Clinical Profile of Patients With Chronic Dermatophytosis- A Descriptive Study From a Tertiary Care Centre in Kerala

BACKGROUND dermatophytosis is increasing in an alarming proportion all over India. This study was undertaken to understand the factors predisposing to chronic dermatophytosis in patients attending the OPD of this tertiary care center in Alappuzha of Kerala. AND METHODS 50 consecutive patients with chronic dermatophytosis attending the OPD of the tertiary care centre in Alappuzha district, Kerala, enrolled in the study after taking informed consent. Detailed history, physical examination, direct microscopy and culture done in all patients. 50 patients with chronic dermatophytosis were studied. 66% were females. Maximum number (32%) of patients were in the decade. 52% were manual labourers. 64% patients had sun exposure for more than 3 hours per day. 20% patients had with animals. 22% had associated diabetes mellitus. 80% patients were using topical steroid as part of treatment. 94% not compliant to treatment. 56% of patients had both T. cruris and T. corporis. Trichophyton rubrum was the most species isolated. of topical steroids and strict adherence to the treatment schedule is very important to prevent the development of in dermatophyte infection. Detailed study about the various aspects of fungal resistance and also the genetic, host environmental factors is needed further to curtail the occurrence of this menace.