Determining the prevalence and investigation of superficial and cutaneous fungal diseases in Arak

Superficial fungal diseases are one of the most common endemic diseases in Iran, especially in rural areas and areas that are in poor health and are mostly related to domestic animals.. Animals such as cow, sheep, dog and cat are assumed as the main origin of these infections. Infection in animals is often a chronic incidence but in humans is along with severe inflammatory reactions. Upward tr end of superficial cutaneous fungal infections is one of the hygienic problems of developed and eveloping societies and zoophilic factors have a major effect on incidence of such infections. To apply this study, the patient suspected to fungal lesions referring to different clinics in Arak were sampled, within June 2011 to June 2012. Then, direct test and culture were made. In order to determine the fungal types, slide culture and complementary tests were used, if required. Out of 435 referred pa tients, superficial cutaneous fungal infections were diagnosed in 215 patients (49.4%), of which 138 patients (31.7%) were infected with Dermatophytosis, 61 patients (14%) with Tinea Versicolor, 8 patients (1.8%) with Erythrism and 2 patients with Otomycosis. The highest age of involvement was observed between the ages of 20 and 29 years, which accounted for 34.1% of cases.