Korean J Dermatol.  2024 Feb;62(2):82-91.

Clinical and Mycological Analysis of Tinea Capitis in Adults and Children during the Last 24-Year-Period (1999∼2022): A Single-Center Study

• Seong M
• Son H
• Suh MK
• Lee K

Abstract

Background
Tinea capitis in adults has been increasing recently. Nevertheless, studies related to difference in tinea capitis between adults and children in Korea are scarce.
Objective
To investigate the clinical and mycological features of tinea capitis in adults and children.
Methods
The medical records of 60 adult and 58 pediatric patients with tinea capitis during a 24-year period were retrospectively examined.
Results
The proportion of adult patients among all patients with tinea capitis had increased from 32.3% between 1999 and 2010 to 57.5% between 2011 and 2022 (p=0.016). The proportion of postmenopausal women among all adult patients with tinea capitis was 70.0%. Among those aged <50 years, the incidence rate ratio in males to that in females was 2:1. However, among those aged ≥50 years, the incidence rate ratio in males to that in females was 1:4.7, indicating a higher incidence in females (p=0.005). Microsporum canis was the most common etiological agent (48.8%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (36.6%). M. canis was the most prevalent dermatophyte in adults (48.8%) and children (85.0%). However, the proportion of dermatophytes other than M. canis was higher in adults (51.2%) than in children (15.0%) (p＜0.001).
Conclusion
Tinea capitis in adults has increased, particularly in postmenopausal women. M. canis was the most prevalent dermatophyte; however, the prevalence of other species, notably T. rubrum, was higher in adults compared with that in children. These findings are expected to offer valuable insights for the early diagnosis and treatment of tinea capitis in adults.

Keyword

Adult; Arthrodermataceae; Child; Tinea capitis