A Study of Tinea Capitis in Children

Abstract

Background: Tinea capitis is a superficial fungal infection that predominantly affects the pediatric population. The etiological factors vary from area to area, and the exact occurrence remains obscure. The clinicoepidemiological and mycological aspects of this dermatophytosis were studied in King Abdulaziz Hospital. Purpose: To determine the clinicoepidemiological aspects and mycological findings of dermatophytes involved in tinea capitis cases. Subjects and Methods: KOH examination, Wood's lamp examination, and fungal culture were performed in 50 clinically diagnosed cases of tinea capitis with patients’ age up to 13 years over a period of 8 months. The epidemiological factors associated with the disease were also evaluated. Results: Tinea capitis was predominant in the 3–6 and 6–9 years age groups with a male preponderance. Grey patch tinea capitis was the most common variant. KOH positivity was 74%, and Trichophyton tonsurans was the most common fungal isolate. Conclusion: Tinea capitis is a very common fungal infection in our setting. Early detection and diagnosis is mandatory to prevent its spread in the community as well as the development of scarring alopecia in the affected individual.