Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Scalp Dermatosis at Tertiary Care Centre in Central India

Background: The human scalp, with its high follicular density and significant sebum production, is uniquely susceptible to a various dermatological condition. Common scalp disorders, including seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, tinea capitis, scalp folliculitis, and allergic contact dermatitis, each present with overlapping symptoms such as pruritus, scaling, inflammation, and hair loss, complicating accurate diagnosis and treatment. While global awareness of the impact on personal appearance and social interactions is increasing, research specifically focusing on scalp dermatoses in India remains limited. Methods and materials: This hospital-based observational study, conducted over one year (from September 2023- august 2024) with Institutional Ethics approval, aimed to investigate scalp dermatoses in patients from the Dermatology Outpatient Department. All patients with scalp disorders were included after informed consent, with a detailed history and physical examination conducted. Results: The study included 152 patients with scalp dermatoses, consisting of 90 males (59.2%) and 62 females (40.8%). The most affected age group was 21-30 years, accounting for 51.31% of cases (n=78). The parietal region was the most frequently affected area, seen in 64.4% of cases. Among the various scalp dermatoses, autoimmune conditions were the most prevalent (28.93%), with alopecia areata being the most common (22.36%). Conclusion: Scalp dermatoses are common and can significantly impact physical and mental health, lowering self-esteem and quality of life. Conditions like dandruff and alopecia cause visible changes, leading to emotional distress. This study highlights the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment to address both the physical and psychological aspects of these conditions.