DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i05.043

Pages: 2084-2087

The aim of this study was to determine the various cutaneous manifestations in obesity and analyse the relation with body mass index (BMI) in pediatric population. This was a prospective study in which children up to 15 years of age with body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 were included in the study. After informed consent from the parents/attendants, demographic details, height, and weight were documented and all the cutaneous changes were carefully recorded in a predesigned proforma. A total of 100 children (male: 67, female: 33) were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 13.5 ± 1.5 years and the mean BMI was 32.6 ± 1.36 kg/m2. Majority of the patients (77%) had Class I obesity (BMI 30.00–34.99) while 22% had Class II obesity (BMI 35.00–39.99). The most common cutaneous manifestations among the children were acanthosis nigricans (41%), striae (20%), fungal infections and intertrigo (19%), acrochordons (12%), acne (10%), hirsutism (8%), and viral and bacterial infections (7%). Other less common associations were psoriasis, xanthomas, corns, plantar hyperkeratosis, and miliaria. Obesity is associated significantly with certain dermatoses in children. As the prevalence of obesity is increasing each day, understanding of these dermatoses is necessary both for the pediatricians as well as for dermatologists for early diagnosis and better management leading to an improved life quality.