Introduction: Anogenital dermatoses include both cutaneous and mucosal dermatoses involving the external genital and perianal region. These sites are at risk of various infections due to frequent exposure to irritants such as urine, feces, and vaginal secretions. Although most of the lesions are asymptomatic, they implicate a huge psychological impact. Therefore, determining the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) is also important so that these patients can be properly counseled and treated accordingly. Aim and Objective: Previous literature mostly emphasized the quality-of-life affection with genital pathology in adults, however, similar studies are lacking in the pediatric patients, hence, the aim of our study is to determine the prevalence as well as patterns of various anogenital lesions in children under the age of 16 years and its effect on their quality of life. Materials and Methods: Our study was a hospital-based, cross-sectional, and observational study and it included children of either sex up to 16 years of age with any kind of anogenital signs at a tertiary care center of Eastern India during April 2024–March 2025. Results: The majority of patients (52.46%, n = 96) were from the 6–12 years’ age group, followed by the infant group (8.74%, n = 16). The socioeconomic distribution revealed that most children came from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (65.57%, n = 120). Statistical correlation between CDLQI scores and disease type (infective vs. noninfective) was strong and significant and showed highest CDLQI impairment in infective conditions. Conclusion: The overall findings indicate that infective dermatoses dominate the pediatric anogenital dermatoses spectrum and exert a significantly greater quality-of-life burden than noninfective disorders. The positive correlation ( r = 0.75, P = 0.002) between CDLQI and disease type emphasize the utmost need of addressing both dermatologic and emotional health in affected children.
Background: The pigmentary disorders commonly encountered among the pediatric age group can cause cosmetic, social, or psychological stress, and may also indicate underlying systemic disease. The present study aims to assess the prevalence and frequency of various hyperpigmented dermatoses among the pediatric population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the dermatology department of an urban tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, over a 2-year period (January 2023 to December 2024). All pediatric patients (<18 years) attending the dermatology outpatient department were screened for hyperpigmented skin lesions and were included in the study. A detailed demographic history was recorded, followed by a head-to-foot examination. Most cases were diagnosed clinically. The results were statistically analyzed. Results: The study involved 170 pediatric patients with hyperpigmented skin lesions, and the prevalence of such lesions was 12.7%. The most common age group affected was adolescents (52.35%), followed by school-age children (28.24%). There was a slight female predominance, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.27. About 32 different types of hyperpigmented dermatoses were identified. The most common etiology was infection, and the most common individual dermatosis was dermatophytosis affecting 25 children (14.71%). Pruritus was the most frequently reported symptom (42.94%). Conclusion: Pigmentary disorders in neonates and children remain a significant social concern, particularly among parents. Hyperpigmentary disorders can result from simple post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, complicated drug reactions, or dermatophyte epidemics. Therefore, understanding their varied epidemiological patterns and frequencies is vital in diagnosing and managing such conditions.
A 4-year-old girl presented with multiple pock-like scars on the face and body associated with multiple hospital admissions owing to pneumonia and herpetic stomato-gingivitis. Her 7-year-old brother also had similar features. They were born out of consanguineous marriage. Genetic report in the girl revealed inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-b kinase subunit beta ( IKBKB ) gene mutation. IKBKB gene encodes IKKβ protein which is part of IκB kinase complex involved in NF-κB signaling pathway. NF-κB controls immune responses, inflammation, cell survival, and development. A diagnosis of lipoid proteinosis with IKBKB gene defect was made.
