Clinical pattern of superficial fungal infection and steroid use among pediatric patients: Our experience from a tertiary care hospital in Northern India

Abstract

Background: Fungal infections are increasingly encountered in the pediatric age group for the past few years. Majority of children at some point in time suffer from one or other clinical form of these infections. Although encountered in healthy patients also, an increase in immunocompromised patients is thought to be the major reason responsible for its increased prevalence world over. Indiscriminate use of irrational over-the-counter steroid combination has increased the menace of dermatophytes in children. Aims: The aim of the study was to describe the common clinical types of superficial fungal infections in children and to assess the use of topical steroid and its source. Materials and Methods: An observational study was done over a 5-month duration, wherein all children in the age group of 3–14 years with superficial fungal infection were examined and the data regarding the use of any topical steroid, and its source was accessed. Results: A total 313 children were included. One hundred twenty-nine (41.2%) children were between the age of 7–10 years, 194 (61.9%) were male, while 119 (38%) were female. Ninety-seven (30.9%) children were in the class 4th–6th. The duration of infection ranged from 30 to 60 days in 86 (27.4%) children. There was no significant association between steroid use and duration of infection as well as steroid use and gender (P value + 0.845 and 0.567, respectively). Conclusion: This study aims to highlight the common clinical type of superficial fungal infection. Type of topical steroid used and its source in these children was inquired.