Pediatric Dermatoses Encountered in the Outpatient Clinic Department of Tertiary Care Center

Background Skin diseases in pediatric populations are very common health problems in developing countries. The evaluation for skin disorders forms an important component of primary health care practice for all including children. Pediatric dermatoses require a separate view from adult dermatoses as there are important differences in clinical presentation, treatment and prognosis. Status of health, hygiene and personal cleanliness of a society can be judged from the prevalence of certain skin diseases in the children of the community. Aim Our aim was to evaluate the occurrence and spectrum of skin disorders in Pediatric patients attending the outpatient clinic at tertiary care center and the need for a dermatological opinion. Material and Methods A prospective study was undertaken to determine the pattern of skin diseases during the period of May 2013 to April 2014 at the Dermatology OPD of tertiary care hospital.1994 children aged up to 14 years were enrolled in the study. A detailed general, cutaneous and systemic examinations followed by investigations were carried out. The findings were recorded in proforma for analysis and interpretation of data. Results Out of 1994 patients skin diseases were found more in males (53.56 %) than in females (46.44 %). The highest number of patients were in the age group of 1-5 year (31.84 %). Etiological analysis revealed that majority of dermatoses belonged to infection and infestation (797, 39.96 %) followed by eczematous group (357, 17.90 %). Of the infection and infestation bacterial were most common entity followed by parasitic, fungal and viral. Conclusion In our study preschool children are frequently affected with skin diseases than school going children. More common skin diseases are infections followed by eczema. Our data emphasize the need for improving sanitation, nutrition, personal hygiene of children, strengthening of community dermatology and training of health worker in the diagnosis and management of skin disease.