Spectrum of Skin Diseases and Their Seasonal Distribution: An Experience of the Outpatient Department of Community Based Medical College, Bangladesh (CBMC,B) Hospital

Abstract

Skin diseases constitute a major public health concern in Bangladesh, particularly in community based settings, where overcrowding, poor hygiene, and limited health awareness contribute to increased transmission of communicable dermatoses. Understanding the pattern and seasonal variation of skin diseases is essential for effective resource allocation and preventive strategies. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted between January and December of 2025, to determine the spectrum of skin diseases and their seasonal distribution among the patients attending the Dermatology Outpatient Department (OPD) of Community Based Medical College,, Bangladesh (CBMC,B) Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. A total of 2733 patients were included through purposive sampling. Among them, the highest patient attendance was recorded in February (11.9%), followed by August (10.6%) and July (9.7%), while the lowest attendance was observed in March (5.9%). Scabies was the most prevalent disease, accounting for 1273 cases (46.6%), followed by tinea infection (21.2%), chronic dermatitis (11.2%), PSD (PE+ED) (5.0%), and acne vulgaris (4.2%). Other conditions such as urticaria (2.5%), psoriasis (1.5%), impetigo contagiosa (1.4%), melasma (0.8%), vitiligo (0.7%), herpes zoster (0.5%), pityriasis versicolor (0.5%), insect bite hypersensitivity (0.5%), wart (0.6%), chronic paronychia (0.6%), chickenpox (0.4%), keloid (0.3%), and miscellaneous disorders (1.3%) constituted smaller proportions. Infectious dermatoses (scabies, tinea infection, impetigo contagiosa, herpes zoster, chickenpox, pityriasis versicolor, and insect bite hypersensitivity) comprised 1932 cases (70.7%), while non-infectious dermatoses accounted for 801 cases (29.3%). The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Seasonal analysis demonstrated that the highest number of cases were observed during the monsoon season (June–September), accounting for 1024 cases (37.5%), followed by winter (December–February) 711(26.0%), summer (March–May) 558(20.4%), and post-monsoon/autumn (October–November) 440(16.1%). Among infectious dermatoses, 825(42.7%) cases were observed during the monsoon months (June–September), followed by 501(26.0%) during winter (December–February), 358(18.5%) during summer (March–May), and 248(12.8%) during post-monsoon/autumn.

CBMJ 2026 July: Vol. 15 No. 02 P:156-162