The Burden of Skin and Subcutaneous Diseases in North Africa and the Middle East (NAME) From 1990 to 2021.

BACKGROUND

Skin diseases contribute significantly to morbidity worldwide, yet their burden in North Africa and the Middle East (NAME) remains poorly understood. This study aims to assess the burden of skin diseases in NAME from 1990 to 2021.

METHODS

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, we analyzed disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and age-adjusted prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates of 23 skin conditions across 21 NAME countries from 1990 to 2021.

RESULTS

In 2021, skin and subcutaneous diseases ranked as the 22nd leading cause of morbidity and mortality in NAME, with a 0.06% increase in DALYs since 1990 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05%-0.08%). The most prevalent skin conditions (age-adjusted per 100,000) were other skin and subcutaneous diseases (6788.41), fungal skin diseases (3311.44), acne vulgaris (3102.51), atopic dermatitis (1374.93), viral skin diseases (1257.88), scabies (1009.72), contact dermatitis (998.89), pruritus (980.93), urticaria (936.13), and cutaneous leishmaniasis (642.73). Qatar experienced the largest DALYs increase in skin disease (0.12%; 95% CI: 0.07%-0.18%). Notable geographic variations included increased DALYs for acne vulgaris, psoriasis, and viral skin diseases across all countries; a rise in cutaneous leishmaniasis in Afghanistan, Syria, and Morocco; and a decline in measles, varicella-herpes zoster, and leprosy (except in Iran).

CONCLUSION

Skin diseases impose a significant and evolving burden in NAME, with notable temporal and geographic variations. Further research is needed to better understand disease epidemiology and guide future interventions.