Incidence of dermatophytosis in Kuwait

Abstract

Dermatophytosis in Kuwait was found to be associated with poor, over-crowded socioeconomic localities. This infection occurred in all age groups, but patients below 10 years of age were most susceptible. Tinea capitis was observed in 71·1% of 135 patients with dermatophytosis, with a higher incidence (48·2%) in males than in females. Microsprum canis caused 60·7% of all cases of dermatophytosis and 76% of tinea capitis. A high rate of failure to culture from microscopically positive specimens was observed in tinea cruris and onychomycosis.