Common skin diseases are prevalent in tropical countries because of extreme weather conditions, mediocre hygiene, and lack of adequate treatment of infectious dermatoses. This guide describes the major endemic skin diseases and their signs for the purpose of helping unspecialized health agents train themselves and determine when a patient should be referred to a specialized health unit. The guide also helps increase awareness of individual and collective hygiene, and of clinical actions for major skin diseases. The guide lists the most frequent skin diseases, skin diseases of special interest, and major endemic diseases with dermatological signs. An anthropological approach to dermatology problems is suggested, and treatment guidelines and essential drugs are listed. Technical notes for scabies and for impetigo and impetiginization are included. Finally, a section of guidelines for home identification of diseases explains the health system and factors in the decision to seek health care in the tropics. (AP)