Mycological Study of Tinea Capitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVETinea capitis is a superficial fungal infection of the hair follicle of scalp. The causative dermatophytes vary with social status and geographical distribution. The incidence is high in developing countries due to factors like poverty compounded by overcrowding, improper hygiene and illiteracy. Tinea capitis is the most common dermatophytes infection of childhood, especially in school going children. It is self-limiting disease of childhood and seldom extends beyond puberty. India being a tropical developing country with high temperature and humidity favours superficial cutaneous mycotic infections. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the dermatophytes causing tinea capitis.