Skin disorders among schizophrenic patients: A cross-sectional study over 12 months

Introduction. - Skin disorders in schizophrenic patients are common, serious and under diagnosed. Objectives. - The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and profile of various skin diseases observed in schizophrenic patients. Methods. - We conducted a cross-sectional study on a 12-month period from November 2011 to December 2012, in collaboration between the department of dermatology and department of psychiatry of the University Hospital Center Hassan II of Fez. It involved schizophrenic patients hospitalized or in consultation in psychiatric hospital. Results. - Over a period of 12 months, 120 patients were included in our study, we recorded 98 cases of skin diseases (82%). A total of 56% of patients were hospitalized and 44% were examined in consultation. The mean age of patients was 27 years and the sex ratio was 2.07. Dermatological diagnoses identified in our study were dominated by dandruff in 16% of cases, self-mutilation in 13% of cases, tinea in 10% of cases, seborrheic dermatitis in 8.3% of cases, pediculosis in 5.8% and others. Discussion. - Skin diseases related to poor hygiene are common in schizophrenic hospitalized patients, which could be explained by the lack of interest of these patients for their cleanliness and promiscuity in hospital. Conclusion. - The collaboration between psychiatrist and dermatologist is essential to improve the management of dermatological diseases in schizophrenia. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.