Tinea versicolor in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

A total of 1150 clinically suspected cases of tinea versicolor were examined in Dammam central Hospital in a Geographic region where many predisposing factors exist. Saudi patients comprised 66.8% of the examined cases. Both sexes were equally represented, and their ages ranged from 1 month to 65 years. The duration of the disease ranged from 1 week to 20 years. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by examination of the patients under Wood's light and by direct microscopy of skin scrapings in 1102 cases [95.8%]. Treatment by topical antifungal imidazole agents [clotrimazole or miconazole derivatives], selenium sulfide suspension, or oral ketoconazole was applied, depending on microscope findings, and yielded varying results: