Epidemiological and clinical profile of scabies cases at Peltier Hospital in Djibouti: A retrospective study of 2023-2024

Scabies has been identified as a neglected tropical disease due to its significant impact on public health, particularly in resource-limited countries. This study was undertaken to describe the epidemio-clinical profile of scabies cases observed in dermatological consultations at Peltier Hospital in Djibouti. A retrospective study was conducted within the multidisciplinary medicine department, covering dermatological consultations carried out between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024. During this period, 137 cases of scabies were diagnosed out of a total of 560 patients, representing a frequency of 24.5%. A female predominance was observed with 78 women (57%) versus 59 men (43%), and a mean patient age of 22 ± 2 years. Children under 15 years represented 32.9% of cases. Pupils and students constituted 28.5% and 23.6% of patients, respectively. Generalized pruritus was reported in 75.2% of cases, with a nocturnal increase in 94.2% of situations. Among the locations of pruritus, the buttocks were the most frequently affected (47% of localized cases). Papules were found in 95.6% of patients, and scabies nodules in 49.6%. This study highlighted a high prevalence of scabies, particularly in children, with typical clinical manifestations, thus highlighting the need for early management and increased awareness among the population.