Itchy skin diseases in the emergency department before and after the earthquakes

Background: Infectious diseases increase after natural disasters such as earthquakes. Increase in skin diseases may also occur and are not well documented. This before-after study analyzed patients presenting with itching to the emergency department and dermatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Malatya, a province severely affected by the February 2023 earthquakes. Patients were divided into two groups: pre-earthquake and post-earthquake. The study aimed to investigate the impact of the earthquake on these presentations. Methods: Patient information was retrospectively identified through records in the hospital information system. Data on age, gender, nationality, diagnosis and clinic of presentation were reviewed for patients presenting with itching complaints during the year before and the year after the earthquake. Statistical analyses with graphical representations were conducted to evaluate significant findings from the comparisons. Results: The study included 3468 patients after applying exclusion criteria. Scabies, contact dermatitis, pityriasis rosea and tinea corporis were more common in the post-earthquake group. Scabies was the most frequently observed diagnosis both before and after the earthquake among both the local and refugee populations. Scabies was particularly prevalent among the refugee population. Conclusions: Post-earthquake living conditions in overcrowded shared spaces and poor hygiene are associated with a rise of itchy skin diseases. Increased hygiene education for earthquake survivors and healthcare staff, improving temporary shelter conditions, ensuring water sanitation and access to clean water, and frequent health monitoring can help reduce the number of cases.

Earthquake; Itching; Skin diseases; Hygiene

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