DefinePK

Research Objective

To study the pattern of skin diseases in the population of South Lahore with respect to different age groups, gender, and seasonal variations over a one-year period.

Methodology

Observational retrospective study conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Lahore General Hospital, a tertiary care referral hospital. Data was collected from July 2021 to June 2022, involving 65,284 patients presenting to the skin OPD. Diagnoses were made based on detailed history, clinical examination, and investigations. Data was analyzed for age groups, gender distribution, and seasonal effects.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Patient Presentation to Skin OPD"] --> B["Data Collection: Demographics, History, Examination, Investigations"];
    B --> C["Diagnosis by Consultant Dermatologist"];
    C --> D["Categorization of Diagnoses"];
    D --> E["Data Analysis: Age, Gender, Seasonal Variation"];
    E --> F["Results and Interpretation"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights that infectious diseases, particularly scabies and fungal infections, pose a significant burden on skin health in the studied population. The prevalence of scabies was higher than in a previous study in North Lahore, which may be attributed to differences in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as environmental hygiene and overcrowding. Fungal infections were most common in summer, while scabies cases were more frequent in winter.

Key Findings

- Out of 65,284 patients, 62% were female and 38% were male.
- The majority of patients (47%) were in the age group of 21-40 years.
- Scabies was the most prevalent dermatosis, affecting 27% of the study population.
- The three most common dermatoses were tinea, scabies, and acne.
- The maximum number of dermatoses was observed in the summer and autumn months.

Conclusion

Infectious diseases are a major contributor to dermatological problems in the population presenting to hospitals. Fungal infections and scabies, though treatable, are very common and contribute significantly to the burden of dermatological disorders.

Fact Check

- A total of 65,284 patients were evaluated in the study.
- Scabies affected 27% of the study population.
- The age group of 21-40 years comprised 47% of the patients.

Mind Map