Pattern and Distribution of Pediatric Dermatoses and their Association with Parental Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

Background: In developing countries, pediatric dermatoses cause significant morbidity and are a major public health problem. Parental socioeconomic status (SES) is an important underlying factor. Aim: The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence and disease characteristics of pediatric dermatoses at a tertiary care center in Eastern India. Materials and Methods: Patients aged 19 years and below, presenting with at least one skin disorder were included in this cross-sectional study. All patients were subjected to detailed history including parental SES and clinical examination. Results: We evaluated 525 subjects (mean age 9.9 ± 6.2 years; M:F 1:1.1), majority being adolescents (>12–19 years) (40.6%) and belonging to upper-lower socioeconomic class (69.3%). Infections and infestations were most frequent (56.6%), followed by skin appendageal disorders (22.7%), eczema and dermatitis (8.8%), miscellaneous disorders (6.9%), pigmentary and nevoid disorders (3.4%), and papulo-squamous disorders (1.7%). Among infections, dermatophytosis was most common, followed by scabies and impetigo; while acne vulgaris was the most frequent noninfectious disorder followed by seborrhoeic dermatitis. Skin disorders were significantly associated with parental SES (P = 0.04). Infections showed a significant inverse association with parental SES (P = 0.003) while eczematous disorders demonstrated a positive dose-response association (P = 0.005). Higher parental SES increased the risk of acne vulgaris but reduced the risk of impetigo. Conclusion: Infectious diseases occurred most frequently, followed by pilosebaceous disorders. Parental SES is a significant determinant of pediatric dermatoses. Increased awareness is needed to prevent and treat these disorders.