Abstract:
Background: Tinea pedis is the most common form of dermatophyte infection of skin that resisted to therapy and high recurrence rate. Treatments depend on strain of the organism. The culture of dermatophyte had not been documented in Thailand. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and causative agent of tinea pedis from outpatient unit department of dermatology in King Chulalongkorn memorial hospital. Methods: The patients from outpatient unit department of dermatology in King Chulalongkorn memorial hospital was examined for the presence of tinea pedis. Scrapings from suspected lesions of fungal infection were sent to a mycological laboratory for KOH microscopy and fungal identification. The fungal culture was done for 2 time to prevention of contaminated fungi. Information on the patient's background and predisposing factors (regarding living conditions, hygiene, etc.) were provided by means of questionnaires filled out by each patient. Results: The prevalence of causative agent of tinea pedis found a dermatophyte was isolated in 89 patients (86.41%)Trichophyton mentagrophyte and T. rubrum accounted for 51.5% and 21.4%, respectively, Candida sp. 7.77%,Hendersonular.sp 3.88% other mold 1.94%. There are relationship between strains of fungi and clinical, id eruption and recurrence rate. Conclusions: The results of this survey indicate that use of occlusive footwear can have an unfavorable effect on individual regarding the occurrence of the superficial fungal infection. The results indicate a need to pay more attention to predict and prevent future diseases and further complications.