Dermatological manifestations in the intensive care unit of a third‐level hospital

Abstract Background Dermatologic diseases are common in patients being treated in intensive care units (ICU). However, due to the seriousness of the patient's condition, skin diseases take a backseat, although these are sometimes the cause of the greatest deterioration. Very few studies focusing on these dermatoses have been undertaken. Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of dermatological disorders in patients treated in a medical ICU of a tertiary care centre. Methods This was a descriptive study conducted over a period of 8 months. All the patients admitted to the medical ICU were examined for the presence of any pre‐existing or newly developed dermatological disorder. Dermatological disorders were initially classified into infective and noninfective. Patients with dermatological findings were classified into two groups: those who survived and those who died; they were compared with each other with respect to age and sex distribution, length of ICU stay and dermatological findings. Results Out of 776 cases admitted to the ICU during the study period, dermatological disorders were observed in 164 (21.13%) cases. Life‐threatening dermatological disorders were seen in 3.05% of cases. Twenty‐nine (17.68%) patients with dermatological findings died. Among these cases, infectious dermatological disorders were significantly less common, while no significant difference was observed for reactive dermatological disorders. Conclusions Dermatological disorders in ICU are common and have a wide spectrum. They often need treatment and may be indicative of underlying potentially fatal systemic illness. Besides, a subset of cutaneous lesions may develop in response to various medical interventions, immunosuppression and immobility. Knowledge of such dermatoses is thus essential, both for the intensivist and dermatologist.