Prevalence of skin diseases in children attending government vs private school in a rural set up in the sub-Himalayan region

Abstract

Background: The accessibility of health services is determined by the health status of its paediatric population. Skin problems are very common in children. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and pattern of skin diseases in children in a rural set up in the sub-Himalayan region and to compare these between government and private schools. Method: A cross-sectional study was done and all the students between 10-18 years, after taking informed consent from parents, were examined from head to toe. Those from government schools were included in group A and private schools in group B. Results: Mean age and sex distribution in the two groups were similar. Crowding index and Kuppuswamy scale difference in the two groups were statistically insignificant. Dermatological manifestations were seen in 84.6% students of group A and 75.5% students in group B. Infective dermatological diseases were seen in 36.2% in group A vs 30.8% in group B. In both groups viral infection with human papilloma virus was the commonest. We did not have any case of bacterial skin infection. Infestations like scabies were seen only in private school students. Acne vulgaris was the most common non-infective disorder in both groups (28.6% vs 20%) followed by callosities. Conclusions: Skin diseases are very common in the paediatric population. Infective diseases were seen more in government school children but infestations were more in private school children.