Retrospective evaluation of 104 tinea capitis cases*

Abstract

Aim: Tinea capitis is a superficial scalp dermatophyte infection. Tinea capitis is particularly seen during childhood and is not usually seen after puberty. In untreated cases, it can be contagious and can progress to cicatricial alopecia. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate cases of tinea capitis. Materials and methods: We evaluated 104 tinea capitis patients presenting to our dermatology clinic between 2007 and 2011. Results: Of these patients, 38 (36.5%) were female and 66 (63.5%) were male. The median age was 6.41 ± 3.4 years (range: 1 18 years old). The clinical types appearing in descending order were tinea capitis profunda (88.5%), tinea capitis superficial (10.6%), and tinea capitis favosa (1.9%). The most frequently seen transmission route was human-to-human transmission in 23.5% of the patients, followed by animal-to-human transmission in 19.2% of the patients. Conclusion: Tinea capitis is a commonly seen dermatosis in our region. Patients with tinea capitis usually seek a physician when inflammatory lesions develop. Cases are usually misdiagnosed as eczema or psoriasis by primary care physicians, causing a delay in proper treatment. Tinea capitis can cause hair loss and scar formation, and so early diagnosis and treatment is very important. For the accurate diagnosis and treatment of tinea capitis, required health education programs should be implemented.