Prevalence of Dermatological Conditions at Sebokeng Hospital, in Vaal Triangle, over a Year (2025-2026)

Abstract

Background and Objective: Epidemiological data on cutaneous disorders in the Vaal Triangle are sparse. Urbanisation driven by industrialisation has led to a surge in the prevalence of skin disorders. The lack of disease surveillance data has limited health providers from implementing targeted interventions and allocating resources effectively. This study aims to determine the prevalence and patterns of skin diseases among patients presenting to Sebokeng Hospital in the Vaal Triangle (2025–2026) and to identify common conditions to guide resource allocation and improve management within existing healthcare constraints. Methods: A retrospective descriptive design was employed using clinical data collected at the hospital's Dermatology outpatient clinic from January 2025 to January 2026. The data included patient demographics, including age, and clinical dermatological diagnoses determined by the facility's specialist Dermatologist. Results: A total of 1047 patients were included in the study. Eczemas constituted the most common group of disorders identified in this series, accounting for 63.42% (n=664) of all cases. This was followed by pilosebaceous disorders (8.88%, n=93), infectious diseases (8.21%, n=86), and inflammatory dermatoses (5.833%, n=61). Conclusion:  The pattern of dermatological disorders in the Vaal Triangle reflects a combination of infectious, inflammatory and environmentally influenced conditions. The interplay between industrial exposure and socio-economic determinants plays a pivotal role in shaping disease patterns. These findings highlight the importance of context-specific research and targeted healthcare strategies to address the dermatological needs of populations living in industrial and resource-limited settings.