Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Hyperpigmentary Disorders in Children Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Stud

Abstract

Background: Hyperpigmentary disorders constitute a relatively less common but clinically important group of pediatric pigmentary dermatoses. These disorders arise from diverse congenital, inflammatory, infectious, and developmental causes and frequently present diagnostic challenges because of their varied clinical manifestations. Although most are benign, visible pigmentation often results in cosmetic concerns and parental anxiety. Epidemiological data describing the clinical spectrum of childhood hyperpigmentary disorders remain limited.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of hyperpigmentary disorders among children attending a tertiary care dermatology center.

Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 0–15 years presenting with hyperpigmentary disorders to the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences, Ballari, Karnataka, between January and December 2021. Demographic characteristics, clinical history, lesion morphology, anatomical distribution, associated dermatological conditions, systemic associations, and relevant investigations were recorded. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0.

Results: Among 200 children with pigmentary disorders, 37 (18.5%) had hyperpigmentary disorders. The majority belonged to the 11–15-year age group (70.3%), with an almost equal gender distribution. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and pityriasis versicolor were the most common hyperpigmentary disorders (21.6% each), followed by freckles (13.5%) and Becker nevus (10.8%). The head and neck region was the most frequently affected anatomical site, while scaling was observed in only a minority of patients.

Conclusion: Hyperpigmentary disorders represent an important subset of pediatric pigmentary diseases, with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and pityriasis versicolor being the predominant diagnoses. Early clinical recognition facilitates accurate diagnosis, appropriate management, and reassurance of affected children and their caregivers.