Pediatric dermatology in practice: spectrum of skin diseases and approach to patients at a Turkish pediatric dermatology center.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the real spectrum of skin diseases in Turkish children and how they were managed.

METHODS: Data on a total of 6000 consecutive patients aged 0-18 years attending the pediatric dermatology clinic were analyzed for diagnosis, disease group, diagnostic pattern, treatment modality, and referral and hospitalization frequency.

RESULTS: Allergic skin diseases (49.9%) were the leading group of dermatoses, which were followed by infectious diseases (20.5%), and disorders of skin appendages (10.2%). Atopic dermatitis was the most common dermatose, which was followed by papular urticaria and unclassified eczema. Most of the patients (92.0%) had diagnosis on clinical basis, whereas skin biopsy was performed in 3.7% and laboratory investigation in 4.4% of the patients. The hospitalization rate was 0.3%, and Henoch-Schönlein purpura was the most frequent dermatose for which hospitalization was required. Local treatment was prescribed in 56.0% of the patients, local treatment and systemic treatment together in 26.4%, and systemic treatment in 6.2%. Viral warts followed by viral exanthems caused by enteroviruses and acquired melanocytic nevi were the most frequently referred skin problems. Further investigation and treatment for systemic or related diseases was the most common reason for referrals (2.1%), and pediatrics was the department to which most of the referrals were made (1.8%).

CONCLUSION: This study provided important data on the spectrum of skin diseases encountered in the pediatric age groups and general approach to patients in a pediatric dermatology clinic in Turkey.