Superficial dermatomycoses: a prospective clinico-mycological study

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 dermatomycoses, 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.