Clinico mycological study of dermatophytosis

Dermatophytoses form over 16–75% of all the mycological infections. It is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries including India, where heat and moisture play an important role. 1 Although not life threatening, its severity can cause great discomfort particularly in immunosuppressive conditions. It remains a general public health problem, which is prevalent in all age groups and both the sexes. 2 Clinical lesions caused by the fungi are highly variable and closely resemble other skin diseases making laboratory diagnosis and confirmation necessary. 3 The diagnostic tests include potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mount examination, wood’s lamp examination, skin biopsy and fungal culture. 4 The identification of the causative agent is necessary particularly in the case of tinea capitis which provides information on the risk of spread to other children at home or in the school. 5