Dermatological Findings among Infertile Females in Duhok City, Iraq (2023)

Background: Dermatological diseases are among the most common health problems observed in infertile women. Thisstudy, conducted from April to September 2023, aimed to determine the prevalence of dermatological disorders amonginfertile women in Duhok City, Iraq.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 100 infertile women in Kurdistan, northern Iraq, usinga convenience sampling method. Data were collected through a structured and validated questionnaire. Clinical assessment focused on hirsutism, acne, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), acanthosis nigricans, and other dermatological manifestations, with an evaluation of their duration, distribution, and severity. Standard dermatological clinical guidelines were applied.Results: The most common dermatological finding was seborrhea, observed in 71 (71%) women. Acne was present in 43 (43%) women, with acne grading as follows: 26 (26%) with grade 1, 13 (13%) with grade 2, and 4 (4%) with grade 3. Hirsutism was observed in 37 (37%) women. AGA was detected in 35 (35%) women, with severity scores distributed as follows: 18 (18%) with a score of 1, 14 (14%) with a score of 2, 1 (1%) with a score of 3, and 2 (2%) with a score of 4. Other dermatological findings included hidradenitis suppurativa in 2 (2%), skin tags in 10 (10%), warts in 2 (2%), and linea nigrain 4 (4%) women. Additionally, 40 (40%) had hypertrichosis, 39 (39%) had hyperhidrosis, 16 (16%) had eczema, 9 (9%) haddermatophytosis, and 27 (27%) had melasma or facial melanosis.Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of dermatological disorders among infertile women. Health careproviders should consider the interplay between infertility and skin conditions during evaluation and management. Anintegrated approach may aid in identifying underlying causes of infertility and associated dermatological manifestations, thereby improving both clinical outcomes and quality of life.