A study of the pattern of dermatoses in adolescent patients in South India

Adolescence describes the age group between 10 and 19 years. This is the transitional stage of physical and physiological human development generally occurring between puberty and adulthood. Hormonal changes occurring during puberty result in various physical and psychological changes, affecting their social relationship. At this stage, external appearance is of immense concern to them. As such, any dermatological condition can extremely affect their psychological status. This study was conducted to give an insight on the various dermatological conditions of the adolescent age groups and their incidence.

Study design: Descriptive study - Cross-sectional study. Three hundred patients between the ages of 10 and 19 years, attending the tertiary care center in South India, were included in the study. A detailed history, clinical examination, and appropriate laboratory investigations were carried out.

Out of 300 patients, females (52.7%) more commonly presented with dermatoses than males (47.3%). Most of the 300 patients belonged to the age group of 17-19 years (50.33%). Infections/infestations (39%) were the most predominant dermatoses followed by acne (17.67%), eczema (9.67%), insect bite reactions (IBRs) (7%), keratinization disorders (6.67%), polymorphic light eruptions (PLEs) (4.33%), urticaria (4.33%), and pigmentary disorders (4.33%).

This study gives an insight of various dermatological conditions among the adolescent age groups. Females more commonly presented with dermatoses. The most common dermatoses were infections. Since very few studies regarding dermatoses in adolescents are available in the literature, this study is distinctive in this regard.