Abstract

PREVALENCE OF VARIOUS SKIN DISEASES AND PATTERN OF PRESCRIPTIONS IN DERMATOLOGY OUT PATIENT DEPARTMENT – AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Dr. A. Shannumukha Sainath*, Jestadi Chennaiah, V. Varsha Sree, G. Aparna and Shaik Rehana

ABSTRACT

Background: In developing countries, such as India, the prevalence of skin diseases is notably high. This phenomenon is influenced by a variety of factors, including climate, socio-economic status, and personal hygiene practices, which can differ significantly across regions. These variations contribute to a considerable impact on the quality of life for affected individuals. Furthermore, the prevalence of skin diseases varies across different age groups within the same country. Multiple cross-sectional surveys have reported a high prevalence of skin diseases, estimated to range from approximately 10% to 87%, across various populations both within India and abroad. Our present study aims to determine the prevalence of various skin diseases among suburban and rural populations. We intend to identify and assess various factors associated with these skin conditions whilealso evaluating drug utilization patterns using WHO indicators. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out at the department of dermatology & veneral diseases out – patient block at a tertiary care hospital from August – 2024 to January – 2025. Results: The study indicated that a majority of individuals affected by skin diseases were female, accounting for 54% of the cases. Among the most prevalent skin conditions identified was Tinea cruris, which emerged as a significant concern within the population studied. A total of 331 medications were prescribed to 150 patients. Notably, antihistamines were prescribed in the highest proportion, representing 38.06% of all prescriptions, followed by various other classes of drugs. The diversity of skin diseases in the population studied highlights the need for tailored dermatological interventions. The socio-economic challenges faced by the patients underscore the importance of accessible treatment options and educational initiatives regarding personal hygiene and skin care. Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of understanding the prevalence and treatment of skin diseases in developing countries. By examining prescription patterns, healthcare providers can enhance their approach to managing dermatological conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: Skin diseases, Prevalence, Drug utilization Patterns, WHO Indicators.