Sociodemographic profile and pattern of superficial dermatophytic infections among pediatric population in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Odisha

Abstract

Background: There is a recent rising trend of superficial dermatophytic fungal infections all over the globe. Apart from the causative organisms, there are many modifiable environmental factors contributing to this sudden pandemic. The prevalence of the disease in the pediatric age group needs to be studied more vigorously. Materials and Methods: All children in the age group of 2–15 years with dermatophytic infections were studied for the pattern of infection and various environmental associations. Results: Most (102 [51.51%]) of the patients belonged to 11–15 years age group with tinea cruris (99 [50%]) and tinea corporis (94 [47.47%]) type of pattern being the most common. The majority (175 [88.38%]) of the patients belonged to rural and semi-urban locality with improper sanitation system and poor quality of water source in use by the patients. Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalent pattern of dermatophytic infections in children in our locality.