Clinic oepi demo logical Study Regarding The Pattern Of Dermatoses At A Tertiary Care Hospital At Sriperum bhadur

Abstract

Background: Dermatological disorders represent a significant global health burden with variations by geography influenced by climatic, socioeconomic, and demographic factors. In India, skin diseases contribute substantially to disability and healthcare challenges, yet regional patterns remain understudied. This study aimed to analyze the clinicoepidemiological pattern of dermatoses in patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Sriperumbhadur.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January to May 2025 at a tertiary care dermatology outpatient department in Sriperumbhadur. A total of 515 patients aged 1 to 70 years were enrolled. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire capturing demographics, socioeconomic status (Kuppuswamy scale), clinical history, and thorough dermatological examinations. Diagnoses were confirmed by clinical evaluation and, when necessary, by laboratory and histopathological investigations. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine associations. A p-value <0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results: Among 515 participants, the mean age was 35.96 ± 18.43 years, with a slight female predominance (52.8%). Students and daily wage laborers constituted the largest occupational groups (28.7% and 28.0%, respectively). The majority belonged to lower socioeconomic classes (Class IV and V accounted for 74.6%). Comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (19.6%) and hypertension (10.1%). Eczematous disorders (28.0%) were the most common diagnosis, followed by fungal infections (22.7%) and bacterial infections (9.5%). Infectious dermatoses accounted for 35.1% of cases, highlighting persistent hygiene-related challenges. Statistically significant associations were found between age groups and types of dermatoses (p<0.001), with fungal infections predominating in children <10 years and chronic/degenerative conditions increasing with age. No significant gender differences in disease distribution were observed.

Conclusions: This study reveals a high burden of both eczematous and infectious dermatoses in a semi-urban Indian population, with significant impacts of socioeconomic status and age on disease patterns. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions focusing on hygiene promotion, occupational safety, and age-specific dermatological care. Integrated management addressing both dermatological and systemic comorbidities is essential to improve outcomes.