Pattern of Skin Disorders in General Outpatient Clinic, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital

Introduction: The occurrence of various skin diseases is linked to certain geographical, racial, environmental and socioeconomic factors. There are also seasonal skin disorders that are regularly observed for many centuries. A change in temperature, humidity, ultraviolet rays, wind and atmospheric pollen allergens also influences the pattern of skin diseases. The study aimed to determine the pattern of skin diseases and the association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with the common skin diseases in the study area.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on all the patients with skin diseases who attended the outpatient Department of Family Medicine during a span of one year. A thorough medical history with detailed cutaneous examination and needful investigations were carried out on every patient.

Results: A total of 82 patients with skin diseases presented to outpatient clinic of the Department of Family Medicine from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. These comprised of 34 males, and 48 females. Most patients (86.59%) belonged to the age group of 20 -50 years. Out of the 82 cases, Dermatophytosis were the most common skin diseases seen, affecting 40.7% (33) patients, followed by Scabies 23.20% (19), Acne Vulgaris 11.0% (9),  Herpes zoster 8.53% (7), Psoriasis 4.87% (4), lichen planus 3.66% (3), Vitiligo 1.22% (1), Neurofibromatosis 1.22% (1), Eczema 1.22%(1), others 4.87% (4).  Infectious skin diseases are significantly common among patients with low economic status, HIV and Diabetes mellitus; while non-infectious skin diseases are commoner among elites.

Conclusion: Fungal infections were the most common skin diseases seen in our study. This may be attributed to the upsurge of cases recalcitrant to the available antifungal drugs and also due to the application of topical steroids. Scabies was the second most prevalent skin disease observed. In the present scenario, physicians are facing challenges to combat these diseases which are a burden not only to the individual but to the nation as a whole.