Background: Lichen planus (LP) is an autoimmune disorder occurring infrequently in children. LP is mainly seen in adults of both sexes. There are only a few studies on childhood LP in South India. Methods: 52 children under 14 years of age with LP were evaluated. The study was done in the Dermatology outpatient department from April 2016 to March 2018. The various clinical and epidemiological features observed are recorded in the study. Results: LP was slightly more common in boys and the age group mainly affected was 5-9years. Classical LP was the most common clinical type and extremities were the main site of skin lesions. Erosive lesions on buccal mucosa were the commonest type of mucosal involvement. Koebners phenomenon was seen in a significant number of cases. Conclusions: LP is not rare in children and resembles adult LP in most aspects. Mucosal and nail involvement is seen in many cases. Knowledge about the various clinical patterns of LP will help in early diagnosis and proper treatment.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a skin eruption of unknown etiology, probably related to human herpes virus-7 (HHV-7).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> One hundred and fifteen patients with PR who presented to the dermatology outpatient department over a period of one year from May 2016 to April 2017 were included in the study. The various clinicoepidemiological features observed in these patients are recorded in the study.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Majority of patients (55%) belonged to the age group of 11 to 30 years with the youngest patient being 16 months of age. Mild seasonal variation was observed with maximum cases occurring during September and October. Classical PR was the common type seen and papular PR was the most common atypical presentation. Majority of the cases (78%) lasted for 4 to 5 weeks.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> PR is a common self-limiting disorder seen in young adults. Knowledge about the disease will help in correct management and prevent unnecessary distress to the patient.</p>

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder characterised by depigmentation of skin and/or mucosa. It is seen in adults as well as children and affects both males and females.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 40 children under 14years of age with clinically diagnosed vitiligo were included in this study. The study was conducted in the dermatology outpatient department from March 2017 to February 2018. The various clinical and epidemiological features observed in the patients are described.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The most common age group affected was 5 to 9 years (45%). Vitiligo was more common in girls (55%) and vitiligo vulgaris was the most common clinical type (35%). Extremities were the most common site of onset of the disease (37.5%). Leukotrichia, Koebners phenomenon and a positive family history were seen in a significant number of cases.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Vitiligo is common in children and is associated with significant psychological trauma leading to poor quality of life. Updated knowledge about the various clinical patterns will help in early correct diagnosis and proper treatment.</p>

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The effect of thyroid function on skin is very complex. Skin, hair and nail changes are not infrequent in hypothyroidism. There are only a few studies on the effect of hypothyroidism on skin in North Kerala.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 100 patients with hypothyroidism attending the outpatient departments of Dermatology and General Medicine were evaluated. The study was conducted at Kannur Medical College, Anjarakandy from September 2016 to August 2017. The various changes in skin, hair and nails are recorded in the study.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Hypothyroidism was much more common in females and manly affected the 21-40 years age group. The common skin changes seen were xerosis, myxoedema and keratoderma. Hair loss, brittle nails and onycholysis were the main hair and nail manifestations. The conditions commonly associated with hypothyroidism were melasma, urticaria, alopecia areata and vitiligo.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Thyroid and skin are closely related and so any abnormality in the functioning of thyroid commonly reflects on the skin, hair and nails. Proper knowledge about the various skin manifestations helps in avoiding the various systemic complications of hypothyroidism by arriving at an early diagnosis.</p>