Skin diseases in internationally adopted children

Background Internationally adopted children often present diseases contracted in the country of origin. Skin diseases are common in new arrivals, and diagnosis may prove challenging for GPs or even dermatologists if they are inexperienced in the extensive geographic and ethnic diversity of international adoptees. Objectives To analyse the frequency and characteristics of skin diseases in international adoptees. Materials and Methods In total, 142 adoptees were evaluated for a cross-sectional cohort study. The most frequent diseases observed at arrival were dermatological conditions. Results Of the adoptees, 70% presented at least one skin disease, of which 57.5% were infectious; Tinea capitis being the most frequent ( n = 42). The recovery rate of Tinea capitis was 89% ( n = 32/36).Ten cases of scabies were diagnosed. Other diseases included viral skin infection ( n = 22), with 16 cases of Molluscum contagiosum and bacterial infection. Conclusion Skin diseases are very common in internationally adopted children. There is a need for close collaboration between dermatologists and paediatricians to diagnose such infections, as well as clear guidelines to treat them.