Clinicomycological Profile of Pediatric Dermatophytoses: An Observational Study

There has been a recent explosion in the incidence of dermatophytic infections globally, especially in tropical countries including India. This increase is associated with a change in the clinical pattern and mycological profile with poor response to treatment, in adults and children. Limited studies in India have focused on pediatric dermatophytoses. Our study's primary objective was to assess the clinicomycological profile of pediatric dermatophytosis in our region and secondarily to understand the association of lifestyle factors with poor response to treatment.

This was an observational study including children ≤16 years of age, clinically diagnosed with tinea. Clinical and lifestyle data regarding site, affected surface area, duration of infection, previous treatment, possible sources of infection, overcrowding, and bathing practices were collected. Samples were collected for potassium hydroxide mount and fungal culture.

A total of 183 children participated in our study. The most common diagnosis was tinea corporis. Tinea cruris was more frequent in preadolescents, where males were more affected. Positive associations were seen between increased duration of infection, increased household infection, infection among playmates, irregular bathing, and use of steroid creams. The most common organism isolated was Trichophyton mentagrophytes/interdigitale (55.19%) followed by Trichophyton rubrum (14.75%).

There is a change in the mycological profile of pediatric dermatophytosis with an increase in Trichophyton mentagrophytes/interdigitale infection. Important sources of infection in children must be identified in chronic and recurrent cases. Misinformed and ignorant use of steroid creams is an important reason for recurrent infection.