A Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Pediatric Hair and Scalp Disorders

Abstract

Background: Hair and scalp disorders are a common complaint in dermatology clinics and can be caused by several conditions, reflected in a specific diagnosis. Also, this problem is of prime concern in the pediatric population as it is associated with more significant psychological consequences in this growing age group. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of hair and scalp disorders in children attending to the Pediatrics and Dermatology Outpatient Clinics. Patients and methods: The current study included 1000 children attending the outpatient pediatric and Dermatology clinics in Alazher University Assiut within the period from June 2019 to April 2020, from them 200 children were diagnosed with hair disorder. All children were subjected to; thorough history taking, general and local examination, and dermoscopic examination. Results: In the present study we noticed that; male to female ratio was 0.8:1. The age groups with the largest and smallest numbers of children were those of children aged 10-12 and 1-3 years, respectively. Alopecia areata represented 15% of the studied patients. 10% of the included patients had seborrheic dermatitis. Pediculosis capitis was evident in 14% of the studied population. Tinea capitis was evident in 15% of the study population. Infectious causes were the most common causes of hair disorders in our study. Alopecia areata represented 15% of the studied patients.there is a significant difference value in tinea capitis and pediculosis capitis in urban than rural areas and there is a significant difference value in seborrheic dermatitis and alopecia areata in rural than urban areas. In the current study, malnutrition was evident in 30% of children with scalp diseases. Conclusion: Hair and scalp disorder in children is a common complaint in pediatrics clinics, and it is considered a challenge for pediatricians for reaching a proper diagnosis and therapy. Early management is needed, as it affects the normal physical and mental growth of children.