Evaluation of clinicoepidemiological features of pediatric dermatoses in Egyptian children: a cross-sectional and community-based study

Abstract

Background Epidemiological studies determine the burden of skin diseases, especially in children, which is required for proper health-care planning.Objectives To evaluate the clinicoepidemiologic features of skin diseases among Egyptian children.Patients and methods This was a cross-sectional, community-based study that included 2594 children of both sexes with ages that ranged from birth to less than 18 years. This study included government schools, private schools, and maternity and childhood care centers in Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt. Sociodemographic data, the general examination included body parameters, and dermatological examination of children were documented.Results Skin diseases were detected in 25.1% (651/2594) of the examined children. Allergic skin diseases were the most common detected, one in 32.4% of children followed by sebaceous gland disorders (acne vulgaris) in 30.7% and then infectious skin diseases in 24.85%. Head was affected in the majority of patients (54.8%). The median age of children with skin diseases was 11 (1–18) years. Females constituted 66% of children with skin diseases. Children with skin diseases from rural areas constituted 63.1%. The median age of children with an infectious skin disease was 8 (2–14) years. Female sex, rural residence, and parents of low educational levels were associated with higher percentages of infectious skin diseases in children.Conclusion This study concluded that the most common detected pediatric skin diseases were allergic skin disorders, sebaceous gland disorders, and infectious skin diseases, respectively. Socioeconomic status, environmental factors, and medical resources are the most important factors affecting the prevalence of skin diseases.