Meteorological parameters and the pattern of dermatology clinic attendance through a calendar year: a Sri Lankan experience.

Abstract

Dermatology clinic attendance at a major hospital depends on many factors. We planned to determine the monthly variations of skin disease presentation and whether there was a correlation between the clinic attendance pattern of skin diseases and meteorological parameters. The dermatology clinic attendance pattern was studied prospectively throughout a calendar year on a monthly basis at the dermatology clinic of the General Hospital, Matara, Sri Lanka. One thousand and twenty-three consecutive dermatology consultations in the private sector were also analyzed for comparison. Meteorological data were obtained from the Government Department of Meteorology. A total of 7419 first visit patients were seen at the general hospital. July and September recorded the highest number (718 each) and April recorded the lowest (426). The lowest relative humidity was in March (75%) and the highest in October (87%). The average maximum temperature ranged from 31.2 degrees C (April) to 29.1 degrees C (August, September). Average rainfall was between 622 mm (October) and 59 mm (June). Of the diseases considered to have a relationship to meteorological parameters, miliaria showed the biggest fluctuation (27 in May to zero in August). Photodermatitis was highest in August. The variation in asteatotic dermatitis patients was minimal. Dermatitis and fungal diseases comprised over 50% of clinic attendance throughout the year in both the state and private sectors. Although there were significant fluctuations in several disease categories in different months, a clear linear correlation between meteorological parameters and the disease presentation pattern could not be established. This could be due to the narrow range of variation in the meteorological parameters in the geographic area and the multiple variables involved in persons presenting to the dermatology clinic.