A LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION OF SKIN ILLNESSES IN YOUNG PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY DERMATOLOGY FACILITY IN PAKISTAN'S PUNJAB PROVINCE

Aim: The aim of the research was to identify the range of pediatric skin disorders in Pakistan.

Methods: Researchers performed prospective hospital-based cross-sectional research at a tertiary referral dermatological clinic during March 2022 and February 2023. Youngsters under the age of 13 who had new skin problems were selected. The majority of diagnoses were made clinically, but if the cause of illness was not medically obvious, additional tests were conducted. Skin problems impact 23-88% of youngsters in Asia's underdeveloped countries. But the range of skin disorders differs by area owing to a variety of causes including genetics, socioeconomics, and the environment.

Results: Skin problems impact 23-88% of Asian children in impoverished nations. But the range of skin disorders differs by area owing to a variety of elements involving genetics, socioeconomics, and environmental factors. A whole group of 380 individuals was chosen, with 62 (17.4%) having several skin conditions. Both sexes were impacted equally. The vast majority of skin problems (45.6%, n = 181) were caused by infections and diseases, which was followed by eczematous dermatitis (27.3%, n = 114) and problems with pigmentation (8.5%, n = 34). Fungal infections predominated (51.8%, n = 79) among the total 154 infectious skin illnesses, subsequent to bacterial (31.7%, n = 46) and viral (18.8%, n = 32).

Conclusion: Skin infections continue to be the most common reason for dermatological sessions in children but at a lower rate. Inflammatory skin disorders are on the rise, which can be ascribed to better socioeconomic position and the HIV epidemic.

Keywords: Skin Problems, Pediatric Skin Disorders, Environmental Factors, Developing Nations, Pakistan.