A Study of Sociodemographic Profile and Factors Associated with Dermatophytosis in Tropical Climates with Comparison among Treatment-Naive and Those Who Have Abused Topical Corticosteroids/Combination

Abstract

Dermatophytoses have emerged to become an important cause of morbidity and embarrassment due to their symptomatology and chronicity especially post application of topical steroid or combination creams containing steroids which has led to atypical presentation, delay in diagnosis and prolonged treatment with frequent relapses. To describe socio demographic profile and various factors associated with dermatophytosis which vary as per topical steroid/ combination application history. Methods: 200 patients with clinically diagnosed tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea faciei were randomly selected from the Dermatology outpatient department of tertiary care hospital in Mumbai from Jan 2018 to Jul 2019. A detailed clinical history was recorded in all cases. Both the sexes and all ages were included in this study. Immunocompromised patients, patients with diabetes, secondary infection were excluded in this study. Topical steroid/ combination use was more commonly seen in the age group 31-45 years with most patient self medicating themselves and having used it for less than four weeks. Majority of the patients were housewives and students. Longer duration, recurrence and previous history of tinea was seen among patients who had applied topical steroid/ combination. It was seen that a large number of patients are using these steroid/combination therapy as first line treatment and it leads to perpetuation of their condition. The present study highlights socio demographic profile and various factors associated with dermatophytoses which vary as per topical steroid/ combination application history.