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Mortality from skin-related conditions varies between developing, developed countries

Researchers found that the mortality burden resulting from skin-related conditions differed between developing and developed countries, with the greatest differences seen in melanoma, measles and syphilis.

The researchers used the Global Burden of Disease Study database to compare mortality rates among conditions with skin manifestations in 50 developed and 137 developing countries by year, from 1990 to 2010.

Study results showed developing countries had greater rates of death for all conditions in 1990, except melanoma and basal cell (BCC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), which caused 5.6-and 1.4-times greater rates of death in developed countries. Developing countries had significantly greater death rates than those in developed countries for measles, syphilis, bacterial skin diseases, other skin and subcutaneous diseases, cellulitis and decubitus ulcer, according to the researchers.

The researchers found mortality remained significantly greater in developing countries for all conditions except melanoma and BCC and SCC in 2010, with a death rate due to melanoma that was 4.7-times greater in developed countries.

During the 20-year study period, the researchers found death rates associated with all of the conditions decreased in developing countries, with the greatest decrease in measles and varicella. In developed countries, there were significant declines in the death rates associated with all conditions except melanoma. BCC and SCC death rates decreased 19% during this time, as well.

The researchers concluded that their findings may help prioritize and optimize treatment and prevention efforts for diseases such as melanoma, measles and syphilis.

Disclosure: See the study for a full list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.