Prevalência de dermatozoonoses em pacientes atendidos em um serviço de saúde em Parnaíba-Pi: um estudo clínico e epidemiológico

Abstract

Skin diseases are highly prevalent, ranking among the principal reasons for seeking healthcare services in Brazil and entailing substantial costs for the public health system. However, a concerning trend of neglect towards these dermatological issues is noted, resulting in low resolution rates for skin-related complaints in public outpatient settings. Understanding the epidemiology of dermatological diseases is crucial for informing public health policies, encompassing both therapeutic and preventive strategies. Nevertheless, analyzing the epidemiological profile of cutaneous diseases in Brazil presents a substantial challenge for the dermatology specialty, given the country's continental dimensions, sociodemographic diversity, and deficiencies within the primary care network in managing these conditions. The objective of the present study is to delineate the clinical-epidemiological profile of patients affected by dermatozoonoses at a public dermatology service in the municipality of Parnaíba. This was a quantitative, epidemiological study conducted through the analysis of medical records from patients attended between September 2023 and August 2024. Approximately 450 records were analyzed, of which only 21 (≈4.6%) were diagnosed with a condition of zoonotic and/or parasitic origin. Notably, 61% of this sample consisted of patients under 18 years of age, ratifying the significant epidemiological burden of certain parasitic dermatoses within the pediatric population. Etiologically, cutaneous larva migrans was the most frequently diagnosed parasitic dermatosis (42%). Therapeutic strategies included both non-pharmacological measures and pharmacotherapy—such as ivermectin alone (9%) or in combination with antihistamines (33%), and antihelminthics like albendazole and thiabendazole (37%)—which configured important elements in the treatment and prevention of these respective health problems. Therefore, it is imperative to discuss the importance of improved recognition and early detection of this group of pathologies at the Primary Care level to enhance the effectiveness of the healthcare network, as well as to reflect on the role of specific socioeconomic determinants in the persistence of this disease process within communities.