Pediatric Dermatoses in a Saharan Setting: A Cross-sectional Hospital-based Study from Dakhla, Morocco
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Data regarding pediatric dermatoses in the Moroccan Sahara remain limited, despite the region’s distinctive climatic and demographic characteristics. Objectives: To describe the clinical spectrum and relative frequency of pediatric dermatoses among children attending dermatology consultation in Dakhla, southern Morocco, and to explore their distribution according to age, sex, and selected contextual factors. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center, hospital-based cross-sectional study at the Military Hospital of Dakhla between April and June 2025. Consecutive first-time dermatology consultations involving patients aged 0–16 years were included. Demographic, clinical, and contextual data were recorded systematically. Diagnoses were established by dermatologists using clinical examination, dermoscopy, and ancillary investigations when clinically indicated. Mycological direct examination and fungal culture were performed in suspected dermatophytosis cases. Descriptive statistics and selected bivariate analyses were performed. Results: Among 173 pediatric consultations screened, 152 children were included (mean age 7.2 ± 4.1 years; male-to-female ratio 1.2). Infectious and parasitic dermatoses represented the largest diagnostic category (56.6%), followed by inflammatory dermatoses (18.4%). Dermatophytosis was the most frequent individual diagnosis (28.3%), predominantly tinea capitis. Direct mycological examination was positive in 31/39 tested cases, and cultures were positive in 24 cases, with Microsporum canis identified in 17 isolates. Scabies accounted for 17.1% of diagnoses and was significantly associated with reported household overcrowding ( P = 0.02). Xerosis was documented in 42.1% of children and was more frequent among patients with atopic dermatitis. Conclusions: In this hospital-based pediatric dermatology sample from southern Morocco, infectious and parasitic dermatoses predominated, particularly dermatophytosis and scabies. These findings provide preliminary data on pediatric dermatology consultations in a Saharan setting and highlight the importance of early diagnosis, hygiene education, and access to specialized dermatologic care.
Source: MEIDAM Association Journal
Authors: Salma Baraz, Rime Baba, Mohammed El Amraoui, Youssef Zemmez, Rachid Frikh, Naoufal Hjira
Institution: Mohammed V University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204107186