Skin diseases are among the most common health problems globally and contribute substantially to the burden of disease in both developed and developing countries. In India, they account for a significant proportion of outpatient visits and years lived with disability.

The pattern of dermatological conditions varies depending on geographic, climatic, and socioeconomic factors. Infectious dermatoses, acne, eczema, and pigmentary disorders are commonly reported in Indian settings. Despite the high prevalence, awareness regarding skin diseases and appropriate treatment-seeking behavior remains inadequate. Many patients rely on self-medication or traditional remedies, which may delay proper diagnosis and management.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence, awareness, and healthcare-seeking practices among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Raipur.

Study Design

Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study.

Study Setting

Department of Dermatology, Balaji Hospital, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

Study Duration

January 2024 – June 2024 (6 months)

Study Population

Patients attending dermatology OPD.

Sample Size

400 patients (based on prevalence estimates from previous studies).

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients aged ≥18 years
• Willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Critically ill patients
• Non-consenting individuals

Data Collection Tool

Pre-tested structured questionnaire including:

• Sociodemographic details
• Clinical diagnosis
• Awareness about disease
• Treatment-seeking behavior

Statistical Analysis

Data analyzed using SPSS v25.

• Descriptive statistics (percentage, mean)

Chi-square test (p < 0.05 significant) 

Demographic Profile:

The demographic profile describes the basic characteristics of the study population: Mean age: 32.4 ± 11.2 years indicates that the average age of participants was 32.4 years, with most individuals falling within approximately 11 years above or below this mean (i.e., around 21–43 years), showing a predominantly young adult population.  Female: 58% and Male: 42% shows that females constituted the majority of participants in the study, suggesting either higher prevalence of skin concerns among women or greater healthcare-seeking behavior compared to men.

Prevalence of Skin Disorders:

This table 1 represents the distribution of different skin conditions among the study participants: Fungal infections (28%) were the most common, indicating a high burden of infectious dermatoses, possibly due to humid climate, hygiene factors, or overcrowding. Acne vulgaris (22%) was the second most common, reflecting its high prevalence among young adults. Eczema (15%) suggests a significant proportion of inflammatory skin conditions. Pigmentary disorders (12%) highlight cosmetic and chronic dermatological concerns. Psoriasis (8%) represents a smaller but clinically important chronic autoimmune condition. Others (15%) include less common conditions such as urticaria, bacterial infections, and miscellaneous dermatoses. Overall, the findings show that infectious and inflammatory skin diseases predominate in the study population.

Table 1: The distribution of different skin conditions among the study participants

These findings align with previous Indian studies reporting infections and acne as major dermatological conditions.

Awareness Level

The study revealed that only 46% of participants had adequate awareness regarding skin diseases, while a majority (54%) demonstrated poor awareness. This indicates a significant knowledge gap among patients about the causes, preventive measures, and possible complications of common dermatological conditions. Lack of awareness may lead to delayed diagnosis, inappropriate self-medication, and worsening of disease outcomes, highlighting the need for effective health education and awareness programs.

The study found that 58% of patients sought treatment from qualified dermatologists, indicating a moderate level of appropriate healthcare utilization. However, a considerable proportion relied on self-medication (25%) and traditional remedies (17%), reflecting gaps in awareness and accessibility to proper medical care. These practices may lead to delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and potential complications. The tendency to postpone professional consultation observed in this study is consistent with findings from earlier research, emphasizing the need to promote timely and evidence-based healthcare-seeking behavior.

The present study highlights a substantial burden of dermatological conditions among patients attending a tertiary care center, reflecting patterns observed in national and regional data from India. Skin diseases continue to be a common cause of morbidity, affecting individuals across all age groups and socioeconomic strata. In this study, fungal infections and acne emerged as the most prevalent conditions, which is consistent with findings from similar tertiary care-based studies. The high prevalence of fungal infections may be attributed to climatic conditions such as heat and humidity, along with factors like overcrowding, poor hygiene, and increased use of topical steroids. Acne, on the other hand, was commonly observed among younger individuals, aligning with its known association with hormonal changes, lifestyle factors, and stress.

A concerning observation in the study was the inadequate level of awareness regarding skin diseases among more than half of the participants. Many individuals lacked basic knowledge about the causes, modes of transmission, preventive measures, and potential complications of common dermatological conditions. This gap in awareness is critical, as it often leads to neglect of early symptoms, delay in seeking appropriate medical care, and increased risk of chronicity or complications. Poor awareness also contributes to misconceptions, including the belief that certain skin conditions are trivial or self-limiting, which further discourages timely consultation with healthcare professionals.

The study also revealed that a significant proportion of patients engaged in inappropriate treatment-seeking behavior. While more than half of the participants consulted qualified dermatologists, a considerable number relied on self-medication or traditional remedies. Self-medication often involves the use of over-the-counter creams, including steroid-containing preparations, which can temporarily suppress symptoms but may worsen the condition in the long term. Similarly, traditional therapies, though culturally accepted, may not always be evidence-based and can delay effective treatment. These practices highlight the lack of trust, accessibility, or awareness regarding specialized dermatological care.

The tendency to delay professional consultation observed in this study is consistent with previous research, which has documented similar patterns of healthcare-seeking behavior in dermatology patients. Factors such as financial constraints, lack of access to specialists, social stigma, and underestimation of disease severity may contribute to this delay. Consequently, patients often present with advanced or complicated conditions that require more intensive and prolonged treatment. Overall, the findings of this study underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these gaps. Public health education plays a crucial role in improving awareness about skin diseases, their prevention, and the importance of early treatment. Community-based awareness campaigns, utilizing mass media and local healthcare workers, can help disseminate accurate information and dispel myths associated with skin conditions. Additionally, improving accessibility to dermatological services, especially in underserved areas, is essential to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care. In conclusion, addressing the dual challenges of high disease burden and inadequate awareness requires a comprehensive approach involving education, accessibility, and behavioral change. Strengthening these aspects can significantly improve treatment outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals affected by skin diseases.

Skin disorders are highly prevalent among patients attending tertiary care centers, reflecting a significant public health burden. Despite this, awareness regarding the causes, prevention, and complications of these conditions remains inadequate among a large proportion of individuals. Many patients continue to rely on self-medication or traditional remedies, leading to delayed diagnosis and improper management. Such inappropriate treatment-seeking practices can worsen disease outcomes and increase the risk of complications. Therefore, there is a strong need to strengthen health education initiatives and community awareness programs. Promoting early consultation with qualified dermatologists is essential to ensure timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and improved overall patient outcomes.

Limitations

• Single-center study
• Self-reported data (recall bias)
• No long-term follow-up

Funding: No external funding.

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

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