BACKGROUND The pattern of skin diseases varies in different countries, and within various regions of the same country, depending on racial, environmental, social and economic factors. This variation, in the pattern of dermatoses, has been reported by various workers from different regions of India. Information on the pattern of skin diseases in Uttarakhand state; however, is very sketchy. AIM To study the pattern of dermatoses in patients, at a tertiary referral centre, in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective study where data of all the new patients presenting to outpatient department of dermatology between 01 Oct 2012 to 30 Sept 2015 was analysed. A total of 46044 patients were included in the study. Diagnoses were made on clinical grounds supported by relevant investigations as required. RESULTS Non-infective dermatoses (63%) were the commonest dermatoses in our study. This was followed by infective & parasitic dermatoses (37%). Overall, fungal infections (19.91%) were the leading cause of morbidity, followed by eczema (12.05%), acne (10.69%), pigmentary disorders (8.03%), pyoderma (6.98%), parasitic dermatoses (5.23%) and others (37.11%). Maximum dermatological morbidity was seen in 21-30 years age group (27.80%), followed by 11-20 years (18.96%) and 31-40 years (18.50%). More than half (58.46%) belonged to productive age group of 21-50 years. CONCLUSION A significant proportion of dermatological morbidity (58.46 %) occurred in the productive age group of 21-50 years. Preventable infective dermatoses still contribute to about 37% of the cases. Health education of the general public and training of primary care physicians and general practitioners, in the management of common dermatoses, may help in reduction of prevalence of preventable dermatoses.

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic, genetically determined, inflammatory, immune-mediated skin disease. Its prevalence and pattern are influenced by diverse genetic, ethnic and environmental factors. Many epidemiological studies of prevalence and pattern of psoriasis are available from different parts of India. Comprehensive data on its prevalence and patterns in Uttarakhand State, however, is lacking. The aim of the study is to study prevalence and pattern of psoriasis at a tertiary referral hospital in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective study in which clinical data of all patients of psoriasis who attended psoriasis clinic in outpatients Department of Dermatology, between October 01, 2012, to September 30, 2015, were analysed. A total of 1197 patients formed the study subjects. Diagnosis was clinical in most of the cases. RESULTS Out of a total 46,044 patients seen in outpatients Department of Dermatology during study period, 1197 patients were of psoriasis constituting 2.6% of all skin OPD patients. Male-to-female ratio was 2.4:1. The mean age of onset in males was 39.6 years as against 31.7 years in females. Seasonal variation was seen in 64.5% cases with winter aggravation in 49% cases. Chronic plaque type psoriasis (88%) was commonest morphological type. Arthritis was seen in 7.3% cases. Pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis accounted for less than 1% cases each. CONCLUSION Psoriasis is a common dermatological disease in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand accounting for 2.6% of all skin OPD patients. The pattern and epidemiological characteristics of the disease are same as in other regions of India.