[[Reasons for consultation and healthcare strategies analyzed from a neighborhood dermatological assistance device. Qualitative research: Skin problems. Qualitative research].

AIM OF STUDY

identify consultation reasons, experiences with seeking dermatological assistance and skin care strategies within neighbours from an urban deprived settlement in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. This setting lies onto a sanitary landfill with a high index of environmental contamination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

a dermatological health care team from the main local hospital designed a dermatological assistance device (DAD), in cooperation with social leaders and institutions of the neighborhood. The DADs included walks around the neighborhood for attending those who could not get a consultation. The experiences were evaluated through a qualitative research strategy, developed from the theoretical framework of Sociocultural Epidemiology. Those who attended the DADs were interviewed. Ethnographic field notes were also recorded. Multiple accessibility barriers to the public health care system were identified and self care practices were also recognized.

RESULTS

The most frequent consultations to the DADs were for "pimples", "stains'' and "lumps" on exposed areas of the skin. These lesions generated discomfort or pain, or even affected the interviewees aesthetically or emotionally. Most of them were associated to extremely dry skin and a high sun exposure, in connection with the lack of shade in the neighbourhood. An initiative to plant trees was promoted in order to prevent sun radiation-induced dermatoses.

CONCLUSION

the reflective immersion of the dermatology team in the realm of the neighborhood daily life enabled the development of attention strategies grounded on the perceived needs of the population.