Prevalence of Dermatoses among Fishermen in Pondicherry: A Cross-Sectional Study of 150 Participants
Description
The fishing occupation exposes workers to multiple dermatological risk factors including chronic seawater contact, elevated environmental humidity, mechanical trauma from fishing implements, and continuous ultraviolet radiation. These occupational exposures result in increased susceptibility to various cutaneous disorders. This investigation sought to determine the frequency and spectrum of cutaneous diseases within Pondicherry's fishing population, evaluate their understanding and implementation of skin protection measures, and examine the association between occupational duration and dermatological disease burden. Cross-sectional observational research has been held including 150 fishermen between 18 and 65 years of age from coastal communities in Pondicherry. Participants received complete dermatological assessments, and structured questionnaires captured demographic data, occupational duration, and skin protection knowledge which was done at a clinic located nearby to the coastal area.Fungal infections represented the predominant dermatological finding in this population. Dermatophytosis was diagnosed in 30% of participants, with pityriasis versicolor identified in 18.0%. The study cohort consisted of 66.7% males and 33.3% females. The mean occupational duration was 18.5 years and 36.6 percent of the subjects had worked more than 20 years in fishing. A major dose effect trend was observed.The most significant dermatological issue of the fishing population in Pondicherry is that of mycological infections and the disease is more prevalent in proportion to the working experience. Certain preventive measures and education is crucial.