Gender Differences in Psychosocial Outcomes of Hair Loss Resulting from Childhood Irradiation for Tinea Capitis.

Recent studies have linked hair loss due to childhood irradiation for tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp, to adverse psychosocial and health outcomes in women. However, no study to date has examined gender differences in the outcomes of this type of hair loss. The current study aimed to investigate gender differences in health and psychosocial outcomes of hair loss resulting from childhood irradiation for tinea capitis, and to identify the risk factors associated with depression in both men and women. Medical records held at the archives of the Israel National Center for Compensation of Scalp Ringworm Victims were retrospectively reviewed for 217 women and 105 men who received maximum disability compensation due to severe hair loss resulting from irradiation for tinea capitis. We found that women were at increased risk of developing psychosocial symptoms, including depression. Gender emerged as a significant predictor of depression, distinct from other predictors, such as marital status, age at radiation, exposure to verbal and physical bullying, low self-esteem, social anxiety, and physical health problems. Thus, the psychosocial needs of patients, particularly female patients, who were irradiated for tinea capitis during childhood need to be taken into account by the healthcare professionals treating them.

Does Severity of Hair Loss Matter? Factors Associated with Mental Health Outcomes in Women Irradiated for Tinea Capitis in Childhood.

Hair loss resulting from childhood irradiation for tinea capitis has been linked to mental health effects in women. However, the association of hair loss severity with mental health in this population is unknown. To address this gap, this study examined the association between hair loss severity and mental health outcomes in women irradiated for tinea capitis in childhood as well as the factors that contribute to these outcomes. Medical records, held at the archives of the Israel National Center for Compensation of Scalp Ringworm Victims, were retrospectively reviewed for 2509 women who received compensation for full or partial alopecia resulting from irradiation for tinea capitis. Mental health outcomes were determined by the number of mental health conditions reported. The results show that among women with more hair loss, risk was increased for a range of mental health problems, especially social anxiety (RR 2.44, 95% CI 2.09-2.87). Hair loss severity emerged as a significant predictor of mental health, adding to the effects of other predictors such as family, social and physical health problems (ß = 0.13, 95% CI 0.27, 0.56). The effects of hair loss severity on mental health outcomes were mediated by women's negative social experiences (indirect = 0.72, 95% bias-corrected confidence interval, 0.53-1.08). Healthcare professionals supporting women with hair loss after irradiation for childhood tinea capitis should be alert to a history of severe levels of hair loss.

Tiña Capitis en niños / Tinea capitis in children

La tiña capitis (TC) es una infección por dermatofitos con una alta prevalencia en la población pediátrica. Su epidemiología ha cambiado en las últimas décadas debido a la creciente migración poblacional alrededor del mundo. Se han identificado factores de riesgo ambientales y propios del huésped, relacionados al desarrollo de esta infección. Las manifestaciones clínicas son variables y dependen del agente causal. La dermatoscopia y la luz de Wood son herramientas útiles para la aproximación diagnóstica, sin embargo, la confirmación de la infección se basa en las pruebas micológicas. El aislamiento del agente causal permite orientar el tratamiento antifúngico adecuado, siendo estos eficaces y seguros en población pediátrica. El tratamiento se centra en la terapia antimicótica sistémica en combinación con medidas locales. El objetivo del manuscrito es hacer una revisión actualizada sobre el enfoque clínico y terapéutico de la TC en población pediátrica.

Tinea capitis (TC) is a dermatophyte infection with a high prevalence in the pediatric population. Its epidemiology has changed in recent decades due to increasing population migration worldwide. Environmental and host-specific risk factors have been identified which are with the development of this infection. The clinical manifestations are variable and depend on the causal agent. Dermatosco- py and Wood's lamp are useful tools for the diagnostic approach; however, the confirmation of in fection is based on mycological tests. The identification of the causal agent allows guiding the appro priate antifungal treatment, which is specific and safe in the pediatric population. Treatment focuses on systemic antifungal therapy combined with local measures. The objective of this paper is to carry out an updated review of the clinical and therapeutic approach to TC in the pediatric population.

