Mridula A. M1, Pushpalatha K2, Girish M. S3
BACKGROUND: Skin disorders are a major cause of morbidity in children. Skin diseases can affect the quality of life of children to a great extent and can hinder their normal growth and development.
AIMS: This study was done with the objective of assessing the frequency and clinical spectrum of primary skin disorders in children less than 10 yrs at ESI model hospital, a tertiary care hospital catering to the working community insured under ESI scheme.
METHODS:This was a prospective study of 1 year duration. All children less than 10 yr of age presenting to our hospital were screened for skin disorders. Diagnosis was made clinically in all cases
RESULTS: A total of 282 children were found to have primary skin lesions. The frequency of primary skin disorders was found to be 5.75%. There was male preponderance (54%). Maximum Cases were seen in 0 to 5 yr age group (50%). 63% of cases were seen in children from families with income< 5000 per month. Infections and infestations was the commonest condition seen in 33.94% cases of which 48.6% were pyodermas, 21.6% were fungal infections, 10.8% were viral infections and 18.9 % were scabies. Next commonest condition was atopic dermatitis at 13.76% followed by pityriasis alba at 8.25% and insect bite reaction at 5.8%.
CONCLUSIONS: A low frequency of skin disorders was seen in this population group. Males in the age group of less than 5 years had the maximum incidence. Lower income group had a greater incidence. Infections and infestations were more common than allergic skin conditions.
