Pattern of Referrals to Paediatric Dermatology Clinic Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh: A Retrospective Review

Introduction: Skin disorders constitute a major proportion of paediatric consultations worldwide. Understanding referral patterns and disease profiles is essential to improve service planning and patient care. Objective: To analyse referral patterns, patient demographics and common dermatological diagnoses in a tertiary Paediatric Dermatology Clinic in Perak, Malaysia. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional review was conducted for patients attending the Paediatric Dermatology Clinic, Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh, from August 2024 to January 2025. All new and existing patients aged 0–12 years, including follow-up cases up to 18 years, were included. Repeat visits within the study period were excluded. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 376 patients were seen, with 22.8% new and 77.2% follow-up cases. Gender distribution was equal (M: F = 49.7%:50.3%). Malays constituted 71%, followed by Chinese (20%) and Indian (8.8%). The majority of referrals originated from the paediatrics department (45.2%), followed by primary care/emergency (30.6%) and dermatology departments (24.2%). Most disease onset occurred during infancy (35.6%), followed by toddlerhood (16%) and preschool age (15%). Eczema ( n = 204, 54.3%) was the most common diagnosis, followed by vascular anomalies ( n = 33) and psoriasis ( n = 15). Common comorbidities included allergic diseases (18.8%) and neurodevelopmental disorders (3.2%). Conclusion: The Paediatrics department was the main source of referrals, with eczema forming the bulk of cases. Early-onset dermatoses dominate clinic attendance, highlighting the need for improved primary-care recognition, referral pathways and multidisciplinary management in children with chronic skin diseases.