Dermatologic disease prevalence in refugee camps: a scoping review
摘要
Residence in a refugee camp may expose populations to factors that heighten their risk of skin disease. This manuscript reviews the current landscape of literature on skin disease in refugees living in camps. Our aim was to describe the commonly implicated skin diseases among refugees residing in camp settings. We conducted a scoping review through PubMed and searched for articles published January 1980–February 2024 using keyword combinations of terms related to dermatologic conditions and refugee camps. Of 466 records, thirteen met inclusion criteria. Approximately 29% evaluated prevalence of skin diseases, 36% evaluated prevalence of a specific skin condition, 93% discussed the relationship between social drivers of health on skin disease, and 21% described current care provisions for skin disease. Skin disease prevalence ranged from 5 to 25% of medical diagnoses. Skin infections and atopic dermatitis were leading causes of skin disease. Overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions were significant contributors to skin disease prevalence and incidence in 80% of included articles. Commonly recommended strategies for preventing skin disease included addressing social drivers of health such as overcrowded living conditions and poor sanitation infrastructure. Recommendations for improving dermatologic care and reducing skin disease burden include expanding diagnostic services and broadening pharmacologic options available within camps. Additional research is needed on how dermatologic needs are met in refugee camps and the efficacy of treatment for skin infections in environments that can promote re-infection.