Prevalence of skin infections in sheltered homeless
Badiaga, S.ék.én.é; Menard, A.él.; Tissot Dupont, H.é; Ravaux, I.; Chouquet, D.; Graveriau, C.él.; Raoult, D.; Brouqui, P.
European Journal of Dermatology Ejd 15(5): 382-386
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1167-1122 PMID: 16172049 Document Number: 584941
In an attempt to determine the prevalence of various skin infections in the homeless population in Marseilles, France, we undertook a case control study. Cases were recruited among institutionalized homeless subjects during two snapshot investigations conducted in January 2002 and 2003 respectively. The control subjects were recruited from among those who presented at a clinic for pre-travel advice. We recruited 498 cases and 200 control subjects. Compared to control subjects, a significantly higher proportion of cases had skin diseases (38% versus 0.5%; p < 0.0001). Pruritus, body-lice infestation, scratching lesions, folliculitis, tinea pedis, scabies and impetigo (ecthyma) were strongly significantly associated with homelessness. The higher prevalence of skin infections in the homeless people mainly results from the body-louse infestation, scabies, bacterial super-infection of skin surfaces that have been breached by frequent scratching and tinea pedis due to poor foot hygiene.