Introduction: Spain has come to be one of the main European destinations for immigrants from countries with low per capita incomes. The Balearic Islands have the second largest proportion of immigrants in a Spanish autonomous community. The aim of this study was to describe the dermatology service utilization by immigrant and Spanish populations at Hospital Son Lltzer in Palma de Majorca, Spain. Patients and methods: A longitudinal, descriptive study was undertaken to analyze first visits to the dermatology department of Hospital Son Lltzer between July 10, 2007 and July 9, 2008. Results: Of the 6699 first visits, 13.2% were by non-Spanish patients, originating from 64 different countries, with Argentina, Ecuador, and Columbia the most common. Spanish patients consulted more frequently than non-Spanish patients. Patients from outside the European Union consulted most often for inflammatory conditions, whereas patients from Spain and other countries of the European Union mainly consulted for benign tumors. Consultations were for sexually transmitted disease in 2% of visits. The reason for the visit was classified as cosmetic in 14.1% of patients. Conclusions: The dermatology service utilization by the immigrant population was lower than by Spanish patients, although with differences according to the country of origin. © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. y AEDV. Todos los derechos reservados.

dermatology immigrants service utilization Purpose of consultation Epidemiology

descriptive research immigrant South and Central America Ecuador Argentina longitudinal study skin disease human Longitudinal Studies sex difference controlled study melanoma Colombia Skin Diseases sexually transmitted disease Young Adult school child Humans Adolescent consultation male dermatology Emigrants and Immigrants preschool child Spain female Child, Preschool hospital department Africa European Union Article health care utilization major clinical study adult migration Utilization Review Hospital Departments skin infection viral skin disease esthetics benign tumor skin cancer skin inflammation Child