30 Percent of Jail Inmates Infected by Skin Disease, says Study

KOCH:
A screening camp conducted by The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL), Kerala branch, at ten prisions in Kerala, have revealed that 30 percent of the inmates with skin diseases were infected with fungal infections.

Fungal infections were found to be the most common skin disease among the inmates, both men and women, in prisons all across Kerala. This percentage remained the same in both men and women.

Dr. Faizal MM , President IADVL Kerala, said that the reasons behind the high prevalence of fungal infections are lack of hygiene and humid climate. Preventive measures to ensure skin hygiene were conveyed to the inmates.

Other skin problems which were found to be common are eczema, scabies and psoriasis. We did not find a predilection to a particular age with regards to fungal infection.

But the number of women inmates in prison being lesser in general, we diagnosed and prescribed treatment for skin diseases in around 300 female inmates and around 1200 male inmates across Kerala. In younger inmates of age 18 to 21years in Borstal school, the concerns were more about acne and dandruff.

IADVL Kerala branch conducted skin camps as part of the project “Mission Prison”. This unique endeavor is a Presidential project of national IADVL which was infact scheduled to take off in 2020 but remained frozen due to the pandemic. Now in 2023, IADVL has relaunched this project which aims to extend care and compassion to those behind bars by conducting free skin camps at select prisons across India, said Dr Anuradha KB, Secretary, IADVL Kerala.

Under the auspices of “Mission Prison,” a team of experienced and dedicated dermatologists in Kerala offered awareness about skin care and treatment of skin diseases at various prisons in Kerala, she added.

Dr Feroz K, President Elect IADVL Kerala informed that these medical camps will not only focus on treating skin diseases but will also provide counseling and guidance on hygiene and health of skin, the largest organ of human body.