A Cross Sectional Study of Cutaneous Manifestations in Obese Children in a Tertiary Care Center

Introduction: Overweight and obesity in childhood are a global public health problem, and early interventions can electively prevent it. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective 18-month cross-sectional study done in a tertiary care center. Results: There were 150 obese children in this study. There were 77 (51.3%) males and 73 females (48.7%). The mean age was 11.46 ± 3.44 years. The mean body mass index was 25.012 (standard deviation ±6.98). Acanthosis nigricans (AN) was the most common cutaneous finding, 114 cases (76%), followed by striae distensae 36 (24.0%), leukonychia 26 (17.3%), pityriasis versicolor 25 (16.7%), seborrheic dermatitis 22 (14.7%), dermatophytoses 19 (12.7%), acne vulgaris 15 (10.0%), hand/foot eczema 14 (9.3%), intertrigo 11 (7.3%), pyoderma 9 (6.0%), and pityriasis alba 8 (5.3%). There was significant association between higher age (>10 years) with seborrheic dermatitis ( P < 0.001), acne vulgaris ( P < 0.001), and stria distensae ( P < 0.024). Elevated serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein was significant in AN ( P < 0.006 and 0.035, respectively). Serum cholesterol was significantly elevated in cases of acrochordon ( P < 0.023). Discussion: The demographic parameters in this study are in conformance with other studies. AN and striae distensae are the most common manifestations similar to other studies. The association of elevated serum lipid levels with AN and acrochordons is similar to other studies. Pityriasis lichenoides chronica being the most common papulosquamous disorder is a new finding in this study. Conclusions: Obesity and related cutaneous changes in children are understudied. Early diagnosis of skin manifestations in obese children will help to prevent comorbidities associated with obesity in future.