Clinico-epidemiological Profile of Facial Dermatoses among Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The face is an important component of individual identity and undesirable changes in facial skin affect the quality of life of individuals, particularly adolescents (10-19 years). They often experience issues like acne vulgaris due to hormonal changes and the consequent psychosocial impact is higher. In Nepal, adolescents represent 23.6% of the population. This study investigates the prevalence and types of facial dermatoses among Nepalese adolescents attending a tertiary care center. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 adolescents with facial dermatoses presenting to Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital from October 2023 to September 2024. Data was collected using a structured proforma and clinical examinations, with additional tests as required. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. RESULTS: Of the 290 participants, 48.62% were male and 51.38% female, predominantly aged 17-19 years (36.55%). The majority (66.90%) were Hindu. The most common facial dermatoses were appendageal disorders (43.07%), infections and infestations (20.34%), and eczemas (16.55%). In appendageal disorders, acne vulgaris was most common representing 42.07% of all facial dermatosis. In infections, viral infection was the most common (11.72%) of all facial dermatosis and pityriasis alba was most common (7.59%) of eczemas seen, Males had higher rates of infections (67.80%), while eczemas were more common in females (58.33%). No significant association was found between gender and acne status (p=0.1), severity (p=0.19), bacterial infection (p-value= 0.502), fungal infection (p- value= 1), viral infection (p= 0.85), eczema (p= 0.449), pigmentary disorder (p= 0.071), vascular lesions (p= 1.2) and nevus (p= 0.069). CONCLUSIONS: Facial skin disorders, particularly acne vulgaris, are prevalent among Nepalese adolescents and affect their well-being. The findings accentuate the importance of addressing these conditions to reduce their psychological and social impacts. Further research is needed to explore facial dermatoses across different regions of Nepal.