PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF SKIN DISEASES AMONG SCHOOL-GOING ADOLESCENTS IN UDAIPUR. A COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY
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Keywords
Adolescent dermatoses, prevalence, school health, acne vulgaris, infectious skin diseases, hygiene behaviour.
Abstract
Background: Skin diseases are among the most common health concerns during childhood and adolescence, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Global estimates indicate that skin and subcutaneous diseases contribute significantly to non-fatal disability. Indian studies have reported a high prevalence of dermatoses among school children, with infectious skin diseases, infestations and acne being predominant. However, limited recent data exist from Western India, especially Rajasthan.
Aim: To assess the prevalence and pattern of skin diseases among school-going adolescents in Udaipur and determine associated demographic and behavioural factors.
Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adolescents aged 10–19 years (200 boys and 200 girls) from randomly selected government and private schools from April to September 2025. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire and dermatological examination conducted under natural light. Chi-square and relevant statistical tests were applied to determine associations, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Of the 400 participants, 272 (68%) had one or more skin diseases. Prevalence was highest in mid-adolescents (75%) and among government school students (74.5%; p=0.003). Infectious dermatoses (41.2%) and acne vulgaris (20.6%) were the most common clinical categories, followed by infestations (11.8%), eczematous disorders (11.8%) and pigmentary disorders (7.4%). Boys had significantly higher prevalence of infectious skin diseases (p=0.046) and acne (p=0.001). Poor hygiene behaviour, including irregular bathing (p=0.001) and sharing personal items (p<0.001), showed strong association with dermatoses. Facial and scalp involvement was common, and 40.4% had lesions on multiple body sites.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high prevalence of preventable skin diseases among adolescents in Udaipur, similar to patterns reported in other Indian and international studies. Strengthening school-based dermatological screening and hygiene-focused health education can significantly reduce this burden. The findings highlight the need to integrate skin health into adolescent and school health programmes.
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Dr Shivani Vihan
Post Graduate Resident, Department of Community Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Dr Ramesh Chandra Raidas
Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government Medical College, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
Dr Ishita Choudhary
Post Graduate Resident, Department of Pathology, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Dr Jatin Prajapati
Department of Community Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. PIN- 313001
Dr Anshuman Bisaria
Post Graduate Resident, Department of Paediatrics, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Dr Ravi Nagal
Post Graduate Resident, Department of Community Medicine, RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India