FREQUENCY OF COMMON SKIN INFECTIONS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A RURAL SCHOOL IN DHARMAPURI, TAMILNADU – A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Menaga M.* and Dhamodharan S.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Skin diseases are one of the three common causes of morbidity in the developing countries in India along with malaria and diarrhoea. Skin diseases are being considered a major skin problem in children, as it leads to discomfort and significant morbidity among them. In India, the prevalence of skin diseases among children range from 8% to 35% in school based surveys. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of commonest skin diseases among school children. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out during the month of September 2018 from 1 to 30th in a rural field practice area of GDMC. A total of 349 students from standard 6th to 9th class took part in the study. Data was collected using a predesigned Proforma. Data was compiled and analysis was done. Results: 349 girls studying in 6th-9th standard were examined. 35.2% (123) girls were found to have skin diseases, out of which 39.02% (48) had infective skin diseases, 39.84% (49) had non-infective and 21.14%(16) had nutritional related skin disorders. Conclusion: The prevalence of skin diseases in our study was found to be 35.2%. Simple approaches in promoting hygiene, dermatoses may bring down the burden of skin diseases drastically.

Keywords: Lice infestation, common skin diseases, school children.