported sociodemographic risk factors.

## Key findings

- Skin diseases affected 37.9% of 23,203 schoolchildren across eight Egyptian governorates.
- Key risk factors included family history, poor sanitation, residence, and socioeconomic factors.
- The study supports implementing school-based dermatological screening and hygiene education programs.

## Abstract

Pediatric dermatoses are common and impact the quality of life. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of pediatric dermatoses among 1ry and 2ry school students in Egypt.

A Cross-sectional study was conducted on 23,203 1ry and 2ry school students of both sexes in eight governorates in Egypt between January 2023 and May 2023. A clinical examination for skin diseases was done, and a self-administered, author-designed questionnaire was given to children to complete with the assistance of their parents.

The average age of students was 12.00 ± 3.33 years. Prevalence of skin diseases was 37.9%. Positive family history of skin disease (aOR 3.482, 95% CI: 2.871–4.222, p < 0.001), sanitary water disposal (aOR 3.846, 95% CI: 3.001–4.930, p < 0.001), residence (aOR 1.760, 95% CI: 1.657–1.870, p < 0.001), father’s occupation and education (aOR 1.494, 95% CI: 1.334–1.672, p < 0.001 and aOR 1.349, 95% CI: 1.251–1.454, p < 0.001, respectively), and crowding index (aOR 1.469, 95% CI: 1.372–1.573, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for exhibiting skin diseases.

A high prevalence of pediatric dermatosis was established with associated sociodemographic risk factors, so healthcare and education programs and services should be directed toward children with continuous supervision and periodic examination.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44197-025-00440-8.

Skin diseases are a significant public health issue among Egyptian schoolchildren, with a prevalence of 37.9% among 23,203 students.

This large-scale, multicenter study provides updated, nationally representative data on pediatric dermatoses in Egypt, identifying key sociodemographic and environmental risk factors previously underreported at the national level.

The findings support nationwide implementation of school-based dermatological screening and hygiene education programs to reduce disease burden and improve children’s health outcomes.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44197-025-00440-8.