Tinea capitis: aetiology, clinical features, and risk factors among school pupils in Ilorin, Kwara state, Nigeria.
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nigerian Journal of Dermatology
Abstract
Background: Tinea capitis (TC) is an identified cause of physical and psychosocial distress among many
children in our clime. The predominant aetiological agents have been known to vary with time and
geographic location. We sought to determine the current pattern of causative dermatophyte species in our
study population. We also aimed to describe the sociodemographic details and prevailing clinical features of
TC among the studied children.
Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 204 children from public primary
schools in the Nigerian city of Ilorin, Kwara State. Pupils with clinically diagnosed TC had KOH microscopy
and fungal culture done.
Results: Trichophyton tonsurans was the most frequently isolated dermatophyte specie. The grey patch
was the most common clinical type of TC. Frequently observed variables are male gender, low
socioeconomic status, overcrowding, sharing of head garments and hair care instruments, carrying objects
on the head and proximity to domestic animals. Over 50% of pupils reported physical or psychosocial
distress, while 15.7% had developed permanent hair loss. Despite these, adequate orthodox management
was rarely sought.
Conclusion: Tinea capitis and its consequences should not be overlooked. A holistic approach at the
community level may help reduce the disease burden.
Description
Keywords
Tinea capitis, dermatophyte infection, scalp