Epidemiological and clinical profile of superficial mycoses in the Monastir region (Tunisia). Retrospective study (1991-1994) of 3578 cases

Despite of socio-economical improvement in our population and the efficacy of available antifungal treatment, superficial mycoses remain a common condition in dermatologic practice. To determine the epidemio-clinical pattern of superficial mycoses in our region, a retrospective study of 3578 cases have been carried out in the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital of Monastir during a 4 year-period. The mean age of patients was 33 years (range: 6 months-91 years). The male to female sex-ratio was 0.82. Rural origin, history of previous mycoses, diabetes, topic or systemic corticosteroids and the presence of animals in surroundings were the most predisposing factors. The most frequent clinical patterns were: tinea corcoris and pedis (40.3%), Tinea versicolor (21.6%), Tinea capitis (9.7%) dermatophytosis of hairless skin (9.6%) and onychomycosis (8.6%). Dermatophyte was the most frequent (55.5%). The occurrence of superficial mycose especially if it affects diffuse area of the body, or if it is relapsing and resistant to treatment, requires looking for predisposing factors.