Clinical profile and risk factors of dermatophytoses: a hospital based study

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytoses are superficial mycoses which represents most common community health problem across the globe. Surveillance studies are required to understand the changing epidemiology and prevalence of causative agents to decide on appropriate therapy. This study aims to evaluate the clinical types, etiological agents and probable risk factors of dermatophytoses. Methods: It was a cross sectional study of 150 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytoses during six months. Sociodemographic details, clinical history and detailed examination were collected from all the subjects. Skin scrapings were sent to microbiology for direct microscopy and fungal culture. Results: Among the 150 subjects enrolled, males outnumbered females. Infection was mostly prevalent in the age group of 21-30 years (37.3%). Tinea cruris was the commonest clinical type (50%) followed by Tinea corporis (18.4%) and Tinea unguium (11.9%). Tricophyton rubrum was the aetiological agent isolated in majority (33%), followed by Tricophyton mentagrophytes (20%). The major risk factors of dermatophytoses were poor hygiene (32.1%), topical steroid usage (23.9%) and diabetes mellitus (20.1%). Conclusions: The present study has provided recent data on etiological agents of dermatophytoses and risk factors in our area. It is essential to develop measures for prevention, control of dermatophyte infections and establishment of therapeutic strategies.