Prevalence of Tinea Capitis in School-Going Children in Kolkata, West Bengal
January 2012
in “
Journal of natural science, biology and medicine
”
TLDR Tinea capitis is common among Kolkata school children, especially boys, and hygiene doesn't greatly impact infection rates.
The study screened 505 students in a Kolkata primary school and found a 10% prevalence of Tinea capitis, with boys (14%) more affected than girls (5%). The infection presented mainly as dull grey patches with itching and hair loss. Potassium hydroxide tests showed endothrix spores in most cases. The study concluded that Tinea capitis was prevalent among school children in Kolkata, and personal hygiene practices did not significantly affect infection rates.