Clinico-epidemiological study of psoriasis in a tertiary care hospital, puducherry

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to clinically estimate the prevalence of common type of psoriasis in tertiary care hospital, Puducherry. MATERIALS & METHODS: The study was carried out as cross sectional study among 100 patients visiting the outpatient clinic of department of dermatology of our tertiary hospital for a period of 1 year. A structured interview schedule was used to elicit data regarding medical history. RESULTS: Detailed history was taken which shows itching and scaling as major complaints. Clinical examination of type of psoriasis based on site and distribution was carried out. Most common site of involvement is trunk, extremities, palms & soles. Symmetrical type of distribution is common. A majority of participants belong to the age group of > 40 yrs, males 62 % and females 38%. Clinical signs were elicited, Data was entered and analysed using SPSS software version 21. Out of 100 patients, Auspitz sign positive in 37%, Koebner phenomenon was elicited in 38% patients. Oil drop sign was present in only 1% patients, Wornoff ring which is seen in regressing lesions were present in only 1% patients. No signs were noticed in 10 % patients. Out of 100 patients The prevalence of Chronic plaque psoriasis is 37% , which is the most common type of psoriasis in our study, palmoplantar psoriasis being second most common type which is 27 % , scalp psoriasis is 12%, guttate psoriasis 11%, erythrodermic psoriasis 9 %.