ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine clinical and demographic characteristics of patients who presented with dermatological lesions to the pediatric emergency department.

All patients who presented with the complaint of dermatological problems within the last 5 years were evaluated retrospectively.

Of 498 patients applied to our clinic, 273 (54.8%) were males, 225 (45.2%) were females. The median age of the patients was 5.56±3.72 years. Our study included four (0.8%) neonates, seventy (14.1%) infants, one hundred sixty one (32.3%) preschool and two hundred sixty three (52.8%) school going children who were applied for the management of dermatological emergencies. The most common dermatological diseases were infectious skin disorders, urticaria, and drug reactions. Systemic therapy was prescribed in 66.9% and local therapy in 9.9% of the patients. Combined local and systemic therapy was given to 17.3% of the cases. Of all patients, 23 (4.6%) were consulted by dermatology. Of all patients, 20.9% were admitted to our hospital, while 78.9% treated with outpatient and one patient left hospital before completion of his therapy.

The most common dermatological diseases are infectious skin disorders in pediatric emergency department. Common skin diseases in pediatric emergency department must be established and periodical education programs associated with these diseases were planned.

Keywords: Dermatology, child, emergency