Skin diseases rising: Experts explain what patients must do
Doctors warn that long-term, untreated skin disease can, in some cases, lead to kidney complications.
Skin diseases are increasing rapidly across Bangladesh, with the BBS Health and Morbidity Status Survey (HMSS) 2025 reporting that 37.23 out of every 1,000 people are affected.
The prevalence is higher in rural areas at 39.92 per 1,000, compared to 34.46 in urban regions.
Doctors warn that long-term, untreated skin disease can, in some cases, lead to kidney complications.
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Dr Shahidullah Shikdar, former pro vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University and a dermatologist, told The Business Standard that anyone with a skin disease should seek medical advice, maintain hygiene, keep themselves clean and eat nutritious food.
Affected individuals should receive prompt treatment and avoid close contact with others, he advised.
For some diseases, especially scabies, all family members should be treated if one person is infected, the doctor added.
Meanwhile, Dr Saiful Islam Bhuiyan, associate professor of dermatology and venereology at Bangladesh Medical University and general secretary of the Bangladesh Academy of Dermatology, said drug resistance must be controlled nationally.
Regulations must determine who is authorised to prescribe medicines, pharmacies must not sell drugs without prescriptions and patients must complete their full course of medicine, he told TBS.