Etiologia e epidemiologia da tinea capitis: relato de série de casos e revisão da literatura / Etiology and epidemiology of tinea capitis: case-serie report and literature review

Dermatofitose é uma micose superficial, causada por fungos filamentosos denominados dermatófitos, que são capazes de degradar estruturas queratinizadas. Os agentes dessas infecções em humanos pertencem a três gêneros: Microsporum, Trichophyton e Epidermophyton. O objetivo deste trabalho é revisar os estudos epidemiológicos e relatos de casos de tinea capitis, a partir de artigos publicados entre 2000 e 2018. Com base nos dados analisados, o gênero masculino foi o mais afetado pela tinea capitis e a faixa etária mais relatada foi a de indivíduos menores de 10 anos. As principais espécies isoladas foram: T. tonsurans e M. canis, sendo o primeiro mais encontrado nas regiões norte, nordeste e centro-oeste, e o segundo, nas regiões sudeste e sul do Brasil. Nos relatos de casos foram reportadas lesões com diferentes características, sendo algumas mais inflamatórias, eritematosas, com pústulas, placas de alopécia ou descamativas do que outras. Dor e prurido foram sintomas observados em alguns casos. A griseofulvina e os derivados azólicos foram os principais fármacos empregados na terapia, ainda que em associação em alguns casos. As avaliações dos tratamentos empregados nos casos de tinea capitis devem ser minuciosamente realizadas, visto que há relatos de casos em que a reposta terapêutica não é eficiente, agravando as lesões e prolongando o tempo de tratamento.

Dermatophytosis is a superficial mycosis, caused by filamentous fungi called dermatophytes, which are capable of degrading keratinized structures. The agents of these infections in humans belong to three genera: Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. The objective of this study is to review the epidemiological studies and reports of tinea capitis cases in Brazil, based on articles published between 2000 and 2018. Based on the data analyzed, the male gender was the most affected by Tinea capitis and the most reported age group was of individuals with less than 10 years. The main species isolated from the samples were: T. tonsurans and M. canis, being the first one most found in the north, northeast and center-west regions and the second one found in the southeastern and southern regions of Brazil. In the case reports, lesions with different characteristics were reported, being some more inflammatory, erythematous, with pustules, others with plaques of alopecia or desquamative than others. Pain and itching were symptoms observed in some cases. Griseofulvin and azole derivatives were the main drugs used in therapy, although in association in some cases. The evaluations of the treatment employed in the cases of Tinea capitis should be thoroughly done since there are reports of cases in which the therapeutic response is not efficient, aggravating the lesions and prolonging the treatment time

Epidemiology of dermatophyte infections among school children in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt.

Most superficial mycotic infections of human skin are due to dermatophytes. Children are frequently affected due to different predisposing factors, particularly overcrowding in classrooms. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dermatophytes infections and their related risk factors among school children in Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Six public primary and preparatory schools were randomly selected and their pupils (n = 3464) were asked to complete a predesigned questionnaire covering both personal data and suspected risk factors for superficial dermatophyte infections. The children were also examined for dermatological diseases. Any suspected lesions were biopsied for mycological examination. The prevalence of clinically suspected dermatophytes infections was 1.41%, whereas the prevalence of culture confirmed cases was 0.98%. The most common clinical type was tinea capitis with a prevalence of 1.01%. Microsporum canis was the only isolated organism from the suspicious lesions with a 69.4% positivity rate. A higher prevalence was observed among boys, low socio-economic pupils and those with a family history of dermatophyte infections. Pet contact and sharing towels and caps among pupils were significant risk factors. Dermatophyte infection is still prevalent among basic school pupils. Fortunately, it is related to preventable risk factors. We recommend regular screening and use of educational health programmes for kids to control it.

Epidemiological profile of tinea capitis in São Paulo City

Abstract: Tinea capitis is the most common fungal infection in children. The identification of the etiologic agent helps clinicians make their therapeutic choice. Studies conducted in different countries show a changing pattern of the main etiological agents according to their regions. We performed a retrospective study in the tertiary public service in São Paulo, analyzing the isolated etiological agents in patients with tinea capitis from March 2013 to May 2015. Microsporum canis was the main agent (56.6%), followed by Trichophyton tonsurans (36.6%). Despite recent migratory movements in the city, we observed no change in the causative agent of tinea capitis.

Dermatofitos: casuística en la Sección de Micología del Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Asunción - Paraguay (2000 - 2016) / Dermatophytes: casuistry in the Mycology Section of the Central Public Health Laboratory, Asunción - Paraguay (2000 - 2016)

