Prevalence of skin disease among adolescent girls and their impact on quality of life

Introduction: Skin diseases can adversely affect the quality of life of an individual. Adolescence is acritical time in biophysical development and adverse skin conditions during this period can alter thegrowth in self-confidence and self-esteem and social engagement. Purpose: The present study wasdesigned to assess the burden, the pattern of skin diseases and their impact on their quality of life inadolescent students. Materials and Methods: A total of 23 schools having 3581 students between10-16 years of age were visited, out of which 3367 students were covered and screened. Skincharacteristics such as the severity of skin disease were recorded by the attended physician. Adermatology life quality index (DLQI) questionnaire was used to assess the effect of skin diseases ontheir quality of life. Results: Among the total cases 2,783 (82%) had skin diseases, of the651(19%) had two or more 2 skin diseases. Prevalence of infectious skin diseases was more in (10-12) young age groups 78.5% as compared to (13-16) later age groups of 55.2% (p<0.01).Pediculosis (52%) has a high point of prevalence, followed by scabies (25%), Pityriasis alba (6.6%),Seborrheic dermatitis (5%), Pyoderma (3.3%), Acne (2.6%) and Tinea (2%). Pediculosis andscabies together constitute 77% of all skin diseases. Conclusion: Good hygiene practices likeregular bathing, regular head wash, and hand wash should be taught to children. Hence training ofschool teachers and PHC doctors regarding the management of common skin diseases and Healtheducation to parents or guardians of children about Hygienic measures, sexual behaviour and needof seeking medical advice.