A study of clinical pattern and seasonal variation of dermatoses in children: Contemplating findings for family physicians

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric skin disorders are different from the adult type in their presentations, types, treatment and prognosis. Their presentation varies from place to place. AIM: To study the different clinical pattern and seasonal variation of dermatoses in children attending a multispecialty hospital in Uttar Pradesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted among 640 children who attended the OPD of multispecialty hospital over a period of one year. All children up to 10 years of age with cutaneous presentations were included in the study. RESULTS: Study showed that there was a male preponderance among the study participants. According to the age group, school-aged children (6-10 years) constituted the highest percentage (53%) followed by toddlers or pre-school children (41%). The most common skin conditions were infections (47%) followed by eczematous group (31%) of disorders. Among the infections, the most common infections were fungal - 35.64% (107) followed by parasitic infection (31%), viral infections (20%) and then bacterial infections (12.5%). Out of total eczematous dermatoses, Atopic dermatosis was maximum in number (61; 30%). This was followed by pityriasis Alba (47; 23.15%), and acute eczemas (32; 15.76%). Third most common dermatosis was Appendageal disorder (33; 5.15%). It included 15 cases of miliaria i.e. approximately 45.45%. Seventeen (2.65%) children reported for treatment of different kind of nevi. Pigmentary disorders were seen in 16 cases (2.5%). Three nutritional disorders were also seen. Season wise, most of the cases were seen in monsoons (June to October). CONCLUSIONS: Dermatoses is very common in children in the western region of Uttar Pradesh. The largest group was formed by infections followed by eczemas. Few cases increased in number depending upon the weather like fungal and bacterial infections, acne, miliaria in summers and xerosis, scabies in winters. This variation strongly suggests that weather has a very important role. Thus various measures including health education programs to be initiated to control and prevent the sudden spread of the diseases. Thus, Primary care providers and family physicians being the first responders should always keep in mind the seasonal variations while dealing with dermatosis in children.