Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Papulosquamous Disorders in Childhood at a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Introduction: Papulosquamous disorders in children differ from those in adults in terms of presentations, treatments, and prognosis. The aim of this study was to add to the existing data regarding the presentation of pediatric papulosquamous disorders and analyze the metabolic parameters in children with psoriasis. Materials and Methods: This observational study included 83 patients (age, 0-18 years) with clinically diagnosed papulosquamous disorders. Demographic data and detailed clinical history were collected followed by a detailed clinical examination. In children with psoriasis, we assessed the parameters of metabolic health, such as anthropometry and blood chemistry. The outcomes are expressed as percentages and proportions. Results: Papulosquamous disorders constituted 2.3% of all the pediatric dermatoses with a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1. They were commonly noted in the age group of 7-12 years. Psoriasis vulgaris (26.5%) was the most common disease followed by lichen planus (19.2%), seborrheic dermatitis (16.8%), pityriasis rosea (13.2%), lichen striatus (12%), lichen nitidus (7.2%), pityriasis lichenoides chronica (3.6%), and pityriasis rubra pilaris (1.20%). None of the 22 patients with psoriasis fulfilled the criteria for metabolic syndrome. However, aberrant serum levels included elevated fasting glucose (n = 5, 22.7%), elevated fasting triglycerides (n = 3, 13.6%), and decreased high-density lipoproteins (n = 2, 9.1%). Anthropometric abnormalities were also not noted. Conclusions: Understanding the morphological and epidemiological features of pediatric papulosquamous disorders can aid in early diagnosis, treatment, and counseling the patients and parents, which can alleviate their anxiety and improve the psychological distress.