Profile of patients with tinea capitis

Abstract

Tinea capitis is dermatophyte infection of the scalp and hair, affecting mainly prepubertal children. Its incidence has increased over the last decades. If not diagnosed and treated properly, it might reach epidemic soon. This study was descriptive retrospective study which evaluated the incidence and profile of tinea capitis among patients of Micology Division, Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology Department, Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya in 2014 - 2016. There were 42 tinea capitis new cases. It was most prevalent among the age group of 5-14 years old. Male was more common. The most common main complaint was itching. The most frequent predisposing factor was cat exposure. Squama was the most prevalent efflorescence. KOH examination data showed that 57.1% patients were arthrospore positive and 66.7% were positive in Wood lamp examination. Culture was done among 24 patients with positive result of 52.4% and Microsporum canis as the most prevalent dermatophytes. There were 33.3% patients diagnosed with grey patch type. The most common treatment was oral griseofulvin. Follow-ups were done to all patients but only 64.3% who visited back.