Superficial Fungal Infection in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Yoo, Kwang Ho; Kim, Ji Young; Li, Kapsok; Seo, Seong Jun; Hong, Chang Kwun

Abstract

BACKGROUND
It is well known that patients with atopic dermatitis are prone to cutaneous infections, and especially superficial fungal infection. However, a study on the relationship of superficial fungal infection in atopic dermatitis patients has not yet been performed in Korea.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship of atopic dermatitis to superficial fungal infection in Koreans.
METHODS
We examined for evidence of superficial fungal disease in 2,153 atopic dermatitis patients and we compared the findings to those of 126,777 non-atopic dermatitis patients who visited the Department of Dermatology of Chung-Ang University from January 2003 to December 2007.
RESULTS
Superficial fungal infections were more common in the atopic dermatitis patients (6%) than in the controls (2.5%) (p<0.05) and especially in the age group of the 1st and 2nd decades (p<0.05). The seasonal prevalence of superficial fungal infection was high during summer for both groups (38% vs 44%, respectively). The most common site of fungal distribution was feet (Tinea pedis) for both groups (42.5% vs 28.1%, respectively). The prevalence of coexisting superficial fungal infection was not significantly different in both groups (38.3% vs 39.9%, respectively). The most common isolated organism was Trichophyton rubrum in both groups (52.7% vs 38%, respectively).
CONCLUSION
The study shows that the prevalence of superficial fungal infection in atopic dermatitis patients is higher than that in controls. Therefore, we should consider the presence of combined superficial fungal infection in recalcitrant atopic dermatitis patients and use antifungal agents for treatment.