Pediatric dermatophytosis of the skin: current clinico epidemiological and antifungal susceptibility patterns in a tertiary care rural hospital

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytosis is a common infection seen in tropical countries like India. With the onset of the 21st century, cases of antifungal resistance in dermatophytoses began to emerge as a therapeutic challenge. While tinea capitis, the predominant presentation in pediatric age group, has been extensively studied, the current scientific literature lacks in articles that assess the antifungal susceptibility patterns in pediatric dermatophytosis particularly involving the skin. Objective: This study attempts to identify and assess the changing clinico-epidemiological trends in the profile of pediatric dermatophytosis involving the skin, and its antifungal susceptibility patterns. Materials and Methods: Thirty subjects of 0–18 years of age with clinically diagnosed dermatophytosis were evaluated with history, examination and followed by a potassium hydroxide wet mount. Skin scrapings were also taken for fungal culture and antifungal susceptibility test against 10 commonly used antifungal agents using Broth Microdilution method as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A2 guidelines. Results: Trichophyton rubrum was the most common dermatophyte isolated. Recurrent dermatophytosis was seen in 20% subjects. Tinea corporis was the predominant presentation. Steroid-modified Tinea was observed in 33.33% cases. Based on in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing, terbinafine and luliconazole were found to be the most effective systemic and topical agents, respectively. Conclusion: The rampant use of over-the-counter medications containing topical steroids is a rising issue in the treatment of both adult and pediatric dermatophytosis. Education and counseling of patients are very important for correct treatment of the condition and also to prevent the rise of recurrent infections.