Tinea epidemic in paediatric population - Clinical pattern with microbiological correlation

Dermatophytoses are increasing at an alarming rate in the paediatric population. The trend is now shifting from the more familiar tinea capitis to involvement of the glabrous skin.To evaluate the various clinical manifestations, factors governing the clinical patterns, and causative species of fungus.A prospective observational study was done on all cases upto 15 years of age presenting with a clinical picture characteristic/ suspicious of dermatophytic infections. Direct microscopy was done on all cases, fungal culture in select cases.Two hundred and seventy cases were found to be suffering from dermatophytoses. Three groups of presentation were seen, 68(25.1%) cases presented with tinea incognito, 80(29.6%) cases showed some alteration while 122(45.2%) cases presented with classical features. Direct microscopy was positive in 230(85%) cases, fungal culture in 60%. Maximum number of cases were tinea corporis with 57.4%, followed by tinea faciei in 33.1% cases. Family history was positive in 200(74%) cases, younger patients came earlier for consultation. Hospital based study where cases with minimal involvement might have been excluded.Paediatric tinea is now presenting with adult patterns of presentation. They often mimic other dermatoses due to involvement of previously uninvolved sites and often evades diagnosis. Awareness, high index of suspicion and laboratory tools will result in early diagnosis and treatment.