Clinical Pattern of Dermatological Conditions among Paediatric Patients Attending Outpatient Department in a Tertiary Care Centre of Rural Haryana, India

Abstract

Introduction: Skin disorders are common in paediatric age group and are associated with significant morbidity and stress. These differ from adults in clinical presentation, treatment and prognosis. Data on pattern of paediatric dermatoses can be used in planning healthcare programs. Aim: To study the clinical pattern and prevalence of various skin conditions in paediatric age group in tertiary care centre of rural Haryana, India. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College (W) Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India. A total of 1,003 consecutive Outpatient Department (OPD) patients upto age of 14 years presenting with skin conditions were included in study from a period May 2021 to January 2022. Various parameters like age, gender, pattern of distribution and type of skin lesions were assessed. Results were entered in excel sheet and frequency, percentages were calculated. Results: Out of 1,003 patients 56.53% were males and 43.47% were females. Maximum number (33.20%) of patients were in the age group of 1-5 years. Scabies (24.12%) was the most reported dermatological condition. Majority of dermatoses belonged to infections (32.40%) and infestations (24.83%) followed by eczemas (17.34%). Bacterial infections (15.25%) were most common infections followed by fungal (10.37%) and viral (6.78%) infections. Conclusion: In the present study, infections and infestations were most common dermatological conditions. This study provides insight about the pattern of various dermatoses among children in rural setting.