U.S. burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases increasing

(HealthDay)—The U.S. burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases is large but varies geographically, according to a study published online June 10 in JAMA Dermatology.

Melissa R. Laughter, Ph.D., from the University of Colorado in Denver, and colleagues assessed trends in the burden of skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases in the United States from 1990 to 2017 using data from the Global Burden of Disease study.

The researchers found that overall, age-standardized disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rates for skin and subcutaneous diseases increased (821.6 in 1990 to 884.2 in 2017) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. There was geographic variation noted, with the largest percentage change in New York (0.12 percent) and the smallest percentage change in Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah (all 0.04 percent). The highest age-standardized DALY rate for skin and subcutaneous diseases was in New York (1,097.0), while the lowest was in Wyoming (672.9). Women had higher age-standardized DALY rates for overall skin and subcutaneous diseases than men in all 50 states and the District of Columbia (women: 971.20; men: 799.23). However, higher DALY rates were seen in men for malignant melanoma (men: 80.82; women: 42.74) and keratinocyte carcinomas (men: 37.56; women: 14.42).

"These epidemiological national data on disease burden can guide future research efforts, allocation of resources, prevention strategies, and targeted treatment of skin conditions," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

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