Incidence of dermatophytosis in Kuwait

Dermatophytosis in Kuwait was found to be associated with poor, over-crowded socioeconomic localities. This infection occurred in all age groups, but patients below 10 years of age were most susceptible. Tinea capitis was observed in 71.1% of 135 patients with dermatophytosis, with a higher incidence (48.2%) in males than in females. Microsporum canis caused 60.7% of all cases of dermatophytosis and 76% of tinea capitis. A high rate of failure to culture from microscopically positive specimens was observed in tinea cruris and onychomycosis.