There is a paucity of literature on tinea capitis from North India. The response to griseofulvin has not been studied as well. We studied 153 consecutive patients of tinea capitis for clinical patterns, causative dermatophytic species, clinico-etiological correlation, and response to griseofulvin. Culture and sensitivity were done on all patients. All patients were treated with griseofulvin for 6-8 weeks; non-responders were further treated with fluconazole. Ninety percent of the patients were less than 15 years of age, 75% belonged to poor socioeconomic groups and 19% had a family history of tinea capitis. The seborrheic variant was the commonest clinical pattern seen in 47.8% of patients, followed by grey patch, black dot, kerion, and alopecia-areata-like tinea capitis in 35.9%, 8.5%, 6.5% and 1.3% of patients, respectively. Only 66% of patients had a positive culture. T. violaceum was the commonest dermatophytic species isolated in 38% patients. M. audouinii, T. schoenleinii, T. tonsurans, M. gypseum, T. verrucosum and T. mentagrophytes were isolated in 34%, 10%, 9%, 3%, 3% and 3% of patients, respectively. Of the isolates 94% were susceptible to griseofulvin, and 100% were susceptible to fluconazole. By using griseofulvin for 6-8 weeks 97.4% of the patients were cured; nonresponders required therapy with fluconazole for cure. To conclude, tinea capitis is still a disease of younger people of poor socioeconomic status. T. violaceum and M. audouinii are the most common responsible dermatophytes. The response to griseofulvin was excellent, and it should be used as a first line therapy.

Introduction:Topical corticosteroids (TCS) have been widely used in various dermatological diseases. However, because of inadvertent use, TCS misuse has become a common problem faced by dermatologists in various parts of the world. Prolonged use over the face can cause various side effects such as steroid rosacea, acneiform eruptions, and hypertrichosis.Aim:To study the effects of TCS misuse and analyze various factors promoting its use on face.Materials and Methods:A total of 100 patients presenting with various facial dermatoses following the misuse of TCS on the face were studied. Detailed history was noted and the various side effects were recorded.Results:Majority of the patients (70%) were females with maximum number of patients belonging to the age group of 11–20 years. Eighty-five percent of the patients were applying TCS for medical conditions, with acne being the most common indication, and the rest were applying as a general face cream. Pruritus and acneiform eruptions were the most common side effects observed and the other reported were erythema, photosensitivity, steroid dependent face, and telangiectasia.Conclusion:TCS misuse especially over the face can lead to a multitude of side effects. It is high time to create awareness among the patients as well as doctors regarding the proper usage of this wonder drug.

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