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.