Dermatophytic disease: Literature review

Dermatophytic disease is a rare chronic infection that was first described by Hadida and Schousboe in 1940. It is caused by dermatophytes and is characterized by cutaneous and visceral invasion. It is mainly observed in North Africa (95.6%): 45 cases have been described, the majority (47.8%) in Algeria. The locally high rate of consanguineous marriages would suggest autosomal recessive inheritance of a genetic anomaly. Dermatophytic disease affects males more than females (83.3%) and begins at paediatric age (11.26 years) with recurrent tinea capitis (51.7%) or tinea corporis (41.38%). The lesions are polymorphous and develop progressively. The disease is associated with cellular immunodeficiency and is refractory to treatment. It begins early in life and evolves as long-term extensive dermatophyties before invading the dermis, Lymph nodes and viscera. It remains a severe disease due to potentially life-threatening visceral involvement. The granuloma found in all deep lesions (skin nodes, lymph nodes, etc.) characterize and differentiate the disease from extensive and chronic dermatophyties. Different antifungal regimens have enabled partial control of the disease. Griseofulvin is administered at a dose of 1 g/day and is often associated with topical treatment. Dermatophytic disease remains life-threatening disease despite advances in antifungal therapy. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.