Clinicoepidemiological Study of Oral Mucosal Lesions and Its Impact on Quality of Life in Patients Attending Skin OPD At Rural Based Tertiary Health Care Centre

Abstract

Background Oral mucosa is one of the first barriers to the outside world which encounters various antigens, microorganisms and physical agents and it is in direct continuity with the skin externally and with the mucosa of oropharynx and nasopharynx internally. Objectives The objective of our study was to study the prevalence of oral mucosal lesion, its association with various dermatoses and quality of life in patients with oral mucosal lesions attending outpatient department of dermatology at a tertiary care health centre. Methods This study was an observational, purposive type of study conducted in Department of Dermatology at a tertiary health care centre. All the patients with oral mucosal lesion were included with full history and detailed examination noted in a prestructured proforma. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Children’s Life Quality Index (CDLQI) both were used to assess quality of life. Results: Among 202 (prevalence-0.8%) patients, maximum numbers of patients 53 (26.23 %) belonged to age group 31-40 years followed by 49(24.25 %) patients with age group of 21-30 years. Maximum numbers of patients were female 108 (53.46 %). Among oral ulcers recurrent aphthous stomatitis was the commonest finding seen in 56 (27.72%). Among cutaneous conditions associated with oral lesions oral lichen planus 50(24.75%) was the most common condition followed by pemphigus in 15(7.42%) patients. Out of 195 patients, maximum 86 (44.10%) patients were categorised as a moderately affected DLQI group. Conclusion: Oral ulcers were the most common finding seen in our study. There were a significant number of patients of cutaneous conditions associated with oral lesions seen.