Dermatophyte Infections in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background The prevalence of dermatophyte infections has recently surged worldwide, particularly in tropical nations like India. This is associated with changes in the clinical pattern and mycological profile among the pediatric population. This clinico-epidemiologic study aims to clarify the determinants, clinical trends, and health burden of dermatophytosis in the pediatric population. Methodology A total of 153 children below 15 years of age clinically diagnosed with dermatophytosis who visited the Dermatology Outpatient Department of BLDE (Deemed to be University), Shri B M Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, from May 2023 to January 2025 were included in this cross-sectional study. Detailed history regarding lesion duration, previous medication and consultation, personal history, and family history was documented. Skin scraping, hair, or nail clippings were taken from the lesion as specimens for microbiological studies. A direct microscopic examination of potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount and fungal culture was done in each case. Results The most commonly affected age group in the present study was 13-15 years. The most frequent clinical diagnosis was tinea corporis, which was followed by tinea capitis. The most prevalent manifestation of the combined form of dermatophytosis was tinea corporis with tinea capitis. Laboratory analysis revealed microscopy of a 10% KOH mount demonstrated fungal hyphae in 124 (81%) patient samples, and culture positivity for dermatophytes was present in 78 samples (51%). <i>Trichophyton mentagrophytes </i>was the most commonly isolated species, isolated from 49 patient samples (62.8%), followed by <i>Trichophyton rubrum</i> in 18 patient samples (23.1%). Conclusion The most common fungal species isolated was <i>Trichophyton mentagrophytes</i>, followed by <i>Trichophyton rubrum. </i>Our study highlights a shift in the clinical presentation of dermatophytosis among children, characterized by larger, more extensive lesions.