A literature review indicates that the prevalence of skin diseases affecting children in refugee camps remains unknown due to limited data on the subject, but infectious diseases with skin manifestations, such as pediculosis, tinea capitis and scabies, are likely causes.
“The current data shows that one in two refugees is a child,” one of the researchers, Mehar Maju, MPH, a fourth-year student at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Washington, told the news outlet after the results were presented in a poster session at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Pediatric Dermatology. “Refugee numbers continue to grow every year to unprecedented levels,” and climate change continues to drive increased migration, “impacting people living in refugee camps,” she said. “As we continue to think about how best to support people living in refugee camps, I think it’s also important to think about how we best support refugees who arrive in the United States, especially children. Part of that is knowing what situations are most prevalent and what types of social supports this vulnerable population needs.”
To identify common skin conditions among children living in refugee camps, Maju and Nadia Siddiqui, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Washington, searched PubMed and Google Scholar for studies published in English that reported on the prevalence and management of skin conditions among refugee children. Key search terms used included “refugee,” “child,” “dermatology,” and “skin conditions.” Of approximately 105 studies identified, 19 were analyzed. Of these, only five were included in the final review.
One of the five studies was conducted in rural Nyala, Sudan. It reported that 88.8% of people living in orphanages and refugee camps had skin diseases, especially fungal and bacterial infections and dermatitis. In another case series, researchers found an increase in cutaneous leishmaniasis among Syrian refugee children.
A study investigating morbidity and disease burden in refugee camps on the Greek mainland found that the skin was the second most common site of infection among children, after respiratory infections. Another study looking at the health of children in Australian migrant detention centres found a significant increase in complaints of skin diseases among children held offshore compared to those held on land.
Finally, a study of 125 children aged 1 to 15 years in displacement camps in Sierra Leone found that the prevalence of scabies was 77% in children under 5 years and 86% in those aged 5 to 9 years.
“I was surprised at the limited information available about skin diseases affecting children in refugee camps,” Maju said. “I would have expected to find more information on the specific rates of non-infectious diseases, for example the prevalence of atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and other chronic skin diseases.”
She acknowledged that the analysis has certain limitations, primarily the lack of publicly available information on pediatric refugee skin health. “A study evaluating the health status and prevalence of skin diseases among children living in camps and among newly arrived children from camps in the United States will provide unprecedented insight into this issue,” Maju said. “The results could guide public health efforts toward improving care delivery and preparation in camps, as well as clinicians serving this specific population upon arrival in the United States.”
She and co-author Siddiqui said they had no relevant disclosures.