Dermatophytosis- its impact on quality of life and financial burden

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytosis is superficial skin infection caused by group of filamentous fungi called dermatophytes that affect the keratinized tissue. Almost every fifth person in the world is affected by it. It causes huge impact on the quality of life and is a cause of financial burden on the patients. Methods: The impact on the quality of life and the financial burden in patients diagnosed with dermatophytosis was assessed using DLQI questionnaire and financial burden questionnaire. The results were calculated using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Mean DLQI Score±SD (Range) was 14.48±5.18 (3-23). Mean financial burden and financial worry scores were 3.79±1.82 (out of 7) and 3.29±1.10 (out of 5) respectively. Quality of life of all the patients was affected, majority of the patients had Very large to Extremely large effect (72.5%), Small effect was observed in only 6.7% and Moderate effect in 20.8% patients. Conclusions: The findings of the study showed that quality of life was highly impaired in the patients with dermatophytosis and it also showed a significant association with financial burden. Key words: Dermatophytosis, quality of life, financial burden, financial worry, DLQI , tinea Conclusion: Iron deficiency anemia is more frequent among children with febrile seizures than with febrile illness alone.