Epidemiology of dermatomycoses in children living in Northern Greece 1996–2000

In the 5-years period, 1996-2000, 1045 children under 13 years old were examined for suspected dermatomycosis. In 611 cases fungi were isolated. Male children were mainly affected on the scalp and body area. Girls were more affected in the location of the arms and legs. There was a greater proportion of cases in the age range 2-12 years. The most prominent fungus was Microsporum canis (515 cases) followed by Trichophyton rubrum (34) and Candida albicans (20). Tinea capitis (280 cases) mainly caused by M. canis (276 cases) was the most common clinical form. Tinea corporis (109 cases) mainly caused by M. canis (88 cases), C. albicans (10 cases) and T. rubrum (seven cases) was the second most frequent clinical form.