An observational study of infant dermatoses at a tertiary care health center in Delhi region

Abstract

Objectives To know the prevalence and clinical patterns of infant dermatosis at a tertiary care referral institute. Patients and methods The present observational cross-sectional study was carried out on 508 neonates and infants with physiological and pathological skin conditions from August 1, 2018 to February 1, 2020. A standard study proforma was used to obtain detailed systemic and dermatological findings. Data entry was done in MS Excel, and data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22.0. Results The common dermatoses were bacterial infection [folliculitis (29.03%) and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (19.35%)], fungal infections [candidal intertrigo (41.67%) and pityriasis versicolor (37.50%)], developmental abnormalities [accessory tragi (21.43%), anencephaly (14.29%), and cleft lip (14.29%)], diaper area eruptions [diaper dermatitis (81.82%), atopic dermatitis (45.92%), hemangiomas: infantile congenital hemangioma (60.87%) and nevus simplex/stork bite (21.74%)], hyperpigmentation disorders [Café-au-lait (44.44%) and congenital melanocytic nevi (22.22%)], hypopigmentation disorder [pityriasis alba (42.31%)], iatrogenic/traumatic disorders [Stevens-Johnson syndrome (40%)], immunologic disorders [insect bite hypersensitivity (41.18%) and acute urticaria (29.41%)], and transient benign disorders [Mongolian spots (23.28%) and Lanugo (14.29%)]. Conclusion Physiological dermatoses are transient and self-resolving and need to be differentiated from the pathological ones for management and parents’ reassurance. The pathological dermatoses are caused most commonly by infections and infestation, which warrants a clean and hygienic living. Owing to wide variety, burden, and public health problem of cutaneous dermatoses in infants, the current data can be useful in creating awareness among the dermatologists, pediatricians, and the health care system.