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Impact of Skin Diseases in Limited Resource Countries

Abstract
From itchy skin, swollen limbs, amputations and irreversible blindness, the impact of skin diseases is visible. The social and psychological impact brought about by these morbidities though invisible, could have lasting effects on the infected individuals. The huge burden of SD is carried by low income countries and resource poor communities both in wealthy and poor nations. Most resource poor countries lack adequately trained personnel to handle the various outcomes brought about by skin diseases. Skin disease have an impact on the quality of life, social and economic status of the affected individuals and their families. As of 2010, globally, skin diseases were ranked as the fourth leading cause of non-fatal disease burden in both high- and low-income countries. Most of the public health challenges in resource poor countries have been attributed to poverty. Besides poverty, there are other underlying factors that have exacerbated this problem. With skin diseases, access to relevant treatment and health personnel/services have played a role in the disease being rampant in resource poor communities. With limited resources, low income countries must prioritize which diseases to invest their resources in. Owing to the low mortality attributed to skin diseases, they are often left out in the national budgets, allowing them to cause further morbidity. This morbidity affects individuals’ livelihoods with social exclusion and stigma forcing many to hide and disassociate themselves from their communities.

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Type
Book Chapter