Clinicoepidemiological and Dermatoscopic Evaluation of Dermatophytosis in Pediatric Age Group

Context: Dermatophytosis, prevalent in developing countries, is shifting from tinea capitis to other types in children, with varied clinical presentations. Dermatoscopy as a non-invasive tool can be useful in pediatric age group in case of clinical dilemma and to confirm our diagnosis. Aims: The aim of the study was to identify the changing clinical-epidemiological trends, clinical spectrum, risk factors, and dermoscopic features in pediatric dermatophytosis. Settings and Design: A prospective observational study done at a tertiary care center in Hyderabad, Telangana. Materials and Methods: Children ≤12 years of age, were included in our study. During the study, children with dermatophyte infection were evaluated and their skin lesions were photographed and dermatoscopic examination was performed using Dermlite DL5, and skin scrappings were taken for KOH mount. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were entered into Microsoft Excel analysis was performed using the SPSS software. Results: The most common dermatophytoses were tinea corporis (30.1%), followed by tinea capitis (28.9%), family history of dermatophytosis was present in 47% of the study population and among them, the most common source of infection was mother (16.9%). The most common dermatoscopic features were peripheral scales (57.8%), brown dots and globules (36.1%), red dots (28.9%), black dots (22.9%), erythema (20.4%), spotted hair (19.3%), corkscrew hair (19.3%), and zigzag hair (13.3%). Conclusions: Our study concluded that the most common type of pediatric dermatophytosis was tinea corporis, followed by tinea capitis and tinea cruris. The duration of dermatophytosis could be established by the characteristics of scales, color of globules, and background color.