Skin lesions in school children: A survey from schools in an urban area of south India

Introduction: Dermatoses are common among school children. Where community based surveys are much difficult to carry out, school surveys are helpful as they are easy and less time consuming. School surveys are more helpful than community based surveys as they are easy, less time consuming and children are available under the single roof. This study was done to find the prevalence and pattern of dermatoses in school children at Tumkur Materials and Methods: Five hundred and thirty four students were screened in two different schools at Tumkur over a period of two months during November and December 2018. Results: Dermatoses were prevalent in 323(60.48%) students . Noninfectious dermatoses, 311 (58.23%) were most common followed by infections and infestations, 79 (14.8%) and nutritional dermatoses, 40 (7.5%). Pityriasis alba and xerosis were most common type of dermatoses, seen in 93( 17.41%) and 62( 11.61%) students respectively. Pediculosis capitis was more prevalent among girls. Pityriasis alba, xerosis, papular urticatia were more prevalent among primary school children. Acne and pityriasis capitis were more prevalent among middle and high school children. Conclusions: Health education regarding personal hygiene, nutrition and increasing the awareness about dermatoses among students, teachers, care takers and regular school health surveys help in reducing the burden of skin problems in school going children. Keywords: Dermatoses, Prevalence, School children, School survey.