Tinea Capitis in The Netherlands (Rotterdam Area)

This retrospective study reviewed the occurrence and treatment of tinea capitis in 64 children at the University Hospital Sophia/Dijkzigt from 1977 to 1988. Trichophyton violaceum was the most frequently isolated pathogen, followed by Microsporum canis. Potassium hydroxide preparation was positive in 58% of cases, with 4 cases showing positive results despite negative cultures. Immigrant children from Morocco constituted the largest group (61%). Zoophilic dermatophytes were isolated in 27% of cases, with pet animals identified as the infection source in 4 cases. The gender ratio was equal, and 43% of the children exhibited mild flaking without hair loss, resembling seborrheic dermatitis.