We present the case of a 3-month-old infant with atopic dermatitis who developed severe impetigo. The child was born to Syrian refugees shortly after they arrived in Canada. The case demonstrates the rapid and nearly complete resolution of dramatic skin findings after a course of hydrocortisone ointment and oral antibiotics with adjuvant measures. For resettled refugees, access to family physicians and local language proficiency are common barriers that negatively impact their health and healthcare. We discuss some aspects of how the healthcare model in one Canadian city addresses these issues in the context of this case. The case also raises questions about the burden of dermatological conditions in refugees while in transit and in countries of resettlement. The few reports that exist suggest that some conditions may be relatively common and that the epidemiology warrants additional investigation. © 2018 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article). All rights reserved.

drugs and medicines infections dermatology

refugee poverty health disparity Health Status Disparities complication Syrian Arab Republic human follow up Refugees clinical feature face rash antibiotic agent skin examination impetigo Hydrocortisone priority journal scalp Dermatitis, Atopic emollient agent pruritus limb acute disease cutaneous drug administration oral drug administration back Administration, Oral Administration, Cutaneous atopic dermatitis Humans treatment duration Canada case report female patient referral Infant eczema clinical article Article Syrian Syria global health disease severity antiinfective agent Anti-Bacterial Agents Health Services Accessibility health care delivery