Study of common dermatoses in school children of rural area of Dakshina Kannada district, India: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of skin diseases amongst children of a community is an indicator of health and personal hygiene of a society. School children are more prone for skin infections and majority of them are preventable. Present study aimed to find the common dermatoses in school children of rural area.Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 400 children from three randomly selected schools. Socio-demographic data was collected using a pretested semi structured questionnaire and skin conditions were identified by examination.Results: Out of the total 400 children, 224 (56%) were boys and 176 (44%) were girls. The overall prevalence of skin conditions was 222 (55.5%). Majority (27.5%) had fungal infection, 15% had bacterial infection, 10% had parasitic infection and 3 % had viral infection.Conclusions: Prevalence of skin infections is high in present study, hence creating awareness about personal hygiene among parents, children and teachers is the need of the hour.