Epidemiology

Estimates of the incidence and prevalence of dermatophyte infections vary.

  • Tinea capitis: most often caused by Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum canis. The peak incidence is between 3 and 7 years of age; black children are more likely to develop tinea capitis than white children.[2][3]

  • Tinea pedis: the most common of the superficial fungal infections, occurring in up to 70% of adults.[4]

  • Tinea corporis: common, with highest prevalence in preadolescents in hot, humid climates.

  • Tinea cruris: most prevalent in adolescent and adult men.

  • Tinea barbae: uncommon and most likely to be found in men who have been in direct contact with infected farm animals.

Onychomycosis

The most prevalent condition affecting nails, accounting for approximately 50% of all nail disease.[5]

Advancing age increases likelihood of developing fungal nail disease. One study reported 2% prevalence of onychomycosis in the pediatric-age population, increasing to 60% in those ages 80 years and over.[6]

Other risk factors include diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus, immunosuppression, obesity, and smoking.[7][8]

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