Frequency and pattern of dermatological diseases among Pakistani Hujjaj during Hajj- 1429 (2008)

Background No study has so far been published to the best of our knowledge to find out the health and disease status of Pakistani Hujjaj during Hajj season. Objectives To study frequency and pattern of dermatological diseases among Pakistani Hujjaj during Hajj-1429 (2008). Patients and methods This study was conducted at Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission Hospital, Makkah Mukarramah over a period of 1 month from 27 Nov to 26 Dec 2008. All Pakistani Hujjaj reporting to the hospital with dermatological complaints referred to and treated by dermatologist were included in the study. A specially designed proforma having information regarding age, gender, disease and its duration was prepared and filled for each patient separately. Computer programme SPSS 10 was used to manage and analyze the data. Results A total of 187,154 patients were attended in out-door department of Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission at Makkah Mukarramah during the period under study. Out of these, 141 (0.07%) patients were diagnosed by the dermatologist to have dermatological ailments. Age of the patients ranged from 20-80 years with a mean of 43.34 + 12.86. One hundred and fourteen (80.9%) were males and 27 (19.1%) were females. Seventy nine (56.0%) patients developed dermatological disease during their stay at Makkah Mukarramah and Mashaer, whereas 62 (44.0%) patients complained of aggravation or recurrence of the pre-existing disease. Various forms of eczema were the most common presentation (n=42, 29.78%), followed by urticaria (n=22, 15.60%) and intertrigo (n=21, 14.89%). Conclusion Eczema in various forms is the most common dermatological disease among Pakistani Hujjaj during Hajj season followed by urticaria and intertrigo. Physicians and health personnel must be aware of the risks to appropriately educate and prepare Hujjaj in an effort to minimize dermatological and other health problems.