Introduction:
Lifestyle and the neglect of hygiene are factors which increase the risk of the incidence of epidermal parasitic skin diseases (EPSD) such as pediculosis and scabies among alcoholics and people with mental health problems. A patient's knowledge about the risk factors, route of transmission, prophylaxis and symptoms of the disease are the bases for health education.

Aim:
An evaluation of the state of knowledge of EPSD among patients with mental health problems and alcohol addiction at the Provincial Complex of Psychiatric Health in Olsztyn.

Material and methods:
The study covered a group of 154 adult patients treated in 2011 in Provincial Complex of Psychiatric Health in Olsztyn. The research was conducted by using an anonymous self-designed diagnostic survey questionnaire.

Results and discussion:
In the examined population, 51% of the people had a satisfactory knowledge of EPSD. In 27% of respondents the knowledge was fragmented, and in 21% at the high level. There were no significant differences between the groups of respondents distinguished by gender, age, place of residence and education. In 54% of examined patients, the knowledge of EPSD and their prophylaxis was rated as fragmentary. The information regarding symptoms and sources of pediculosis and scabies infections was fragmentary in 46% of patients, and satisfactory in 34% of respondents.

Conclusions:
The general level of knowledge in patients with mental health problems and alcohol addiction on EPSD is satisfactory. Almost half of the respondents showed a fragmentary knowledge concerning the prophylaxis of EPSD, symptoms and sources of pediculosis and scabies infection. Health education should primarily concern the prevention of pediculosis and scabies, and strengthen the patients' awareness of spread easiness these parasites in the environment.