Tinea capitis: a family problem

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of a positive family history of dermatophytosis and the presence of a separate focus of dermatophytic infection in patients with tinea capitis. A prospective, cross-sectional study. A total of 100 patients with mycologically proven tinea capitis were examined, and a family history was taken of dermatophytic infections in family members. Clinical and mycological examinations of index cases as well as of affected family members were carried out. Department of Dermatology, Mayo Hospital/King Edward Medical College, Lahore. Sixty eight patients [68%] had a positive family history of dermatophytosis and 17 [17%] had a focus of dermatophytic infection other than tinea capitis. A family history of tinea capitis or other dermatophytosis is a frequent accompaniment, in patients with tinea capitis. Also, some patients have another focus of dermatophytic infection in addition to the tinea capitis. These factors may serve as course of infection in the patient as well as in the family and community