BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is a cutaneous infection of dermatophytes and predominant in children. Although tinea capitis in Korea is controlled by oral antifungal medications and concerted public health initiatives, it's still a health issue. OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in the epidemiological and mycological characteristics of adult patients with tinea capitis in southeastern Korea. METHODS: Using medical records from Kyungpook National University Hospital and Catholic Skin Clinic from 1989 to 2018, we retrospectively investigated the epidemiological and mycological characteristics of 266 adult patients (aged over 20) with tinea capitis. RESULTS: Among total 266 patients, 239 were KOH-positive. The annual incidence of tinea capitis ranged from 3 to 18 between 1989 and 2018. Of the total, 54 (20.30%) were male and 212 (79.70%) were female. Eighty patients (30.08%) were in their seventies, the most commonly affected age group. Of the remaining, 58 (21.80%) were in their sixties, and 41 (15.41%) in eighties. Among all, 77 (28.95%) visited the hospital in summer, 72 (27.07%) in spring, 64 (24.06%) in winter, and 53 (19.92%) in fall. Dermatophytes were cultured from 171 patients. Microsporum canis was the most common dermatophyte (42.48%), while Trichophyton rubrum was the second (15.79%). Of the 266 patients, 186 (69.92%) lived in urban areas and 80 (30.08%) in rural areas. CONCLUSION The epidemiological and mycological characteristics of adult patients with tinea capitis were different from those of children in terms of annual incidence, sex distribution, and isolated dermatophytes. These results provide useful information for the treatment and prevention of tinea capitis.

BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is a contagious fungal infection that occurs predominantly in childhood. Although its incidence has declined, its epidemiological and mycological characteristics are continue to evolve. OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in the epidemiological and mycological characteristics of tinea capitis in teenage patients in Southeastern Korea. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated epidemiological and mycological characteristics of 202 teenage patients with tinea capitis who visited Kyungpook National University Hospital and the Catholic Skin Disease Clinic from 1989–2018. RESULTS: Of 202 patients, 177 patients showed KOH-positivity. Dermatophytes were cultured from 157 patients. The annual incidence of tinea capitis ranged from 0 to 30 between 1989 and 2018. Of 202 patients, 153 patients (75.74%) were male and 49 patients (24.26%) were female. The ratio of male to female was 1:0.32. For seasonal distribution, 78 patients (38.61%) visited our hospital in winter, 59 patients (29.21%) visited in spring, 35 patients (17.33%) visited in fall, and 30 patients (14.85%) visited in summer. Microsporum canis was the most common dermatophyte (44.06%) isolated from tinea capitis. Trichophyton tonsurans was the second most common dermatophyte (26.73%). For inhabitancy distribution, 151 patients (74.75%) lived in urban areas and 51 (25.25%) lived in rural areas. CONCLUSION The epidemiological characteristics of teenage patients with tinea capitis were distinct from those of adults in annual incidence, sexual distribution and isolated dermatophytes. Trichophyton tonsurans was the main causative organism of tinea capitis in recent 10 years. These results are useful for the targeted treatment and prevention of tinea capitis.

BACKGROUND: Trichophyton verrucosum (T. verrucosum) is a zoophilic dermatophyte that causes ringworm in cattle and is prevalent worldwide. This dermatophyte may be responsible for various conditions, especially inflammatory skin lesions. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of T. verrucosum infections in southeastern Korea. METHODS: A total of 34 patients who visited the Catholic Skin Clinic and the Kyungpook National University Hospital in Daegu, Korea from 2005 to 2017 were diagnosed with T. verrucosum infection. The diagnosis was confirmed using fungal culture. The data were based on a retrospective survey of the medical records. RESULTS: The annual incidence of T. verrucosum infection was very low. There was no difference in the sexual incidence. T. verrucosum infection was most common among subjects in their fifties and sixties. The highest incidence was during the month of September. The arm was most frequently involved, followed by the face. This infection was predominant in patients living in rural areas. CONCLUSION These clinicoepidemiological findings provide useful information for understanding the changes in the infection caused by T. verrucosum. In particular, it was interesting to note that the incidence was very low, majority of the affected subjects were in their fifties and sixties, and the most commonly affected site was the arm.

BACKGROUND: Superficial fungal infections, including dermatophyte infection and cutaneous candidiasis, are common and affect more than 25% of the population worldwide. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the recent clinical and mycological characteristics of dermatophytosis and cutaneous candidiasis in southeastern Korea. METHODS: Of 20,413 patients with dermatophyte infection, cutaneous candidiasis, or suspected fungal infection, 8,106 who were culture positive for infection were retrospectively evaluated using their medical records. RESULTS: The annual incidence rate of fungal infection tended to be constant. Such infections were more common in men than in women. Fungal infections most commonly occurred in patients in their 50s and in August. The most common clinical type of superficial fungal infections was tinea pedis. The most common causative fungus of superficial fungal infections was Trichophyton rubrum. CONCLUSION This study provides useful information on the clinical and mycological characteristics of fungal infections in southeastern Korea in recent years.

No abstract available.
Arthrodermataceae* ; Humans ; Mothers* ; Nuclear Family* ; Tinea*

No abstract available.
Exophiala* ; Korea* ; Phaeohyphomycosis* ; Wrist*

BACKGROUND: Microsporum gypseum has been isolated from South Korea since 1966. However, the incidence of M. gypseum infection is very low. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to add massive data on M. gypseum to the literature and to provide useful information on clinical and mycological characteristics of M. gypseum. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data of 198 cases infected with M. gypseum from 1979 to 2016. The identification of M. gypseum was done with mycological examination using 15% KOH preparation and potato corn meal tween 80 agar culture media. RESULTS: The incidence of M. gypseum infection was very low in South Korea, showing a tendency to decrease. Out of 198 cases, men were 94 cases (47.5%) and women were 104 cases (52.5%). Mean age of all patients was 29.83 years old: 24.97 years old in men and 34.22 years old in women. M. gypseum infection occurred most frequently in September (16.7%) and August (16.2%). The most common clinical type of M. gypseum infection was tinea corporis (38.4%). CONCLUSION: M. gypseum infection shows very low incidence but still remains around us until recent years. We should keep in mind the characteristics of M. gypseum.
Agar ; Culture Media ; Epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea* ; Male ; Meals ; Microsporum* ; Polysorbates ; Retrospective Studies ; Solanum tuberosum ; Tinea ; Zea mays

BACKGROUND: Skin laser treatment has improved significantly and has become an effective treatment approach for many skin diseases while also having applications for beauty treatments. However, since skin laser transfers energy directly to the skin, the misuse of such treatment may result in permanent damage to skin tissues. OBJECTIVE: This survey of Korean adults, conducted to obtain their perspectives on and their treatment experience with skin laser treatment, will be used to determine the current status of skin laser treatment and to identify necessary changes to ensure proper and safe conduct of skin laser treatment. METHODS: From April 5th to April 12th, 2016, a survey was conducted to obtain information regarding the perspectives and the treatment experience of adults aged 20~59 years. RESULTS: Approximately 50% of the participants had experience with skin laser treatment, and among these, 24.7% had not received treatment at a dermatology clinic. Compared to treatment at a dermatology clinic, the danger of side effects was 1.7 times higher at a non-dermatology clinic, 2 times higher at a skin care shop, and 5.3 times higher at an Oriental medical clinic. Among patients who received skin laser treatment, 16.1% experienced side effects, and among these, 1 out of 4 patients visited a non-dermatologist for treatment of these side effects. CONCLUSION: The results of the survey showed that in order for the public to receive safe and effective skin laser treatment based on professional diagnosis, there is a definitive need to provide correct information to the public and to implement changes to ensure proper understanding of skin laser treatment among this population.
Adult ; Beauty ; Dermatology ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Skin Care ; Skin Diseases ; Skin*

No abstract available.