Investigations describing the prevalence of diseases play a crucial role in the planning and implementation of health care facilities. 

Considering the heterogeneity of the people living in Andaman and Nicobar islands a prevalence study on skin diseases was warranted. 

A study collected data from the outpatient records of the Dermatology Department and the diagnoses were categorized according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10). 

The following observations were made-

• Dermatophyte infection, tinea versicolor, impetigo, scabies, molluscum, and warts were the most frequented cutaneous infections/disorders.
• 42 patients demonstrated Hansens disease in 2-year duration.
• Tribal peoples commonly demonstrated the presence of scabies, dermatophytosis, and pyoderma as cutaneous disorders. 

Thus the epidemiology of skin diseases prevailing in the Andaman and Nicobar (A and N) Islands is explained by this study. This data can be used on the mainland for further purposes, considering the diversity of the population in the A and N Islands.

Source- Balasubramanian P, Anil AJ. Epidemiological study of skin disorders in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Indian J Dermatol 2021;66:454-8