Abstract

Aims: Pattern of cutaneous diseases in military centers is different from the society due to presence of predisposing factors in these centers. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate and related factors of common cutaneous diseases in a non-educational military center. Methods: In this cross-sectional study a sample of 809 persons were selected by census sampling method and examined in year 2008. Subjects with suspicious lesions were referred to laboratory. Data was analyzed using SPSS 15 by descriptive and analytical statistical methods including Chi square and logistic regression. Results: 26.2 of the study subjects suffered from skin diseases. The disease distribution pattern was as follows: acne (8.9), dermatitis (8.8), pityriasis (3.1), warts (1.9), psoriasis (0.7) tinea versicolor (0.7), hair loss (0.5), urticaria (0.4) leishmaniosis (0.4) burning scar (0.4) and cutaneous tuberculosis (0.1). The prevalence rate of cutaneous diseases was significantly different regarding the bathing frequency and residence place (p<0.05) Conclusion: According to the high proportion of contagious cutaneous diseases among the observed diseases, it is strongly recommended to examine soldiers at their first entry to military centers. Periodic physical examinations in order to control the contagious cutaneous diseases are also necessary.