Clinical patterns and etiology of dermatophytosis

Background: Dermatophytosis is a very common fungal infection of skin, hair and nail caused by dermatophytes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical patterns and etiology of dermatophytosis in Babol, northern Iran. Methods: From September 2003 to December 2005, 200 patients with dermatophytosis who were admitted in the dermatology clinic of Babol Medical University were studied. The diagnosis of the fungal infection was performed in both, direct smear and culture. Results: All patients were positive with direct smear and culture. The frequency of the disease was equal between the male (52%, female(48%)). Tinea cruris (24.5%), tinea pedis (20%), tinea corporis (17%), tinea ungium (15.5%), were the most common dermatophytosis. Trichophyton mentagrophyte was the most prevalent species followed by Epidermophyton floccosum. Conclusion: The results show that tinea cruris and tinea pedis were the most common dermatophytosis in our region. Trichophyton mentagrophyte and Epidermophyton floccosum were the most etiologic agents.