Pattern of Dermatoses in Paediatric Age Group at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in South India: An Epidemiological Study

Background: Dermatoses in pediatric age group are associated with significant morbidity. Various dermatologic conditions affect children, depending on age, region and socioeconomic status. They are infections and infestations and other non-infective dermatoses like atopic eczema, pigmentary disorders, papulo-squamous disorders, hair disorders, genetic disorders, hemangiomas etc., These patterns of dermatoses varies from place to place due to differences in geography, climate, culture and socio-economic background. Prevalence of pediatric dermatoses in our country are around 9% to 35%. Of late, incidence of these dermatoses is on the rise accounting to 1/3rd of all OPD attendees being children. Epidemiological evaluation for skin disorders forms an important component of primary health care practice for all including children. COVID-19 has varied cutaneous manifestations in children. Various studies have been conducted recently on cutaneous manifestations of COVID 19.

Objective: Objective of this study is to know the pattern, incidence, prevalence, contributing factors and prognosis of dermatoses affecting paediatric age group attending Dermatology OPD of a tertiary care centre in south India.

Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study; various skin disorders were studied in 1360 paediatric patients up to 18 years of age attending the Dermatology OPD of a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India over a period of one year. Demographic data was taken followed by general, systemic and cutaneous examination that is followed by relevant investigations wherever necessary. The findings were recorded in a proforma for analysis and interpretation of data.

Results: There were 762 boys and 598 girls in total 1360 study population. The most common dermatoses were eczematous eruptions and dermatitis (22.57%), infections and infestations (20.8%), infestations (18.96%), hypersensitivity disorders (6.91%), papulo-squamous (1.61%) and pigmentary disorders (2.94%). Acne was seen in 5.28% of children followed by urticaria (3.67%) Acne was seen in 10.44% and hair disorders in 2.21%. The study showed no statistical differences between sex and age.

Conclusion: This study conducted on epidemiological and clinical patterns emphasizes the need on training the physicians on management of common paediatric dermatoses for early treatment. The study of the epidemiological profile makes the diagnosis of paediatric dermatoses easy resulting in early identification and prevention. The huge numbers of paediatric dermatoses emphasize the need of recognising them as a health emergency in the community and awareness programmes may be conducted area wise to prevent them or to treat them appropriately.