Background of Dermatophytosis

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 124 views

Background of Dermatophytosis

Dermatophytosis is a common superficial skin infection caused by dermatophyte fungus, which attacks skin tissue rich in keratin. This fungus forms molecules that bind to keratin to obtain the necessary nutrients for colonization. Dermatophytosis can be distinguished and named based on its anatomic location, such as Tinea Capitis, Tinea Barbae, Tinea Corporis, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Unguium, and Tinea Pedis. The prevalence of dermatophytosis varies worldwide, with an estimated 20-25% of the global population infected. This fungal infection is more commonly found in developing countries and in humid tropical climates, including Indonesia.

Research Objectives and Significance

This study aims to identify dermatophyte profiles in patients suffering from dermatophytosis in the skin and genitals of Dr. Ferdinand Lumbantobing Sibolga during 2019. Understanding the dermatophyte profile in this region is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. The study's findings will provide valuable insights into the types of dermatophytes circulating in the region, highlighting the need for more effective prevention and treatment efforts to combat dermatophytosis infections.

Research Methods and Design

This study employed an observational research design with a descriptive approach. The studied population consisted of all dermatophytosis patients who visited the skin and genital polyclinic at Dr. Ferdinand Lumbantobing Sibolga. A total of 75 new patients who had not received anti-fungal treatment were used as samples. The samples were examined using a KOH examination and cultured by the fungus, then identified using the Scotch-Tape Preparation method under the microscope.

Research Results and Findings

The results showed that the majority of dermatophytosis patients were women (52%), with the most age groups in the range of 46-65 years (30.7%). Most cases of dermatophytosis were found in housewives (24%). From the identified type of dermatophytes, the most common species were Trichophyton Rubrum (37.3%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (16%), and Microlectum Canis. Types of dermatophytosis found in this study included corporis tinea, tinea cruris, tinea capitis, tinea pedis, and unguinum tinea. Through KOH examination, 35 cases were found with positive results.

Conclusion and Implications

Based on the results of the study, Trichophyton Rubrum is the main cause of dermatophytosis found in Dr. Ferdinand Lumbantobing Sibolga, with a type of corporis tinea being the most common classification. This study provides valuable insights into the dermatophyte profile circulating in the region, as well as highlighting the need for more effective prevention and treatment efforts to combat dermatophytosis infections.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The discovery that the majority of patients are women and the most infected age groups are those aged 46-65 years opens opportunities for further research to understand risk factors that may contribute to the high prevalence of dermatophytosis in this group. For example, the role that housewives play in managing households and humid environments can potentially increase the risk of infection.

In addition, the many cases of Trichophyton Rubrum show that this fungus has a high spread in the environment around the hospital. It is essential for health workers to increase public awareness about the prevention of dermatophytosis, including education about personal hygiene and good environmental management.

Producing data in 2019, this research is also an important record for comparing the trend of the prevalence of dermatophytosis in the future and how environmental changes, community behavior, and health policies can affect the incidence of this infection.

Recommendations for Future Research and Public Health Interventions

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research on risk factors: Conduct further research to understand the risk factors that contribute to the high prevalence of dermatophytosis in women and the 46-65 age group.
Public awareness and education: Increase public awareness about the prevention of dermatophytosis, including education about personal hygiene and good environmental management.
Development of effective prevention and treatment strategies: Develop effective prevention and treatment strategies to combat dermatophytosis infections, particularly in high-risk groups.
Monitoring of dermatophyte profiles: Continuously monitor the dermatophyte profiles in the region to identify any changes or trends in the types of dermatophytes circulating.

By implementing these recommendations, we can reduce the incidence of dermatophytosis infections and improve the health outcomes of individuals in the region.

Q: What is dermatophytosis?

A: Dermatophytosis is a common superficial skin infection caused by dermatophyte fungus, which attacks skin tissue rich in keratin. This fungus forms molecules that bind to keratin to obtain the necessary nutrients for colonization.

Q: What are the types of dermatophytosis?

A: Dermatophytosis can be distinguished and named based on its anatomic location, such as Tinea Capitis, Tinea Barbae, Tinea Corporis, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Unguium, and Tinea Pedis.

Q: What is the prevalence of dermatophytosis worldwide?

A: The prevalence of dermatophytosis varies worldwide, with an estimated 20-25% of the global population infected.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study aims to identify dermatophyte profiles in patients suffering from dermatophytosis in the skin and genitals of Dr. Ferdinand Lumbantobing Sibolga during 2019. Understanding the dermatophyte profile in this region is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Q: What were the research methods used in this study?

A: This study employed an observational research design with a descriptive approach. The studied population consisted of all dermatophytosis patients who visited the skin and genital polyclinic at Dr. Ferdinand Lumbantobing Sibolga. A total of 75 new patients who had not received anti-fungal treatment were used as samples.

Q: What were the findings of this study?

A: The results showed that the majority of dermatophytosis patients were women (52%), with the most age groups in the range of 46-65 years (30.7%). Most cases of dermatophytosis were found in housewives (24%). From the identified type of dermatophytes, the most common species were Trichophyton Rubrum (37.3%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (16%), and Microlectum Canis.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: This study provides valuable insights into the dermatophyte profile circulating in the region, as well as highlighting the need for more effective prevention and treatment efforts to combat dermatophytosis infections.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research and public health interventions?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research on risk factors: Conduct further research to understand the risk factors that contribute to the high prevalence of dermatophytosis in women and the 46-65 age group.
Public awareness and education: Increase public awareness about the prevention of dermatophytosis, including education about personal hygiene and good environmental management.
Development of effective prevention and treatment strategies: Develop effective prevention and treatment strategies to combat dermatophytosis infections, particularly in high-risk groups.
Monitoring of dermatophyte profiles: Continuously monitor the dermatophyte profiles in the region to identify any changes or trends in the types of dermatophytes circulating.

Q: How can individuals prevent dermatophytosis?

A: Individuals can prevent dermatophytosis by practicing good personal hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, keeping feet clean and dry, and avoiding sharing personal items. Additionally, individuals can reduce their risk of infection by avoiding contact with infected individuals and by keeping their environment clean and dry.

Q: What are the symptoms of dermatophytosis?

A: The symptoms of dermatophytosis can vary depending on the type of infection, but common symptoms include:

Redness and inflammation of the skin
Itching and burning sensations
Scaling and flaking of the skin
Crusting and oozing of the skin

Q: How is dermatophytosis diagnosed?

A: Dermatophytosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests, such as KOH examination and fungal culture.

Q: What is the treatment for dermatophytosis?

A: The treatment for dermatophytosis typically involves the use of antifungal medications, such as topical creams or oral tablets. In some cases, surgical removal of the infected tissue may be necessary.