Introducción: los dermatofitos son las principales causas de micosis superficial. Su epidemiología es poco conocida en Paraguay. Objetivos: describir las especies prevalentes, tipos de tiñas y características según sexo y edad de pacientes que acudieron al Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Asunción- Paraguay,en el período 2000-2016. Materiales y Métodos: se estudiaron pacientes de todas las edades con diagnóstico de micosis superficiales. Las muestras procesadas fueron uñas, pelos y escamas epidérmicas Se realizaron exámenes directos con KOH y cultivos. La identificación fue por macro y microscopía de las colonias. Resultados: de 6.652 pacientes con sospecha de micosis superficiales, 803 (12%) fueron positivas para dermatofitos. Los aislamientos fueron Microsporumcanis (33,9%), Trichophytonrubrum (23,8%), Trichophytonmentagrophytes (22%), Trichophytontonsurans (12,6%), Microsporumgypseum (6,2%), Trichophytonverrucosum (1,4%), un aislamiento para Microsporummanuumy Epidermophytonfloccosum respectivamente. Los tipos de tiñas fueron: capitis (54,3%), corporis (27,1%) yunguium (9,8%), pedís (3,8%), cruris (3%) y manuum (2%). Conclusión: el hongo prevalente fue Microsporumcanis (33,9%) y la tiña más frecuente fue capitis.

Introduction: dermatophytes are the main causes of superficial mycosis. Its epidemiology is less known in Paraguay. Objectives: to describe the prevalent species, types of tinea and features according to sex and age of patients who attended the Central Laboratory of Public Health, Asunción-Paraguay, in the period 2000-2016. Materials and Methods: patients of all ages with a diagnosis of superficial mycosis were studied. The samples processed were nails, hairs and epidermal scales. Direct tests were carried out with KOH and cultures. The identification was by macro scopy and microscopy of the colonies. Results: of 6,652 patients with suspected superficial mycoses, 803 (12%) were positive for dermatophytes. The isolates were Microsporum canis (33.9%), Trichophyton rubrum (23.8%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (22%), Trichophyton tonsurans (12.6%), Microsporum gypseum (6.2%), Trichophyton verrucosum (1,4%), isolation for Microsporum manuum and Epidermophyton floccosum respectively. The types of tinea were: capitis (54.3%), corporis (27.1%) and unguium (9.8%), pedis (3.8%), cruris (3%) and manuum (2%). Conclusion: The prevalent fungus was Microsporum canis (33.9%) and the most frequent tinea was capitis.

The burden of serious fungal diseases in Russia.

The incidence and prevalence of fungal infections in Russia is unknown. We estimated the burden of fungal infections in Russia according to the methodology of the LIFE program (www.LIFE-worldwide.org). The total number of patients with serious and chronic mycoses in Russia in 2011 was three million. Most of these patients (2,607,494) had superficial fungal infections (recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, oral and oesophageal candidiasis with HIV infection and tinea capitis). Invasive and chronic fungal infections (invasive candidiasis, invasive and chronic aspergillosis, cryptococcal meningitis, mucormycosis and Pneumocystis pneumonia) affected 69,331 patients. The total number of adults with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation was 406,082.

Estimating the burden of fungal disease in Vietnam.

Data regarding the prevalence of fungal infections in Vietnam are limited yet they are likely to occur more frequently as increasingly sophisticated healthcare creates more iatrogenic risk factors. In this study, we sought to estimate baseline incidence and prevalence of selected serious fungal infections for the year 2012. We made estimates with a previously described actuarial method, using reports on the incidence and prevalence of various established risk factors for fungal infections from Vietnam, or similar environments, supplemented by personal communications. Global data were used if local data were unavailable. We estimated 2,352,748 episodes of serious fungal infection occurred in Vietnam in 2012. Frequent conditions included recurrent vaginal candidiasis (3893/100,000 women annually), tinea capitis (457/100,000 annually) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (61/100,000/5 year period). We estimated 140 cases of cryptococcal meningitis, 206 of penicilliosis and 608 of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. This is the first summary of Vietnamese fungal infections. The majority of severe disease is due to Aspergillus species, driven by the high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis. The AIDS epidemic highlights opportunistic infections, such as penicilliosis and cryptococcosis, which may complicate immunosuppressive treatments. These estimates provide a useful indication of disease prevalence to inform future research and resource allocation but should be verified by further epidemiological approaches.

Dermatophytes and other associated fungi in patients attending to some hospitals in Egypt

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that infect keratinized tissues causing diseases known as dermatophytoses. Dermatophytes are classified in three genera, Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton. This investigation was performed to study the prevalence of dermatomycosis among 640 patients being evaluated at the dermatology clinics at Kasr elainy, El-Husein and Said Galal hospitals in Cairo and Giza between January 2005 and December 2006. The patients were checked for various diseases. Tinea capitis was the most common clinical disease followed by tinea pedis and tinea corporis. Tinea cruris and tinea unguium were the least in occurrence. Tinea versicolor also was detected. The most susceptible persons were children below 10 years followed by those aged 31–40 years. Unicellular yeast was the most common etiological agent and T. tonsuranswas the second most frequent causative agent followed by M. canis.

