The changing patterns of dermatomycoses in Sri Lanka

The incidence and distribution of dermatomycoses is of importance since it may reflect the climatic conditions, the genetic disposition of the people, and also their customs. It is observed that the types of superficial fungal infections (SFI), their anatomical distribution, and the infecting fungal species all differ from country to country. It is also likely that these parameters change from time to time even within the same country.

The present study deals with the superficial fungal infections encountered in Sri Lanka during the two five-year periods, 1974-78 and 1990-94. Particular attention is paid to the dermatophyte fungi, the lesions produced by them, and the changing trends in the infecting fungal species.

Nine different types of superficial fungal infections were observed. Of these, ringworm infections caused by the dermatophyte fungi were the most prevalent. During the two periods under study, there were distinct changes observed both in the anatomical distribution of dermatophyte infections and also in the infecting fungal species.

Throughout both periods under study, tinea corporis was the most prevalent and accounted for the bulk of ringworm infections, similar to the West and even neighboring regions.

The proportion of infections of the feet increased significantly from 1% to 12%. Tinea pedis had a marginal increase from 1% to 5%. Tinea corporis and T. cruris were reduced from 62% and from 29% to 19% of pedis infections in our community.

Tinea capitis was of low prevalence in our community compared to other developing countries. Improved socio-economic conditions and a shift to the habit of wearing shoes may account for the increase in tinea.