Clinical profile of children with pigmentary disorders

Abstract

Pigmentary disorders are believed to be the commonest group of dermatoses in pediatric age group [6]. but, there is a dearth of adequate data regarding the frequency and pattern of different types of pigmentary disorders in children. Any deviation from the normal pattern of pigmentation results in significant concerns in the affected individual. Even, relatively minor pathologic pigmentary changes can cause children to become pariahs in their community. This study was a descriptive study spanning over a period of 23 months. Institute ethics committee clearance was obtained. All children attending the Dermatology out Patient Department (OPD) (6 days in a week) were screened for any cutaneous pigmentary lesions. Children (up to 14 years of age) with pigmentary disorders were included in the study after getting informed consent from the parents/ guardians. Out of 167 children, 53 (31.7%) had hyperpigmentation lesions only, whereas 108 (64.7%) had hypopigmentary lesions only. Six children had presence of both hyper- and hypopigmentary lesions. Five children (2.9%) had overlap of unrelated hyper- and hypopigmentary lesions. Only one child (dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria) had ‘true’ combination of hyper- and hypopigmentary lesions, the presence of both of were together were required for the diagnosis. The pigmentary disorders in our study had characteristic features in most children, while in some the features noted were rather unique.