“A STUDY OF CLINICAL, MYCOLOGICALAND TRICHOSCOPIC FEATURES OF TINEA CAPITIS IN CHILDREN”

Abstract

Background: Tinea capitis (TC) is a common supercial fungal infection seen predominantly in children. The etiological factors vary from one region to the other. The clinical microbiological and trichoscopic features of the same were studied in children attending dermatology department of JJMMC Davangere. Aims: To delineate the various patterns of TC observed in central karnataka and to assess the clinical, microbiological and trichoscopic ndings in children. Methodology: Retrospective study was conducted between November 2020 - November 2021, medical records were analysed for the clinical-epidemiological, mycological and trichoscopic features of TC in children. Results: Out of 25 children, 14(56%) were male and 11(44%) were female. 13(52%) were aged between 5-10 years. Hair loss was the commonest presenting symptom in 100% followed by itching in 7(28%) of cases. Most of the children were living in crowded conditions 22(88%). Grey patch variety was the commonest 9 (36%) followed by black dot 7(28%), kerion 4(16%) and agminate folliculitis 5(20%). KOH mount was positive in 80% and culture in 40% of cases. T.violaceum was the commonest 4(40%) species isolated followed by T.mentagrophyte and T rubrum. Comma hair was the most common trichoscopic nding noted in study. Conclusion: In the present study, clinical examination microscopic and trichoscopic ndings along with epidemiological factors were considered which attributed that the most common group affected is the lower socioeconomic population. Though the causative fungi was found to vary between different regions and time, T.violaceum was the most common organisum isolated in our study. Comma hair and broken hair was most common trichoscopic ndings in our study