Meriya Zacharia1, Balachandran Parapattu Kunjukunju2
BACKGROUND
Chronic dermatophytosis is increasing in an alarming proportion all over India. This study was undertaken to understand the possible factors predisposing to chronic dermatophytosis in patients attending the OPD of this tertiary care center in Alappuzha district of Kerala.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
50 consecutive patients with chronic dermatophytosis attending the OPD of the tertiary care centre in Alappuzha district, Kerala, were enrolled in the study after taking informed consent. Detailed history, physical examination, direct microscopy and culture was done in all patients.
RESULTS
50 patients with chronic dermatophytosis were studied. 66% were females. Maximum number (32%) of patients were in the fourth decade. 52% were manual labourers. 64% patients had sun exposure for more than 3 hours per day. 20% patients had contact with animals. 22% had associated diabetes mellitus. 80% patients were using topical steroid as part of treatment. 94% were not compliant to treatment. 56% of patients had both T. cruris and T. corporis. Trichophyton rubrum was the most common species isolated.
CONCLUSION
Avoidance of topical steroids and strict adherence to the treatment schedule is very important to prevent the development of chronicity in dermatophyte infection. Detailed study about the various aspects of fungal resistance and also the genetic, host and environmental factors is needed further to curtail the occurrence of this menace.
