Evaluation of Clinico Epidemiological Profile of Dermatophyte Infections in Children in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytes are parasitic fungi that infest the skin and cause infections of the skin, hair and nails because of their ability to obtain nutrients from keratinized material. Subjects and Methods: This present study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur, Bihar. Total of 267 children visiting the hospital with skin conditions, 56 were diagnosed with superficial dermatophyte infection. Results: Tinea cruris was observed most common dermatophyte condition in boys whereas Tinea unguium was predominant in girls. Tinea cruris infections were common in age group 8-11 years. This study shows that most dermatophyte infections were prevalent in age group of 8-11 years. Conclusion: Tinea cruris was observed most common dermatophyte condition in male children whereas Tinea unguium was predominant in female children.