EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CLINICAL FEATURES OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS IN PAEDIATRIC POPULATION

Background: There is limited evidence in the literature concerning the clinical features and epidemiology of atopic dermatitisin Indian paediatric subjects. It is vital to further explore the issue as atopic dermatitis in child subjects is emerging chronicdermatological condition with increasing prevalence. The present study was aimed to assess the epidemiology and clinicalfeatures of atopic dermatitis in paediatric population. Materials and Methods: The present study assessed 100 child subjectsin the age range of 0-15 years that were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis using the Hanifin and Rajka’s criteria at the Institutewithin the defined study period. Data concerning atopic dermatitis was assessed in all the subjects. Results: Mild severity wasmost predominant and was seen in 69% paediatric study subjects having atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis was seen insubjects aged <5 years in 61% subjects and in <1 year in 34% subjects respectively. In 64% subjects, AD was of chronicduration. Different risk factors as higher hygiene practices (frequent use of sanitizers), not being exclusively breastfed, familyhistory of atopy, and residence in an urban area were more common in severe and moderate AD group compared to mild atopicdermatitis with non-significant difference. Infantile onset AD had more common association with moderate to severe grade ascompared to mild AD. Conclusion: The present study concludes that in paediatric subjects with atopic dermatitis, mild diseaseseverity, chronic presentation, and early age of onset were commonly associated in the child subjects. Infantile onset atopicdermatitis is a risk factor identified in subjects with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.