Abstract

Background: Dermatological manifestations (DM) in a developing country like India, where living conditions are poor and a variety of causes contribute to the various skin disorders, especially in children.
Aim: The aim of our study was to estimate the incidence rates of pediatric skin diseases in Pune region.
Materials and Methods: The data from departmental registries were evaluated for 260 children for 18-months period which served as a single group. The collected data comprised of all pediatric out patient department (OPD) patients aged two months to fifteen years who presented with a dermatological manifestation. The diagnosis was documented at the pediatric OPD. Mean and standard deviation were computed for quantitative factors such as age, while frequency and percentages were used to report qualitative variables such as gender and diagnoses of various skin conditions.
Results: Infections was seen in 55% of the cases, followed by allergic reactions (25.4%) and other dermatoses (19.6%). Out of 66 patients of allergic reactions, seborrhoeic dermatitis was the most common with 39.5%, followed by eczema (25.9%) and urticaria seen in 16.6. Xeroses was most common from other dermatoses which was seen in 14% of the cases. Infections such as pityriasis was seen in 52 cases, followed by tinea capitis in 20 and tinea pedis in 21 cases.
Conclusion: Patterns of skin problems serve as an indicator of community development and the quality of health care accessible. Our research provides preliminary baseline information for future epidemiologic and clinical research.