International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences
Vol. 9, Issue 1, Part G (2025)
Prevalence of skin diseases in a dermatological outpatient department in north Kerala: A cross-sectional retrospective study
Salini Mandal BG
Skin diseases significantly impact global health, with prevalence influenced by intrinsic factors (age, gender, genetics) and extrinsic factors (geography, climate, socioeconomic conditions). In tropical regions like North Kerala, understanding these patterns is critical for healthcare strategies.
Objective: This study aims to determine the overall prevalence of skin diseases in the outpatient population, investigate the distribution of skin diseases across age groups, including children (0–14 years), adolescents and young adults (15–30 years), middle-aged adults (31–50 years), and older adults (51+ years), and assess any disparities in the prevalence of different skin conditions between males and females.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 13,737 cases from the Government Homoeopathic Medical College Kozhikode (June 2023–June 2024) was conducted. Diagnoses were classified using ICD-10 criteria. Statistical tools such as chi-square tests and ANOVA were used to analyze demographic patterns, prevalence rates, and seasonal trends.
Results: The most common conditions were dermatitis and eczema (20.93%), dermatophytosis (16.31%), hairfall (10.93%), and pigmentation disorders (9.53%). Females comprised 53.74% of patients, with gender distribution varying significantly by age (χ² = 1.56 × 10⁻¹¹⁴, p < 0.001). Seasonal peaks occurred in March-April 2024. Adolescents (10–19 years) and young adults (30–39 years) were the largest patient groups. ANOVA showed marginal age-related differences in prevalence (F = 1.91, p ≈ 0.071).
Conclusion: Dermatitis and eczema are the leading dermatological conditions in North Kerala. Variations by gender, age, and season highlight the need for tailored strategies. While valuable, the study's retrospective design and single-institution scope limit generalizability, necessitating broader and prospective research.
Pages: 465-470 | 60 Views 35 Downloads