Manuscript type: cross sectional study

Objectives: Assess the prevalence and risk factors of skin diseases in patients at a rural Dakahlia family health center in Egypt to aid health care managers in improving prevention and treatment strategies. Method: This hospital-based, cross-sectional study included 500 participants of all age groups who attended the outpatient clinic of Sallant family health center in 2022. Participants completed a pre-designed questionnaire covering socioeconomic status, personal history, habits, and environmental sanitation. General, physical, medical, and dermatological examinations were also conducted. Results: Of the clients surveyed, 70.2% were female, all age groups. A total of 53% of the clients were married. All households had access to safe water and most had electricity. Upon examination, 237 individuals (47.4%) were found to have skin diseases. The prevalence of skin diseases was higher in children under 5 years (69.6%) and those aged 10-19 years (62%). Skin conditions were observed in 54.7% of patients with hypertension, 47.6% of patients with diabetes, 55.6% of patients with kidney disease, and 100% of patients with allergies to food, medication, or lotion. A family history of allergies or similar dermatological conditions was significant. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that shower frequency, general patient appearance, and a positive history of allergy in the patient and family were significant predictors for skin diseases. Conclusion: Although sanitary conditions were good, dermatological lesions were common, mostly due to allergic and infectious skin diseases linked to poor personal habits and neglect in self-cleanliness. This may be attributed to a lack of appropriate health care awareness.