ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Tinea faciei is a relatively uncommon dermatophyte infection. The studies, which included clinical forms, and isolated species of dermatophytes, are limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study aims to determine the causative organism, clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes of patients with tinea faciei attending the dermatologic clinic, Siriraj Hospital, from 1 January 2017 to 30 September 2021. Demographic data, clinical presentations, isolated dermatophyte species, treatments and outcomes were collected and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 151 tinea faciei cases were observed. Trichophyton rubrum (48.6%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex (22.2%) and Microsporum canis (18.1%) were common causative agents. Tinea faciei was commonly detected in females (64.9%) with a history of pets (54.6%). Clinical presentations often involved plaques and scales on the cheeks. Among patients with lesions on the cheek, mycological cure was observed significantly less often compared to those without cheek lesions. Patients with other concurrent skin or nail infections, a history of topical steroids and a history of previous fungal infection had a slightly longer duration of mycological cure than those without factors. Recurrent infection was found in 33.3%. Male, history of previous fungal infection, and lesions on the cheeks were significantly associated with recurrent infection. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal infection of the face was commonly found in women and patients with pets. The most common pathogen that caused tinea faciei was T. rubrum. Topical antifungal treatments could be used with favourable outcomes. The history of past infection and lesion on the cheeks should be carefully assessed to be vigilant for recurrent infection.
Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Arthrodermataceae , Microsporum , Tinea , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Female , Male , Tinea/microbiology , Tinea/drug therapy , Tinea/epidemiology , Thailand/epidemiology , Adult , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Middle Aged , Arthrodermataceae/isolation & purification , Arthrodermataceae/classification , Arthrodermataceae/drug effects , Young Adult , Adolescent , Microsporum/isolation & purification , Child , Treatment Outcome , Aged , Facial Dermatoses/microbiology , Facial Dermatoses/drug therapy , Child, PreschoolABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A decreasing trend in tinea cruris caused by Epidermophyton floccosum, an anthropophilic dermatophyte, has been observed. METHODS: This retrospective study involved Thai naval cadets aged 18 years or older with suspected groin lesions. Both clinical evaluations and laboratory investigations were conducted. RESULTS: In total, 86 male participants with a median age of 19 years who presented with groin rash were enrolled in the study. Branching septate hyphae from KOH examination were found in 55 patients (64.0 %). Fungal identifications were Epidermophyton floccosum (42 cases; 76.4 %), Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex (3 cases; 5.5 %), and no growth (10 cases; 18.2 %). An E. floccosum outbreak was identified, with a prevalence of 76.4 %. Most lesions exhibited admixed erythema and hyperpigmentation. Approximately two-thirds displayed prominent, easily visible scaling. Scrotal involvement was absent in 95.2 % of lesions, with 87.2 % presenting bilaterally. A gradual symptom onset lasting up to 2 months was observed in 78.9 % of cases. Lesion morphologies included annular (73.8 %), patchy (14.3 %), and polycyclic (9.5 %). Severe itching disrupting daily activities was reported by only 7.1 % of participants. Approximately two-thirds used over-the-counter (OTC) topical medications without consulting a physician. Risk factors related to clothing included sharing clothes (59.5 %), wearing sweaty clothes (100 %), and reusing unwashed clothes (81.0 %). CONCLUSIONS: The E. floccosum tinea cruris outbreak among naval cadets was characterized by a gradual onset and mild symptoms. OTC medication use without physician consultation was prevalent.
