Introduction: Skin is involved in a number of pathological conditions and affects all age groups and both the sexes, ranging from mild to severe skin problems such as dry skin,wrinkling ,disfigurement ,itching, painful and sometimes fatal life threatening conditions like toxic epidermal necrolysis and malignancies like lymphoma. Skin biopsy is one of the most frequently used ancillary aids to confirm clinical diagnosis.The tissue reaction pattern and pattern of inflammation aid in the diagnosis. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the skin biopsies in relation to age and sex and the pattern of histological diagnosis of skin biopsy specimens in the department of histopathology in our centre. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective study of skin biopsies was conducted in the department of histopathology of Sampurna Sodani diagnostic clinic over a period of one year from January to December 2016.A total of 173 skin biopsies were taken into consideration. All biopsies were fixed in 10% formalin for 24 hours and later 3-4 micron thick sections were made from the blocks and stained with H and E stain. Wherever necessary, PAS and AFB staining and immunohistochemistry was performed to aid in the diagnosis. Results: A total of 173 skin biopsy specimens were received from January 2016 to December 2016 . There were 76 (43.9%) males and 97 (56.1%) females. Leg was the most common site involved. Non-malignant lesions were more common comprising of 110/173 (65.3%). Borderline tuberculoid Leprosy was the most common finding among the granulomatous skin lesions (38.8%)Among the malignancies,Basal cell carcinoma was the most frequent finding (29.6%). Conclusion: Skin diseases present with a variety of patterns and severity. A definite histopathological diagnosis along with clinical presentation is mandatory for proper treatment and prognosis of the disease.

Keywords: Skin Biopsy; Leprosy; Non Malignant Skin Lesions.