KARACHI, Sept 28: Malnutrition, poor hygiene and hot weather cause multiple fungal and bacterial infections. However, early diagnosis and proper management of skin diseases results in excellent chances of recovery and lower disease burden.

This was stated by Prof Dr Ijaz Shaikh, Assistant Professor of Dermatology Department, Ziauddin Medical University, while explaining different manifestations of skin ailments at an education programme on the topic of “Common Skin Diseases”, organized by Dr Ziauddin Hospital here on Wednesday.

He reiterated that the network of general practitioners played a vital role in the health care system of any society. A majority of patients present to them initially for management of skin infections and they are responsible for timely referrals to consultants. Same is the case with patients having coetaneous problems, he stressed.

While quoting a recent study, he elaborated that in Karachi alone the frequency of eczema is 26 per cent, scabies 18 per cent and fungal infections 12.5 per cent.

Dr Sarwat Nasreen, Consultant Dermatologist, explained that scabies was another common disease which was highly contagious. It is caused by a mite transferred from one patient to another by close personal contact. Acne is usually seen in the age group of 14 to 24 years. Increased secretion of sebum caused by hormonal and local factors is responsible for this disease. Common viral infections include warts, molluscum contagiosum and herpes simplex, she elaborated.—PPI