The influence of superficial dermatophytoses epidemic in India on patients’ quality of life

INTRODUCTION: Superficial dermatophytoses constitute a common and growing problem in India. However, the associated impact on the affected individuals’ quality of life (QoL) has rarely been investigated. AIM: To assess the quality of life of patients with different dermatophytoses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Among 100 consecutive Indian patients with dermatophytosis, 76% agreed to participate. The diagnosis was established upon the typical clinical manifestation and direct microscopic mycological examination (10% KOH). Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was utilized to assess QoL impairment. Participants evaluated the presence and intensity of itch during the last 3 days using Numeral Rating Scale (NRS). RESULTS: A combination of tinea corporis and tinea cruris was diagnosed most commonly (52.6%), followed by tinea cruris alone (21%) and tinea corporis alone (13.2%). The mean duration of the disease was assessed as 6.3 ±18.0 months. The mean DLQI score was 8.2 ±5.1 points. A very large and extremely large effect on the DLQI was reported by 26.3% of patients, moderate by 40.8%, whereas small by 29%, with females being more heavily affected than males (9.3 ±5.2 and 7.1 ±4.7 points, respectively) (p = 0.038). Patients with a combination of tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea faciei demonstrated the lowest QoL (11.0 ±4.5 points). Additionally, a significant correlation between impairment of QoL and itch intensity (mean NRS score: 6.8 ±1.8 points) (r = 0.37; p < 0.002) was documented. Moreover, there was a trend towards lower QoL in patients who have been previously treated with topical agents containing corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial dermatophytoses are associated with a moderate impact on QoL of the affected subjects.