Prevalence and pattern of hypopigmented lesions in children and adolescents in a tertiary hospital of Navi Mumbai: An observational study

Abstract

Hypopigmented skin lesions are common dermatological conditions in children and adolescents and often cause significant parental concern. Their prevalence and clinical pattern vary across different populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of hypopigmented lesions in children and adolescents attending a tertiary care hospital in Navi Mumbai. A prospective observational study was conducted in the Departments of Pediatrics and Dermatology from June 2024 to May 2025. Children aged 0–18 years with hypopigmented lesions were included. Clinical evaluation and relevant investigations were performed as indicated. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17.0. A total of 186 patients were diagnosed with hypopigmented lesions, giving a prevalence of 0.86% (8.58/1,000 patients). Males constituted 57% of cases. The most affected age group was 7–12 years (38%), with a mean age of 6.9 years. Pityriasis alba was the most common diagnosis (43.5%), followed by pityriasis versicolor (29%), post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (11.2%), polymorphous light eruption (9.1%), nevus depigmentosus (2.7%), vitiligo (1.6%), pityriasis rosea (1.1%), lichen striatus (0.5%), hypomelanosis of Ito (0.5%) and nevus anemicus (0.5%). The prevalence of hypopigmented lesions was 0.86%, with pityriasis alba being the most common disorder. Most cases occurred in school-aged children and showed a male predominance. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can improve outcomes and reduce parental anxiety.