Most common skin diseases in the country

Santo Domingo, DR
At the Dominican Institute of Dermatology and Skin Surgery, “Dr. Huberto Bogaert Diaz” has offered about two million consultations to people of different ages and from different parts of the country for skin lesions in the last three years.

The most common skin diseases in the country are Pityriasis Versicolor; ringworm of the feet, head, and body; scabies, warts, molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex, folliculitis, furunculosis, erysipelas, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, skin cancer, psoriasis, vitiligo and lichen planus.

Among the main factors that lead to the most frequent skin diseases or problems in the country are the lack of hygiene, a diet rich in fat and unbalanced, drastic climate changes, prolonged exposure to sunlight, hormonal changes, infections, and genetics.

People with skin problems who have been suffering from them for years often come to the specialized institution for consultation, which shows the need to continue working hard on prevention and educating the population about health care.

This is agreed by its main directors, among them its director Victor Pou Soares, Emma Guzman, Luisa Gonzalez de Bogaert, Juan Periche, and Jose Vicente Ruiz, who talked about the subject during their participation in the Listin Diario Breakfast held on the occasion of the 59th anniversary of the Patronato de Lucha contra la Lepra.

1.8 million consultations

They detailed that, from 2019 to last June, the Institute has offered 1,859,162 consultations nationwide, has performed 387,932 procedures in the different skin specialties, and has had close to one million clinical tests.

From 2018 to June this year, it also delivered 9,208 treatments to patients with leprosy, and there were 5,141 check-ups of patients with the disease.

By fungi

Superficial mycoses, such as Pityriasis Versicolor, tinea capitis, tinea capitis, ringworm of the body, and fungal onychopathies are caused by fungi that affect the surface of the skin anywhere on the body. They can cause symptoms such as itching, burning, and cracked skin. Tinea types affect the head and body, groin, and foot.

Parasitosis

Cutaneous parasitosis, such as scabies, is highly transmissible skin lesions caused by a very small parasite. It occurs more where there is poor hygiene and promiscuity and causes intense itching, especially at night.

Viral

Viral diseases include warts, molluscum contagiosum, and herpes simplex, warts also called “fish eyes,” small tumors caused by a virus that is transmissible and does not heal on its own.

Bacterial

Bacterial infections include folliculitis, furunculosis, and erysipelas and can affect: the epidermis, dermis, adnexa, and subcutaneous connective tissue.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis or eczema, such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis, are inflammatory skin diseases of various causes.

Acne

Acne is a chronic inflammation caused by sebum retention in the sebaceous glands.

Cancer

The two most common types of skin cancer are basal and squamous cells, mainly caused by sun exposure.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is lesions on any part of the skin but most frequently affects the elbows, knees, sacral region, and scalp.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common, chronic and symptomless disease. It is caused by genetic, autoimmune, and sometimes psychological problems. It is characterized by light or whitish spots.

Data

Mycoses.

Other subcutaneous mycoses treated include rosacea and lichen planus, the latter usually affecting middle-aged adults.

Services.

The center offers a wide range of services, including general dermatological consultation; leprosy control; mycology; surgery: dermatology, cosmiatry, vascular, cryosurgery, and phlebology (varicose veins); pediatric dermatology; professional dermatosis and phototherapy.