Patterns of infant dermatoses An observational study

During this study, the clinicians used a preset proforma, and collected information on patient profile, evolution of dermatosis, and clinical features. The results indicated that among the neonates, the common dermatoses observed were napkin dermatitis (14/53, 26.4%), transient neonatal pustular melanosis (6/53, 11.3%), and congenital melanocytic nevus (6/53, 11.3%).

While the common dermatoses observed among infants above 28 days were fungal infections (32/217, 14.7%), atopic dermatitis (23/217, 10.6%), miliaria (22/217, 10.1%) and infantile seborrheic dermatitis (21/217, 9.7%).

The study overall indicates an epidemiological shift in the prevalence of dermatophytosis in pediatric age group, but that would require analysis in future multi-center studies. Atopic dermatitis was the most common non-infective dermatosis observed in the overall study population as well as in the 1-12-month age group, whereas napkin dermatitis predominated in neonates.

This study should thus encourage practicing clinicians to approach infant patients with the indicative trend and modulate their treatment approaches accordingly, besides at the same time educate Parents and families accordingly.

Reference: Mudang J, Samad KA, Devakumar VK, Ashok P, George AE. Patterns of infant dermatoses: An observational study from the dermatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral center. J Skin Sex Transm Dis, doi: 10.25259/JSSTD_84_2021