A Study to Establish Correlation between Dermoscopic and Clinical Findings of Dermatophytosis

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytosis is a growing menace these days. Dermoscopy is a simple and non invasivediagnostic technique used in dermatology. But there are few studies on dermoscopy of dermatophytosis.Objective: The present study aims to study thedermoscopic findings of dermatophytosis and to study itscorrelation with clinical and histopathological findings.Materials and Method: It was a cross sectional study done over a period of 3 months.100 patients with clinicaldiagnosis of any form of dermatophytosis, were included after taking an informed consent. Diagnosis ofdermatophytosis was made clinically followed by KOH examination. Clinical examination, photographsand dermoscopy was done in all cases. Dermoscopy was taken by hand held dermoscope (Dermlite 4 genDL4, California USA), with a magnification of 10x. Biopsy was done in selected patients.Results: Out of 100 patients, male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1. Mean age was 38 ± 8.7 years. Mean durationof disease was 3months. Tinea corporis was the most common type, followed by tinea cruris and tineafacie. Dermoscopic findings of tinea corporis, cruris and facie were -peripherally distributed white scales,red to grey background, red to brownish black dots and globules at periphery, follicular micropustues andperifollicular scales. Tinea capitis showed black dots, broken hair and Morse code hair. Onychomycosisshowed yellowish brown discoloration with subungual hyperkeratosis and jagging of free edge of nail plate.Conclusion: In absence of adequate lab facilities, dermoscopy acts as a complentary tool to clinicaldiagnosis. Dermoscopy helps to initiate early treatment, thus helping to reduce tinea menace.