Clinical Profile of children and adolescents with skin infections: A Cross Sectional Study.

Introduction: Cutaneous infections are one of the common causes of consultations in paediatric age group. Various bacterial, viral and fungal infections are commonly seen in school going children. In addition to these infections various helminthic infestations are also common in children. Overcrowding, poor socio-economic status and lack of hygienic practices are common causes of cutaneous infections and infestations particularly in developing countries.
Aims and Objectives: To study types of cutaneous infections and their clinical presentation in paediatric age group.
Materials And Methods: Children up to 18 years of age and having cuta-neous infections and infestations were included in this study on the basis of a pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed clinical history was recorded and thorough clinical examination was done. Infections were divided into bacterial, viral and fungal infections as well as helminthic infestations. Common clinical fea-tures were also recorded.
Results: Total 120 paediatric patients with cutaneous infections and in-festations were included in this study on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of these 120 cases there were 75 (62.50%) boys and 45 (37.50%) girls with a M:F ratio of 1:0.6. The mean age of studied cases was found to be 11.54 +/- 4.21. most common predominant symptom experienced by the affected patient was itching which was seen in 81 (67.50%) patients followed by pain which was predominant complaint in 27 (22.50%) patients. Most common bacterial infec-tion was found to be impetigo which was seen in 25 (20.83%) patients. Common viral infections causing skin lesions were found to be herpes infection (9.17%), mol-luscum contagiosum (3.33%) and viral warts (5%). Tinea infection was seen in 15 (12.50%) patients and scabies was seen in 23 (19.17%) patients.
Conclusion: Paediatric cutaneous infections and infestations are com-mon occurrence. A proper diagnosis and appropriate management is necessary to avoid worsening of infection and complications.