Skin diseases spread among displaced communities in Rathedaung Twsp

By Admin 29 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

29 January 2026, Rathedaung

Skin diseases are increasingly affecting displaced people and local residents living in displacement camps and villages in Rathedaung Township, Arakan State, according to aid workers and local residents.

An aid worker assisting displaced communities said people sheltering at Chaydawyar displacement camp and in Setthidar, Myathidar, Phyuchaung and Thazihdaunt villages on Mosel Island are among the worst affected.

“The outbreak of skin diseases is severe here, especially among children and elderly people. There are no proper dermatological medicines or ointments available. Some people are using traditional herbal remedies, but they are not effective,” the aid worker said.

More than 2,000 people, including many children, are living in these camps and villages. As the number of cases continues to rise, there is an urgent need for medical assistance.

Skin infections are also spreading at Minphu displacement camp on the banks of the Mayu River in Rathedaung Township, where infection rates have been increasing daily since early January.

“Many children here are suffering from itchy skin sores. We have seen the infection spread from children to adults. It starts as small scabies like bumps, but constant scratching causes them to develop into large sores. We buy medicine from local shops, but there is no improvement,” said a resident of Minphu Village.

The Minphu displacement camp shelters people who fled from villages in Sittwe Township, including Satyoekya, Byainepyun, Kyawtaw, Mingan and Kyeetel.

More than 200 displaced people, including children and elderly residents, are living in the camp and are in urgent need of medical supplies.

Health experts say skin diseases in displacement camps are commonly caused by contaminated water, poor hygiene, environmental pollution and overcrowded living conditions. Exposure to dust, chemicals and parasites can also lead to itching, rashes, hives and red spots.

Similar skin disease outbreaks have been reported among displaced people and local residents in other townships in Arakan State, including Ponnagyun, Taungup, Kyaukphyu and Gwa.