Prevalence and patterns of dermatological disorders among school children in Kurunegala MOH area

There are limited prevalence studies of skin diseases on school children in Sri Lanka. An analytical cross sectional study was done to identify the prevalence and pattern of dermatological disorders among early and middle adolescent children in junior grades (grade 6-10) in ten schools of Kurunegala MOH division. Data was collected through self-administered and interviewer administered questionnaires from 1500 children. Exposed parts of the body of each child were clinically examined. 66.8% of children had one or more skin diseases of which 583 children had transmissible skin diseases with higher incidence of Pediculosis capitis (31.9%), Pityriasis versicolor (5.9%) , Viral Warts (3%) and 5 cases of leprosy (0.3%). Among 868 children with non-transmissible diseases Acne (10.7%), Seborrhoeic dermatitis (10.1%), Eczema and other dermatitis (10.1,%) and xerosis (6.3%) seen commonly. The results proved to be quite impressive for managers of health services in resource allocation as well as orienting health interventions.