Epidemiological Pattern of Skin Diseases Among Patients Attending Dermatological Outpatient Department at a Tertiary Care Centre, North Chennai

Introduction: The occurrence of various skin diseases is linked to certain geographical, racial, environmental and socioeconomic factors. There are also seasonal skin disorders that are regularly observed for many centuries. A change in temperature, humidity, ultraviolet rays, wind and atmospheric pollen allergens also influences the pattern of skin diseases.(1) Aim: 1. To determine the pattern of skin diseases. 2. To determine the association of gender with the common skin diseases. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on all the patients who attended the outpatient Department of Dermatology during a span of one year. A thorough medical history with detailed cutaneous examination was carried out on every patient. Investigations and skin biopsies were performed, when required, for confirmation of diagnosis. Results: A total of 163201 patients presented to our outpatient Department of Dermatology from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2016. Out of this sample, 81274 were enrolled as new cases while 81927 were patients who came for follow up visits. This study comprised of 44.3% (72299) males, 44.7% (72950) females and children-11% (17952). Most patients belonged to the age group of 20-50 years. Out of the 163201 cases, fungal infections were the most common skin diseases seen, affecting 14.65% (23901) patients, followed by Eczema 7.40% (12080), Miliaria Rubra 6.88% (11222) Scabies 5.99% (9780), Psoriasis 4.26% (6948), Hansen's disease 3.37% (5506), Acne 2.85% (4652), Vitiligo 2.43% (3968), Bullous disorders 1.43% (2334), others 50.73% (82796). Conclusion: Fungal infections were the most common skin diseases seen in our study. This may be attributed to the upsurge of cases recalcitrant to the available anti-fungal drugs and also due to the application of topical steroids. Eczema was the second most prevalent skin disease observed. In the present scenario, dermatologists are facing challenges to combat these diseases which are a burden not only to the individual but to the nation as a whole.