The overall risk of developing cancer before the age of 75 years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is 9.9%. We aimed to explore the pattern of skin cancer, specifically among the Saudi population residing in the Aseer region. We obtained data from the medical records of Aseer Central Hospital regional histopathological laboratory considering surgical pathology reports from 2011 to 2021. The 61–80-year-old age group represented most of the cases (41.4%), followed by the 41–60-year-old group at 24.1%. Men made up the majority of the cases (59.4%). Furthermore, the dataset predominantly consisted of Saudi nationals (94.3% of the sample). The percentage of cases diagnosed each year relative to the cumulative number of skin cancer cases varied each year, ranging from 1.6% in 2011 to 11.6% in 2017. The most common diagnoses were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with 230 cases (41.1%) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with 147 cases (26.3%). The majority of cases occurred in the head and neck region (55.4%), followed by the lower limb (16.6%), trunk (13.6%), upper limb (8.2%), and pelvis (2.3%). There was a significant variation in the type of skin cancer across the age groups (p < 0.001) and across different body parts (p < 0.001). The incidence of skin cancer exhibited variability throughout the study period. The predominant diagnoses observed were SSC and BCC. Among the affected areas, the head and neck region displayed the highest prevalence, followed by the lower limb, trunk, upper limb, and pelvis.
Background and purpose The Microsporum gypseum complex is a globally distributed group of geophilic dermatophytes that primarily affect animals but can also rarely cause dermatomycoses in humans. With some regional and occupational variations, tinea corporis is the most prevalent presentation of the infection. The aim of this study was to report on the diagnosis and treatment of dermatophytosis cases among related families, and their pets, from southern Saudi Arabia. Up-to-date information on dermatophytes and dermatophytosis is needed. Methods This is a prospective case series undertaken at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia. Six patients with suspected dermatophytosis were received at our hospital in 2022 and have been followed for recovery with or without scars. Characteristics of fungal pathogens were examined phenotypically on the basis of microscopic and growth characteristics, and laboratory data were used to initiate treatment with oral fluconazole, topical terbinafine cream, or oral itraconazole. Results Clinical features and culture results confirmed tinea capitis and tinea corporis caused by M. gypseum, which was also present in a pet cat. Tinea capitis cases (n = 4) did not respond to fluconazole and terbinafine treatment, but treatment with itraconazole resulted in a full recovery. Tinea corporis cases (n = 2) were treated with terbinafine, which resulted in a full recovery within four weeks, with no signs of scarring. Conclusions M. gypseum presents with serious persistent lesions and is extremely contagious. Treatment is durable but challenging, and breaking the transmission chain is more difficult.
Background: Skin is the largest and the outermost body organ. It is directly affected by the external environment. The biomechanical differences in wheelchair users compared to healthy people make them prone to different risk factors of skin problems. Nevertheless, these patients are under-represented in the dermatologic literature. Objective: The primary objective was to determine the frequency of different skin problems among wheelchair users. The secondary objective is to determine the different precautions they are taking to prevent these problems. Methods: The prospective study followed a cross-sectional design, conducted during the period of the coronavirus disease 2019 curfew between May and June 2020. The survey’s link was distributed among adult wheelchair users in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was administered using google forms. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. Results: The results show that the vast majority of wheelchair users (85%) experienced skin problems. Pressure ulcer (PU) is the most frequently reported skin condition (54%), followed by traumatic wounds, fungal infections, and hand skin dryness and thickening. The commonest preventive measure was using cushions to avoid PUs. Conclusion: Most of wheelchair users reported having a history of skin complaints, of which PU was the most common followed by traumatic wounds and fungal infections. Thus, spreading awareness of the risk factors and preventive methods would help them avoid its development and prevent its negative impact on quality of life. Assessing the different kinds of wheelchairs and cushions to avoid PUs would be an interesting area for future studies.
11 July 2023 in King Khalid University Journal of Health Sciences
Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects both men and women. Genetic susceptibility in men and women is characterized by the gradual miniaturization of hair roots with a specific easily recognized. It is the most prevalent trigger of hair loss in both genders. The development of AGA is generally gradual as the disease gradually worsens. With time, the overall number and severity of this form of hair loss increases. AGA affects both men and women, and both have a genetic susceptibility. With time, the overall number and severity of this form of hair loss increases. The most typical reason for hair loss in both genders is AGA. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected by the purposely constructed questionnaire. A questionnaire composed of demographic items and items related to AGA. SPSS version 20 software was used to analyze the data. The study was conducted in different regions of Saudi Arabia; the ethical committee of King Khalid University approved the study. A convenience sampling method was used; data were collected from the general public in different regions of Saudi Arabia Sample size was 2200 respondents, and the response rate was 98% (out of 220 total samples, 2162) respondents. Results: In this study, there were 2200 total respondents; from that, 2162 participated, so the response rate was 98%. There were 1060 (49%) male participants and female participants numbered 1102 (51%). The Cronbach alpha of the questionnaire was 0.84. Out of 1060 male respondents, 479 (45.1%), while of 1102 females, 412 (37.4%) suffered from AGA. Conclusion: The results showed that the prevalence of AGA in male respondents was higher than in female respondents.