Clinicomycological study of dermatophytoses in children: Presenting at a tertiary care center

Abstract

Background: Superficial tinea infections are some of the most common dermatological conditions in children. Recently, few studies done showed abrupt increase in dermatophytic infection in adults; however, similar recent studies describing clinicoepidemiological pattern in pediatric population are lacking. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of this study are to identify the epidemiological profile of the dermatophytoses among pediatric population. Materials and Methods: Pediatric patients with suspected tinea infections presenting in the Department of Dermatology at a tertiary care medical college hospital in Northern India from April 2016 to 2017 were evaluated for inclusion in this study. Samples were collected in two parts; if first part was found to be potassium hydroxide (KOH) positive for septate hyphae, the second part was sent for fungal culture subsequently. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 235 patients, 152 were male and 83 were female. Only 200/235 (85.1%) KOH positive enrolled patients yielded positive fungal culture. Most common species identified on culture was Trichophyton mentagrophytes, followed by Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton violaceum. Trunk was the most common site affected in 29.4% patients, palms and soles were least affected. Conclusion: More number of patients applied topical steroid for a longer period of time in patients with extensive disease as compared to limited disease. The present study provides evidence that dermatophytosis in pediatric patients is following the pattern of adult dermatophytosis clinically and microbiologically now.

Keywords

• Dermatophytoses
• pediatric
• Trichophyton