Cutaneous foci of infection obliterating head and neck region - An original research

Background. Systemic diseases can manifest in the oral cavity in various forms, and dermatological conditions often present with oral mucosal lesions. These lesions may be the initial indication of an underlying dermatological disease or the only clinical manifestation. Early recognition of such signs is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely management. Materials and methods. This study included 1,131 patients who visited a dermatology institute for various skin conditions. Demographic details were recorded, and a thorough dermatological and oral examination was conducted. The location and size of oral lesions were documented. Descriptive statistics were computed using SPSS version 21, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. Patients received health education and information regarding their oral health status. Results. The majority of affected individuals were between 25–50 years old (76%). No gender predilection was observed, with male (49.7%) and female (50.3%) patients being equally affected. Of the 1,131 patients, 237 (20.9%) had oral mucosal lesions associated with dermatological conditions. Among the dermatological cases diagnosed, 12 distinct conditions presented with oral manifestations. The palate was the most commonly affected oral site (38.3%). Psoriasis (44.3%) was the most frequent dermatological condition with oral involvement, followed by pemphigus (31.2%) and bullous pemphigoid (10.1%). Conclusion. Oral mucosal lesions play a significant role in the early diagnosis of dermatological diseases. A multidisciplinary approach involving dermatologists and dentists is essential for timely detection and effective management of these conditions.