Sir,

Infectious dermatoses represent a significant problem for the school environment, from the point of view of child health and tranquility for the parents. This paper aimed to assess the parents’ understanding about the infectious dermatoses, their prevalence, preventive measures, and the handling of cases at the school level [1–3].

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the dermatology department of CHU Mohammed VI in Tangier, Morocco, between May 2024 and September 2024. Data collection and analysis were performed with the help of a Google Form questionnaire distributed to parents via social media and email.

A survey of 410 parents revealed that 43.2% had children aged 3–5 years and 26% had children aged 6–10 years. Nearly 70% of these children attended preschool or primary school. In terms of family structure, 42% of parents had two children, indicating a medium size family.

The survey revealed that 92% of the parents were aware of infectious dermatoses, with tinea and herpes being the most recognized (98%), followed by varicella (90%), pediculosis (85%), and warts (80%). Approx. 86.2% of the parents reported that their children had experienced infectious dermatoses, with chickenpox being the most common (65.8%), followed by pediculosis (53.6%) and impetigo (41%). Other less common conditions included herpes (31%), hand, foot, and mouth disease (27%), warts (13%), tinea (9%), measles (8%), roseola (7.8%), molluscum contagiosum (6.3%), and scabies (3%). 79.5% the of parents reported that infectious dermatoses were common in schools.

Regarding sources of information, 40.5% of the parents used the Internet, 38.5% consulted a doctor, 12.8% referred to books or brochures, and 6.8% relied on the school. 60% of the parents had been taught how to treat infectious dermatoses.

Preventive measures included teaching children about hygiene (20.3%), avoiding close contact with sick children (17.7%), notifying parents and restricting personal belongings (16.2%), cleaning school facilities (15.9%), and monitoring the children’s skin (13.7%).

When their child showed signs of infectious dermatoses, 43.8% of the parents consulted a doctor, 31.3% informed the school, and 12.5% used home remedies or self-medication. 70% of the parents taught hygiene daily and 12.4% weekly.

Regarding school-led awareness programs, 45.5% of the parents were dissatisfied, 31.9% were partially satisfied, and 22.7% were completely satisfied. The suggested improvements included stricter enforcement of hygiene (32.9%), regular health checks (26.5%), educational programs for children (24.4%), and the distribution of brochures at the beginning of the school year (15.9%).

Our study found that 86% of the parents observed infectious dermatoses in their children, a trend also seen in other countries. In Turkey, private school children are more likely to attend school when sick, increasing the risk of infection [1]. In Nepal, skin infections are associated with socioeconomic status and family practices [2]. The most common dermatosis in our study was chickenpox, followed by pediculosis, which was consistent with findings from Brazil and India [3,4].

46% of the parents relied on the Internet for information, raising concerns about the reliability of online sources. Studies from Pakistan and Germany highlighted the importance of school-based interventions, regular health checks, and teacher-parent training in improving hygiene and preventing outbreaks [5,6].

Despite increased awareness, 42% of the parents lacked knowledge about how to manage infectious skin diseases, and 53% felt that information provided by schools was inadequate. This echoed a 2021 Canadian study showing that 60% of parents were uninformed about common infectious diseases [7].

The recommendations included the enforcement of hygiene rules, regular health checks, and ongoing education for the parents and children. Clear prevention protocols and collaboration between the parents and teachers are essential to limit the spread of infection and ensure a safe school environment.

Awareness and prevention of infectious dermatoses in schools remain a major concern for parents. Increased collaboration between parents and schools, along with increased awareness through the distribution of brochures and hygiene education for children, seem promising measures to contain the spread of these diseases.