It is always assumed that the prevalence of skin diseases in developing countries is very high, and that infestations and skin infections are highly endemic in poor rural communities; however, very few epidemiologic reports verify these assumptions. As part of a continuing study of dermatologic needs in southwestern Ethiopia, and to estimate the prevalence of treatable skin disease in children, a school survey was undertaken in Shebe. In October 1992, 112 children were examined by a team of dermatologists and their conditions were recorded. Twenty-two children (19.6%) were considered healthy and 90 (80.4%) had one or more skin diseases. A total of 140 conditions were identified and considered treatable in 98% of children. Infestations were the most prevalent skin pathology, 81.2%, followed by fungal infections, 13.4%.