A clinico-epidemiological study on various patterns of facial dermatoses in adolescents attending a rural tertiary centre: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical phase of transition with a myriad of hormonal changes occurring in the body to which the skin reacts in various ways. Since adolescents constitute one fifth of the Indian population, dermatological disorders have an impact on their health- related quality of life, especially when it occurs on face leading to considerable physical and psychological morbidity.1. To study the prevalence of various facial dermatoses among adolescents (10-19 years). 2. To study the clinical and epidemiological determinants of facial dermatoses among adolescent patients.A total of 550 adolescents in the age group of 10-19 years presenting with facial dermatoses to the outpatient department of Dermatology, Adichunchunagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G. Nagara, meeting the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this observational cross-sectional study after taking an informed consent from the guardian (for patients <18 years) and approval of institutional ethical committee. A detailed history and thorough clinical examination was recorded in a structured proforma. The diagnosis was based on detailed history and thorough clinical examination, and relevant investigations were done when needed.The prevalence of adolescent facial dermatoses in the study was 7.3%. The mean age of sample population was 15.79±2.6 years. There was a female preponderance in the study (M:F=1:1.4). Infections and eczema showed association with lower middle class. Acne vulgaris (34.8%) was the most common dermatoses followed by infections (15.3%) and eczema (12.9%).Infections and eczema were common in lower middle class of socioeconomic status. Acne vulgaris was the most common dermatoses followed by infections and eczema.