Prevalence of skin diseases in school-age children

Background The prevalence of community-based skin diseases, especially among school-age children, depends on topography, climate, and age of population. Objective We determined the prevalence of skin diseases among community-based primary school-age children and identified demographic characteristics in relation to particular skin conditions. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey study of a subproject school cohort in children aged 5-14 years of 2 community-based primary schools. Demographic data and whole-body skin examination were collected. The association of individual skin conditions was analysed by using bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression. Results A total of 556 children were enrolled in this study. Of these, 90.2% had at least 1 skin disease. The most common skin disease was postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) (58.3%), followed by nevus/mole (40.1%), insect bite reaction (28.0%), acanthosis nigricans (20.0%), acne (13.7%), and pityriasis alba (12.9%). There was an increase of body mass index (BMI) in PIH and acanthosis nigricans with the adjusted odds ratios of 2.01 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-2.87, P < 0.001) and 1.93 (95% CI 1.49-2.49, P < 0.001), respectively. Insect bite reaction was related to PIH with the adjusted odds ratio of 5.66 (95% CI 3.15-10.17, P = 0.001). Conclusions The most common skin disease in community-based primary school-age children is PIH which related to acanthosis nigricans and insect bite reaction. A decrease of BMI may lower the risk for PIH and acanthosis nigricans. Education on common skin diseases is recommended for both community-based schools and school-age children.

Automated summary

The prevalence of skin diseases among community-based primary school-age children was investigated, with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation being the most common skin disease. It was found to be associated with acanthosis nigricans and insect bite reaction. Lowering BMI may reduce the risk for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and acanthosis nigricans. Education on common skin diseases is recommended for both community-based schools and school-age children.