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Global Burden of Infectious Skin Diseases in Children: Analysis of a Recent Study

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study on infectious skin diseases (ISDs) in children has shed light on the global burden of these diseases, highlighting a significant increase in incidence rates from 1990 to 2021. Conducted by researchers from the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, the study analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to present information on the number, rates of incidence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for ISDs among children.

Key Takeaways:

  • The estimated number of new cases of ISDs in children worldwide in 2021 was 685,367,728.
  • Among these cases, bacterial, fungal, and viral skin diseases accounted for 37.81%, 55.70%, and 6.49%, respectively.
  • The incidence of ISDs among children increased globally from 1990 to 2021, with a notable decrease in the rate of DALYs.
  • Low Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions had the highest incidence and DALYs rates for bacterial and fungal skin diseases, while high-SDI regions exhibited the highest rates for viral skin diseases.
  • India had the highest incidence rate of ISDs, while Ethiopia revealed the highest DALYs rate.
  • The study found that the incidence of ISDs among children is rising globally, with children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bearing a disproportionately higher disease burden.
  • Intervention strategies are required to reduce the disease burden, particularly in LMICs.

Statistics:

  • Estimated number of new cases of ISDs in children worldwide in 2021: 685,367,728.
  • Percentage of bacterial, fungal, and viral skin diseases among ISDs: 37.81%, 55.70%, and 6.49%, respectively.
  • Increase in incidence rates of ISDs from 1990 to 2021: significant.
  • Decrease in rate of DALYs: notable.
  • Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions with highest incidence and DALYs rates for bacterial and fungal skin diseases: low-SDI regions; for viral skin diseases: high-SDI regions.
  • Countries with highest incidence rate and DALYs rate of ISDs: India and Ethiopia, respectively.

Sources:

  • Global Burden and Cross-Country Inequality of Infectious Skin Diseases in Children: The Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. International Health, 2025.
  • International Health can be contacted at: Oxford Univ Press, Great Clarendon St, Oxford OX2 6DP, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; International Health - www.journals.elsevier.com/international-health/)
  • Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Shenzhen Longgang Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518172, People's Republic of China.

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