Spectrum of Dermatological Manifestations among Travelers Presenting at aTravel Medicine Center in Western Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Skin disorders are among the most common reasons for travelers to seek medical care during and after travel. There is limited data on the spectrum of dermatoses reported among travelers during travel especially in South Asian continent.

Objective: To review the spectrum of skin disorder manifested among the traveler population attending a travel medicine hospital in western Nepal.

Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective study of the travelers visiting The Canadian International Water and Energy Consultants (CIWEC) Hospital, and Travel Medicine Center in Pokhara with history of skin disorders. This study was done from September 2014 until December 2015.

Results: A total of 130 (14.7%) patients presenting with dermatological manifestations were enrolled in the study.  The most common diagnoses were bacterial skin infections 0.4%, arthropod bites 3.6% followed by animal bites and skin laceration due to trauma,each were 12.1%. Among patients with bacterial skin and soft tissue infections, pus culture and sensitivity were recorded in 13 patients. In almost fifty percent of our sample Staphylococcus aureus growth was seen, of which 38.5% were Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. 

Conclusion: Bacterial skin and soft tissue infections, arthropod bites and animal bites were common reasons for travelers to seek medical consultations during travel in Nepal. This information will be useful for the medicine professionals while taking care of travelers and also while providing pre-travel consultation to the prospective travelers.