From January, 2012 to December, 2016, all the inpatients with SCI were collected through hospital information system, in which, the patients with skin problems referred to the dermatologists were screened. Their general demographic characteristics, the time of skin onset since SCI, segment of SCI, level of SCI, the distribution of skin lesion, and the dermatological diagnosis were all recorded. The number of skin diseases in each SCI patient was counted.

A total of 3152 inpatients with SCI were included, out of whom, 554 patients were referred to the dermatologists, and 785 person-times dermatological conditions were diagnosed. Among the 554 patients, the consultation rate of male patients was significantly higher than females (χ² = 13.284, P < 0.001); the consultation rate of aged 18~35 years and aged 36~50 years groups was higher than aged less than 18 years and aged more than 35 years groups (χ² = 15.994, P < 0.01); the appearence of the skin lesions within six months post-SCI was significantly higher than more than six months post-SCI (χ²= 123.725, P < 0.001); the consultation rate of patients with cervical SCI was higher than those with thoracic and lumbosacral SCI (χ²= 10.482, P < 0.01), and the consultation rate of tetraplegic patients was higher than paraplegia patients (χ² = 9.172, P < 0.01). A total of 385 patients suffered one dermatological condition, while 169 patients suffered two or more dermatological conditions. Among them, men (χ² = 6.108, P < 0.05), patients with cervical SCI (χ² = 8.592, P < 0.05) and tetraplegic patients (χ² = 8.592, P < 0.05) were more likely to suffer two or more dermatological conditions. Allergic (252 cases), infectious (186 cases) and sebaceous gland related (169 cases) skin diseases were the most common skin problems.

Male, cervical SCI and tetraplegic patients are more likely to suffer two or more skin diseases. It is necessary to strengthen the prevention of skin diseases common in SCI patients.