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The current study describes the pattrn of malignant skin tumors in 137 cases seen in Asir Central Hospital histopathology laboratory over a five year period (1987 to 1991). Ninety percent (90.5%) were Saudis and the mean age was 61.0 years with a male:female ratio of 1.6:1. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type of skin cancer presenting (41.6%), followed by basal cell carcinoma (36.5%), and then malignant melanoma (11.7%). Ninety-eight percent of basal cell carcinoma occurred on the head, compared to only 47.4% of squamous cell carcinoma; and 24.6% of squamous cell carcinoma cases occurred in the lower limbs. Eighty-seven percent (87.6%) of malignant melanoma cases occurred in the extremities. The distribution of the other types of malignant skin tumors are also discussed. Our findings were compared with the very few studies from the Kingdom and other parts of the world.

The literature on the pattern of skin diseases in Saudi Arabia is scanty. We have attempted to analyze the pattern of skin diseases seen in the dermatology unit of Asir Central Hospital, Abha, Southern Saudi Arabia, during a 12-month period from March 1992 to March 1993. All new patients who were seen for dematological complaints in the skin clinics, emergency room or in the wards were studied prospectively. A total of 1285 dermatoses were diagnosed in 1223 patients during the 12-month study period. Out of the top 12 groups diseases, eczema/dermatitis (25.68%) came first, followed by viral infections. Among the eczema group, atopic eczema accounted for 53.64% and was most frequently observed in children (110/177 or 62.14%) compared to adults. The main causes of superficial mycoses were dermatophytosis and candidiasis. Psoriasis was the most common papulosquamous disorder. Scabies was seen in expatriate Egyptians and Asiatics only. Primary pyogenic infections of the skin were uncommon. The pattern of skin diseases in Saudi Arabia shows a predominance of eczema. Viral infections and dermatophytosis are the most common infective dermatoses, while pyogenic infections are relatively uncommon.

Background. The clinical diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis is confirmed by demonstrating the organism on a superficial smear or on a biopsy of the lesion. Misdiagnosis in a biopsy specimen may be due to scanty Leishmania organisms that may not be identified in histologic sections. Methods. Punch biopsies of skin lesions, suspected clinically to be cutaneous leishmaniasis, from 29 patients were taken. Touch smears on slides were air-dried, fixed with methyl alcohol, and stained with Giemsa stain. Results of routine histologic examination were then compared with those of touch preparation. Results. Twenty-one cases were positive for leishmaniasis. In 18 cases, the organisms were seen both in the biopsy and in the touch preparation. In three cases, the organisms were only identified on touch preparation. Conclusions. A touch preparation improves the sensitivity of the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis without incurring additional cost to the laboratory.

Background. Adolescence is characterized by a sensitivity to issues of attractiveness. With dermatologic conditions, this may adversely affect early detection and compliance. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out on a multistage stratified random sample of 647 adolescent schoolboys in Abha, Saudi Arabia, to determine the prevalence of skin diseases. The age of the boys ranged from 11 to 19 years with an average of 15.3 ± 1.9 years. Results. It was found that 19.8% of the children were affected by one form or another of transmissible skin diseases (TSD). The most common types were: pediculosis capitis (9.6%), verruca vulgaris (3.9%), and tinea pedis (1.9%). The prevalence of TSD increased significantly as the age decreased and as the crowding index increased. As for nontransmissible skin diseases, acne vulgaris was the most prevalent disease (56.3%). The prevalence and severity of acne increased significantly as the age increased. Conclusions. The findings indicate the need to develop regional intervention programs at the school level. Appropriate continuing medical education programs for school health workers in the region are mandatory to achieve this goal.