PSORIASIS- A CLINICAL STUDY FROM GARHWAL REGION OF UTTARAKHAND

Abstract

Shiv Darshan Singh Rawat 1 , Nancy Bhardwaj 2 , Ena Jain 3

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic, genetically determined, inflammatory, immune-mediated skin disease. Its prevalence and pattern are influenced by diverse genetic, ethnic and environmental factors. Many epidemiological studies of prevalence and pattern of psoriasis are available from different parts of India. Comprehensive data on its prevalence and patterns in Uttarakhand State, however, is lacking. The aim of the study is to study prevalence and pattern of psoriasis at a tertiary referral hospital in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective study in which clinical data of all patients of psoriasis who attended psoriasis clinic in outpatients Department of Dermatology, between October 01, 2012, to September 30, 2015, were analysed. A total of 1197 patients formed the study subjects. Diagnosis was clinical in most of the cases. RESULTS Out of a total 46,044 patients seen in outpatients Department of Dermatology during study period, 1197 patients were of psoriasis constituting 2.6% of all skin OPD patients. Male-to-female ratio was 2.4:1. The mean age of onset in males was 39.6 years as against 31.7 years in females. Seasonal variation was seen in 64.5% cases with winter aggravation in 49% cases. Chronic plaque type psoriasis (88%) was commonest morphological type. Arthritis was seen in 7.3% cases. Pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis accounted for less than 1% cases each. CONCLUSION Psoriasis is a common dermatological disease in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand accounting for 2.6% of all skin OPD patients. The pattern and epidemiological characteristics of the disease are same as in other regions of India.

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