Abstract

Introduction: Skin diseases and their complications have significant effects on patient’s quality of life. These problems range from cosmetic problems such as dry skin, wrinkles, pigmentation to acute or chronic diseases which may be disfiguring but may not be fatal. However, life-threatening conditions, if untreated may Prove fatal (toxic epidermal necrolysis, pemphigus, malignant melanoma and cutaneous lymphoma). Objective: To determine the Skin diseases Pattern in a tertiary care hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Methods: The current study was carried out in the Dermatology Department Kumudini Women’s Medical College Hospital, Tangail, Bangladesh and BSMMU 10 July 2021 to 12 July 2022. All the freshly registered patients presenting in the outpatient were enrolled irrespective of gender and age, after an informed consent. Clinical diagnosis was made on the basis of detailed history and clinical examination. Laboratory investigations were performed where required e.g. routine investigations and biochemical profile. Skin biopsy and histopathology were performed in doubtful cases. All the findings were recorded, compiled, tabulated and analyzed. Results: 1521 patients comprising 850 (55%) females and 700 (46%) males were enrolled. There were 650 (42%) children and 890 (58.5%) adults. Infections and infestations were the most common skin conditions constituting 37.4% of all the enrolled patients of which 350 (23%) were children and 220 (14.4%) adults. Eczema was next in frequency comprising 280 (18.4%) patients including 130 (8.5%) children and 140(9.2%) adults. Acne was seen in 210(13.8%) patients, urticaria in 90(5.9%) while hair disorders were recorded in 61 (4%) patients. Papulosquamous disorders and pigmentary dermatoses were observed in less than 3% of the patients studied. Scabies presented with the highest frequency (18%) and among pyodermas (10%), furunculosis (4%) and impetigo 50(3.2%), being the most frequent. Fungal infections (3%) had a frequency more than viral infections (2%). Atopic dermatitis was the most frequently seen eczema (6%) followed by seborrhoeic dermatitis (5%) and contact dermatitis (4.5%). Conclusion: The pattern of skin diseases is same in various cities of Pakistan with minor differences. Scabies and infections remain the most common diseases while eczema also constitutes an important group of dermatoses in our part of the world.