Barriers to Treatment of Tinea Capitis in Children Living in the Jane Finch Community of Toronto.

BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection of the scalp. If left untreated, tinea capitis infection can cause severe inflammatory reactions and the development of kerion. Tinea capitis is effectively treated with oral antifungals, but at present these are not covered under government assistance programs. OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential impact of a limited use code for antifungal therapy in the treatment of childhood tinea capitis. METHOD: Fourteen family physicians practicing in the Jane Finch area were surveyed on their experience treating tinea capitis in this community. RESULTS: Seventy-one percent of surveyed family physicians felt that cost impedes the treatment of tinea capitis in their practice, and 100% felt that a limited use code would have a positive impact on their patients. CONCLUSION: A limited use code for oral antifungal treatments of tinea capitis may provide a simple, cost-effective solution to a major problem impacting children in the Jane Finch area.

[Aetiology of childhood alopecia]. / Caracterización de las causas de alopecia infantil.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood alopecia is a relative rare event in general paediatric dermatology practice. Hair loss in children may have multiple causes, and there are different types of alopecia according to age groups. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of alopecia in children from two Chilean paediatric hospitals. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Descriptive analysis of clinical records of patients from the Dermatology Department of Roberto del Rio and Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospitals between January 2007 and June 2010. Patients with clinical diagnosis of alopecia were included. RESULTS: A total of 345 clinical records were analysed, with 179 males (51.9%). The median age was 72 months. Overall, the most common diagnoses were: alopecia areata (AA), (36.8%), tinea capitis (TC), (21%), nevus sebaceous (13.2%), and tellogen effluvium (8.7%). According to age groups, in newborns, the most common causes were aplasia cutis and nevus sebaceous. In toddlers, pre-school and school children, the principal causes were nevus sebaceous, AA and TC. Trichotillomania was also significant in school children. In adolescents, nevus sebaceous, AA and tellogen effluvium were the most frequent diagnoses. AA was statistically associated with autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, nail disorder, psychiatric disease, and Down's syndrome. The most common aetiological agent in TC was M. canis (86.6%). Trichotillomania was also statistically associated to psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the main causes of alopecia in children were acquired and non-scarring alopecia. In our results, the type of alopecia varies according to age group. Some types of childhood alopecia showed a close correlation to psychiatric disorders.

Red face revisited: Disorders of hair growth and the pilosebaceous unit.

This paper reviews the recent literature on the diseases of the hair and pilosebaceous unit that may cause a red face. We discuss the epidemiology, clinicals, pathogenesis, and therapy of lichen planopilaris with its variants, discoid lupus erythematosus, folliculitis decalvans, dissecting folliculitis, acne keloidalis nuchae, pseudofolliculitis barbae, tinea capitis, tinea barbae, folliculitis of diverse causative factors and inflammatory follicular keratotic syndromes, ulerythema ophryogenes, atrophoderma vermiculatum, keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans, and folliculitis spinulosa decalvans.

The mass campaign to eradicate ringworm among the Jewish community in Eastern Europe, 1921-1938.

Between the years 1921 and 1938, 27,600 children were irradiated during a mass campaign to eradicate ringworm among the Jewish community in East Europe. The ringworm campaign was the initiative of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee together with the Jewish health maintenance organization OZE (The Society for the Protection of Jewish Health). We describe this campaign that used x-rays to eradicate ringworm and its mission to enhance public health among Jewish communities in Eastern Europe during the period between the world wars. We discuss the concepts behind the campaign, the primary health agents that participated in it, and the latent medical ramifications that were found among children treated for ringworm, many years after treatment--pathologies that can be linked to the irradiation they received as children. Our research is based on historical archival materials in the United States, Europe, and Israel.

Onicomicosis: epidemiología, agentes causales y evaluación de los métodos diagnósticos de laboratorio / Onychomycoses: epidemiology, causative agents and assessment of diagnostic laboratory methods

Desde marzo de 2007 hasta marzo de 2011 se estudiaron prospectivamente 414 pacientes con onicodistrofias en un laboratorio privado de Esquel. La prevalencia de onicomicosis de pie fue del 78 %; la de mano, del 58 %. Los principales agentes etiológicos fueron Trichophyton rubrum, Candida spp. y Trichophyton mentagrophytes. El desarrollo de dermatofitos prevaleció en las onicopatías de pie y el de Candida spp. en las de uñas de mano (ambos, p < 0,05). En las onicomicosis candidiásicas predominaron especies diferentes a Candida albicans. Las onicomicosis fueron más frecuentes en los hombres que en las mujeres. A su vez, en los hombres hubo más aislamientos de T. rubrum en pies (p < 0,05) y mayor proporción de exámenes directos (ED) y cultivos positivos (ambos, p < 0,05). La correlación entre los resultados del ED y del cultivo fue del 68 %. El rédito de ambos métodos se asoció a un mayor tamaño de la lesión ungueal. El ED fue más efectivo en onicodistrofias que superaban los 5 años de evolución. La positividad del cultivo fue independiente de la cronicidad de la onicodistrofia.

