RESUMEN
Introduction: Skin diseases are encountered quite commonlyin pediatric age group. There is wide variation in the patternand presentation of different skin conditions in children whencompared to adults. The aim of the present study was to studythe pattern and prevalence of dermatoses in the pediatricpopulation and the various etiologies causing them.Material and methods: This study was conducted in theGovernment General Hospital, Vijayawada. 1000 childrenbelow the age of 14 years presenting with skin diseases wereincluded in the study. Clinical diagnosis was made after athorough clinical evaluation and physical examination.Results: Among 1000 cases, 52.5% were males and femalesconstituted 47.5%. Infectious group of diseases (38.6%)were the most common cause of dermatological diseases inthe childhood followed by infestations (19.1%) and eczemas(12.6%). Hypersensitivity disorders (10.2%), diseases ofthe appendages (5.1%) and pigmentary disorders (4.9%)constituted the other important causes.Conclusion: This study provides a gross idea about the patternof skin diseases in children. The most common etiology in thepresent study belonged to infectious origin. Scabies was themost common disease seen. By providing information aboutthe various causative skin diseases in pediatric population, thisstudy helps in devising preventive measures and managementoptions.