Prisoners and skin diseases in Toulouse, France: epidemiological analysis and evaluation of life impact

Background Dermatology in a penitentiary environment is an under-researched field. Objectives To study the prison population seeking medical advice for skin diseases and to assess among detainees the life impact of these diseases, an approach that to the best of our knowledge has not previously been reported. Methods This prospective study was carried out in the male population of two penal institutions in the region of Toulouse, south-western France. Results One hundred seventy-eight men were seen, for a total of 234 diagnoses and 281 consultations. The five most frequent diagnoses, in order of decreasing frequency, were disorders of the pilosebaceous follicle, fungal diseases, benign skin tumours, warts and eczemas, which are common skin diseases. However, 72% of inmates believed their skin disease was directly related to detention. This belief was related to the conditions of life in prison (seclusion and its effects) and to frequent psychological problems. Conclusions The disorders observed were generally benign skin conditions that could be expected in a population of young men living in a closed community. They led to a high demand for care and treatment: skin diseases represented the largest specialist consultation in our institutions. Skin problems can easily be managed in an outpatient unit, which confirms the usefulness of a dedicated dermatology clinic within the outpatient consultation units of penal institutions in order to provide care of equivalent quality to that available in a free environment. The dermatologist can have an important role in the medical management and the health education of prisoners.