Alarming Epidemic of Tinea Incognito by Quackers in Central Rajasthan

Raj  Kumar Kothiwala; Ashok Meherda; Rakesh  Kumar

Raj Kumar Kothiwala Associate Professor, Department of Skin & VD, JLN Medical College, Ajmer.
Ashok Meherda Senior Professor, Department of Skin & VD, JLN medical college Ajmer.
Rakesh Kumar Junior Resident, Department of Skin & VD, JLN medical college Ajmer

Keywords: Dermatophytes, Topical corticosteroids, Tinea, Culprits, Offending agents.

Abstract

Abstract—Dermatophytes are the common fungal agents implicated in superficial skin infections worldwide, commonly known as tinea. They include species of Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Infections of these organisms have dramatically increased in last one decade by misuse of topical corticosteroids cream alone or in combination with topical antibacterial and antifungal agents. So this study was conducted with the aim to study about culprits (prescribers) and various offending agents. This study was conducted on 619 consecutive patients of tinea between ages 1-70 years. Tinea was diagnosed by detailed history, clinical examination and KOH mount. Detailed inquiry was made for topical steroid use by recall method or relevant prescriptions. It was found that out of 619, 500 (80.7%) patients were using topical corticosteroid in any form. Most common age group was 21-30 years (38.3%). Pharmacist appeared as chief culprit (52.6%) and Clobetasol was major offending agent (34.8%). Majority (55.3%) of patients applied these formulations for 4 week or more. Study concluded that use of topical corticosteroids in tinea has become menace because of unethical manufacture, sales, prescription and end misuse by patient.