Frequency of skin disorders among university students in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Skin disorders especially infectious and contagious diseases are quite common in crowded environment. Few epidemiological studies have been conducted among university students, thus the present study was carried out to determine the frequency of skin disorders among university students in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences' dormitories.

Totally, 1279 students were selected for this cross sectional study. They were examined by two dermatologists during a 3-month period. T-test and chi square were used for data analysis.

Of 1279 students, 1173 (91.7%) had skin disorder, of whom 658 (56%) were male and 515 (44%) were female. Acne (56%), hair loss among females (14%), seborouic dermatitis (9%), freckle (10%), hand eczema (10%), pityriasis versicolor (8%), xirosis (6%) and eczema (5%) were the most common skin disorders. There was an inverse strong relationship between acne and age.

Skin disorders are quite common among university students.