RESUMEN
Tinea capitis is a highly contagious disorder occurring predominantly in children. Presentation is variable and, as such, mycologic confirmation of dermatophyte infection would be useful in targeting specific therapy and implementing preventive measures to interrupt spread of infection. This retrospective study was performed at an outpatient dermatology clinic in Jackson, Mississippi, over a 15-year period (1983-1998). Dermatophyte infections were confirmed using scalp scrapings cultured on Mycosel Agar containing cycloheximide and chloramphenicol. Cultures were performed on 1220 patients of all ages presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of tinea capitis. Of the total patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 66% were younger than 13 years. Overall, 39% (478/1220) had positive cultures for dermatophytes, with black individuals having the highest percentage of positive cultures (87% [414/478]). In addition to a review of findings, we examine the impact of a cultural diagnosis of dermatophyte infection on the treatment and prevention of this highly contagious infection.
Asunto(s)
Arthrodermataceae/aislamiento & purificación , Tiña del Cuero Cabelludo/microbiología , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Mississippi/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tiña del Cuero Cabelludo/epidemiología , Tiña del Cuero Cabelludo/etnologíaRESUMEN
Dermatologists and other physicians frequently encounter simple chronic paronychia and onycholysis. In addition to strict avoidance of contact irritants, a broad-spectrum topical antifungal agent has been recommended. We conducted an examination of treatment with this type of agent and an assessment of the efficacy of ciclopirox 0.77% topical suspension in combination with a strict irritant-avoidance regimen. Early results of a pilot study (N = 44) using ciclopirox 0.77% topical suspension in patients diagnosed with simple chronic paronychia and/or onycholysis show excellent therapeutic outcomes of a combined regimen of a broad-spectrum topical antifungal agent such as ciclopirox and contact-irritant avoidance in this patient population.