Since March 2007 to March 2011, 414 patients with onychopathies were prospectively analyzed. Prevalence of the toenail and fingernail mycoses was 78 % and 58 %, respectively. The major etiological agents were Trichophyton rubrum, Candida spp. and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Dermatophytes were more frequently cultured from toenails, whereas Candida spp. from fingernails (both, p < 0.05). In candidal onychomycosis, species different from C. albicans were prevalent. A higher prevalence of toenail and fingernail mycoses, a predominance of T. rubrum in toenails (p < 0.05), and greater positivity in the direct examination (DE) and in culture (both, p < 0.05) were more frequently observed in men than in women. The correlation between DE and culture was 68 %. DE and culture yields were associated with a greater size lesion. DE was more effective in onycodystrophies with duration of more than 5 years. Culture positivity was independent of nail affection chronicity.

Scalp hyperkeratosis and alopecia in children of color.

BACKGROUND: Scalp hyperkeratosis and/or alopecia are common pediatric dermatologic findings. In Caucasian children, scalp hyperkeratosis of childhood is most often associated with atopic and seborrheic dermatides. Recent data is lacking on the clinical meaning of scalp hyperkeratosis and alopecia in children of color. OBJECTIVE: To determine diagnosis associated with scalp hyperkeratosis and/or alopecia in a predominately Black and Hispanic pediatric patient population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all children (0-17 years of age) seen at our institution who had a scalp fungal culture for the evaluation of scalp hyperkeratosis and/or alopecia from January 2007 to September 2009. Fungal culture was performed using cotton swab technique, plating onto Sabouraud's and Mycosel media. Demographic features, fungal culture results, clinical symptoms, physical findings and final diagnosis were reviewed. RESULTS: 164 children were identified who were eligible for inclusion in the study, 75 of whom were Black and 56 Hispanic/Latino. Scalp hyperkeratosis was noted in 106 patients and alopecia was noted in 71 subjects. Tinea capitis was the final diagnosis in 50 out of 80 children who had hyperkeratosis without alopecia (60%), 16 of 43 children with alopecia alone (37.2%) and 23 of 28 children with both hyperkeratosis and alopecia (82.1%, P=0.0007). The odds ratio of tinea capitis in the presence of hyperkeratosis with alopecia was 7.49 with a 95 percent confidence limit of 2.19-25.70. CONCLUSION: Scalp hyperkeratosis, especially when accompanied by alopecia, is usually associated with tinea capitis in Black and Hispanic children. Fungal culture and empirical anti-fungal therapy are warranted in children of color with scalp hyperkeratosis.

The prevalence of infections with Trichophyton tonsurans in schoolchildren: the CAPITIS study.

BACKGROUND: Although Trichophyton tonsurans has become the leading cause of tinea capitis in the United States, reported infection rates vary widely, and prevalence estimates for the pediatric population at large remain poorly characterized. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, surveillance study of children attending kindergarten through fifth grade in 44 schools across the bi-state (Kansas/Missouri), Kansas City metropolitan area was conducted. Fungal cultures were collected from all participants, and molecular analyses were used to characterize the patterns of infection within the population. RESULTS: Of 10,514 children (age: 8.3 +/- 1.9 years) examined for the presence of T tonsurans on their scalps, 6.6% exhibited positive cultures. Infection rates at participating schools ranged from 0% to 19.4%, exceeding 30% at a given grade level in some schools. Black children demonstrated the highest rates of infection (12.9%), with prevalence estimates for the youngest members of this racial group approaching 18%. Infection rates for Hispanic (1.6%) and white (1.1%) children were markedly lower. A single genetic strain of T tonsurans was identified in only 16.6% of classrooms, whereas each child harbored a unique genetic strain in 51.4%. CONCLUSIONS: We report a large-scale, citywide, surveillance study of T tonsurans infection rates among children in primary school in a metropolitan area. The striking prevalence rates and genetic heterogeneity among the fungal isolates confirm the relatively large degree to which this pathogen has become integrated into metropolitan communities.