Superficial dermatomycoses: a prospective clinico-mycological study

Abstract

Background: Dermatomycoses are more prevalent in India due to favourable climatic conditions, poverty, poor hygiene and overcrowding. Sparse published data are available regarding superficial dermatomycoses from India. Methods: In this prospective study, demographic characteristics, clinical spectrum and risk factors for the development were studied in 198 patients with superficial dermatomycoses. Results: Their mean age was 34.1 ± 15.3 years; there were 108 (54.5%) males. Majority of the patients (50.5%) belonged to upper-lower socio-economic status (Class IV as per modified Kuppuswamy’s classification). Most of the patients (69.7%) had presented with dermatophytoses. Among superficial dermatomy-coses, tinea corporis was the most common (29.3%) clinical type. Potassium hydroxide mount was positive in 77.7% and culture was positive in 30.8%. Trichophyton rubrum was the most common species isolated (64%). Multivariable analysis using logistic regression revealed older age (> 50 years) to be an independent predictor for the development of tinea corporis (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our observations suggest that superficial dermatomycoses are an important cause of morbidity and should be carefully searched for especially in the elderly so that effective curative treatment can be instituted.

Keywords

• Superficial dermatomycoses
• Dermatophytoses
• Pityriasis versicolor
• Candidal intertrigo