Pediatric Dermatoses in Western India: A Clinicoetiological Study From a Tertiary Healthcare Center in the Saurashtra Region of Gujarat.

Background Pediatric dermatoses are among the most common dermatologic conditions seen in clinical practice. These conditions often present with distinct characteristics compared to adult skin disorders, and their prevalence and clinical patterns can vary based on factors such as environmental conditions, socioeconomic status, genetics, and cultural influences. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical manifestations of pediatric dermatoses in children aged 0-14 years in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Materials and methods This hospital-based descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Rajkot, Gujarat, over a 20-month period. A total of 500 pediatric patients (264 boys (52.8%) and 236 girls (47.2%)) were included. The patients were categorized into four age groups: neonates (up to 28 days) (47 cases (9.4%)), infants (28 days to one year) (81 cases (16.2%)), preschool children (1-6 years) (180 cases (36%)), and school-going children (6-14 years) (192 cases (38.4%)). A detailed clinical examination was performed, and necessary diagnostic procedures were conducted as needed.  Results The male-to-female ratio was 1.12:1. Infections and infestations were the most prevalent dermatoses, observed in 185 cases (37%). Bacterial infections were the most common subtype (60 cases (32.4% of infections)), followed by fungal infections (52 cases (28.1% of infections)) and viral infections (45 cases (24.3% of infections)). Eczematous disorders were the second most common group, accounting for 67 cases (13.4%), with pityriasis alba being the leading type (21 cases (31.3% of eczema)). Papulosquamous disorders constituted 48 cases (9.6%). Other categories included disorders of keratinization (31 cases (6.2%)) and vitiligo (32 cases (6.4%)). Conclusion This study highlights the variability in dermatological prevalence across different pediatric age groups. The findings illustrate the importance of early recognition and diagnosis of the most common pediatric dermatoses, which will help improve management strategies among general practitioners, pediatricians, and dermatologists.