Prevalence of Skin Conditions of Monks in Urban Bangkok Temples
Boonsiri M, MD1, Tangtrongsitthikul P, MD1, Hanthavichai S, MD1
Affiliation : 1 Dermatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : To assess the prevalence, characteristics as well as the associated factors of skin conditions in Urban Bangkok monks.
Materials and Methods : The study population consisted of 184 Thai monks who aged 35 years old and above, having been ordinated
for at least 1 year from twenty-two temples in Dusit and Nhog chok districts, Bangkok. Health survey collected by self-administered
questionnaire whereas dermatologic symptoms, conditions and Fitzpatrick skin type of the monks were asked and examined by
dermatologist. Data were analyzed for prevalence as well as relevance of skin conditions and daily life activities.
Results : 184 monks with the mean age of 43.89+18.39 years were included. Most of them have Fitzpatrick skin type 4. Pigmentary
disorders from aging process were the most common followed by foot problems and xerosis cutis. The foot conditions were
significantly associated with a habit of not wearing shoes but dry skin with pruritus were not statistically associated with the use
and type of soap.
Conclusion : Aging skin pigmentary problems, foot problems and dry skin were main skin conditions among the monks in urban
areas. Wearing improper or not wearing shoes were significant factors for callus or cracked heels and Tinea pedis.
Keywords : Monk, Skin conditions
