Spectrum and Pattern of Paediatric Dermatoses in A Tertiary Care Hospital in Faridabad

ABSTRACT

Background: The prevalence of paediatric skin diseases varies worldwide. Paediatric dermatoses require a separate view from adult dermatoses as there are important differences in clinical presentation, treatment and prognosis. Their characterisation is essential for the preparation of academic, research and health plans. Aim: The study was carried out to find the incidence of skin diseases in children under 15 years of age. Methods: All children below 15 years of age attending dermatology outpatient department for first time were evaluated for various skin dermatoses. Skin diseases were classified into groups like infections and infestations, eczematous, non-infective dermatoses and hypersensitivity reactions. Results: Male children predominated with male female ratio 1.31. Infections and infestations were the most common (41.8%) cause of skin dermatoses followed by dermatitis (20.7%), non-infective & autoimmune dermatoses (13.4%) and hypersensitivity reactions seen in 10.8% patients. Miliaria and other physical dermatoses contributed to about 6% of the total cases. Conclusion: Majority of paediatric dermatoses can be grouped into 8 categories. Significant proportion of dermatoses are infectious and eczematous types. Infections are more prevalent in low socio-economic strata and with proper education and creating awareness they can be minimised to a significant extent.