Analysis of dermatological referrals (a series of 662 cases from base and army hospital complex)

An analysis of 662 patients from non-dermatological wards and specialist out-patients referred for dermatological opinion is reported. There was a high proportion of referrals of 330 (49 8%) cases from internal medicine and allied specialties, followed by 150 (22.7%) from surgical disciplines, 65 (9.8%) by Paediatricians 30 (4.5%) by Otolaryngologists, 24 (3.6%) each by Ophthalmologists and specialists in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 21 (3 2%) by dental surgeons and 18 (2.7%) from department of Psychiatry. The youngest patient was a new born and the oldest 87 years. 333 (50.3%) were in the age group of 21 to 40 years. 505 (76.3%) were males. Almost one fourth i.e. 152 (23%) presented with cutaneous manifestations of underlying diseases, another 82 (12.4%) were drug eruptions and other complications of treatment. The study emphasizes considerable interphase between cutaneous and systemic diseases and the need for close co-operation between dermatology and other specialist medical disciplines.