Prevalence and Impact of Skin Disorders in Pediatric Populations

Skin disorders are a significant health concern in children, imposing a considerable financial strain on healthcare systems, particularly in impoverished countries like India. These conditions, both infectious and non-infectious, can be influenced by various social, cultural, and economic factors. The rise in skin diseases in these regions is often linked to overpopulation, poor hygiene, and malnutrition. The prevalence of specific skin conditions in children can reflect the overall hygiene and health standards of a society.

Research shows that skin issues affected up to 30% of pediatric outpatient visits, with patterns varying based on economic status, literacy, sanitation, and health awareness across different regions. Close contact among children can lead to the rapid spread of skin disorders, but proper health education can help mitigate this risk. Dermatologists can identify underlying systemic diseases through careful examination of skin lesions, enhancing patient management. A study conducted over 24 months examined 370 pediatric patients (ages 0-18) at a dermatology outpatient department.

The findings revealed that:

Non-infectious disorders were more prevalent (54%) compared to 46% of infectious dermatoses.
The study documented various skin conditions, noting that atopic dermatitis (52.31%) and acne vulgaris (7.25%) were the most common types of dermatitis and sebaceous gland disorders, respectively.
Among infectious conditions, scabies was the most frequently observed parasitic infestation, affecting 98.03% of cases.
The prevalence of infectious dermatoses was 13.75% for fungal infections, 12.75% for viral and parasitic dermatoses comprised and 6.75% for bacterial dermatoses.

To summarize, the study highlighted the need for improved understanding and monitoring of pediatric skin disorders to enhance diagnosis and treatment, ultimately leading to better patient care and satisfaction.

Source: Hedge SS, et al. A Clinical Study of Pattern of Dermatoses in Pediatric Age Group Attending Dermatology Outpatient Department in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Res. J. Med. Sci., 19 (2): 89‐93, 2025.

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