A Picture Of Dermatophytosis In HIV/AIDS Patients At H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital

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A Picture of Dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS Patients at H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital: A Descriptive Study

Introduction

Dermatophytosis, a superficial fungal infection, affects body parts containing keratin, such as skin, hair, and nails. This infection is caused by dermatophyte fungus, a group of fungi consisting of epidermophyton, microsporum, and trichophyton. In the context of health, fungal infections can occur in all individuals, both those with a strong immune system (immunocompetent) and those with decreased immune function, such as HIV/AIDS patients. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the clinical picture of dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS patients treated at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive method with a cross-sectional cutting design and involves 32 patients who experience dermatophytosis from June to August 2019. The diagnosis process is carried out through the history, clinical examination, and a direct microscopic examination with a 10% -20% KOH solution from samples of skin scrapings, hair, and nails. The study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the picture of dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS patients and to identify the most common type of dermatophytosis in this population.

Results

The results of this study showed that in HIV/AIDS patients who experience dermatophytosis, the majority are male, which is 24 people (75.0%). The most diagnosed age group are those aged 36-45 years, namely as many as 13 people (40.63%). In addition, 16 people (50%) of patients have secondary education. The most common type of dermatophytosis is tinea pedis, with a number of patients as many as 16 people (50%). In terms of immunology, CD4 levels of patients range from 200-400 cells/mm³, which are found in 14 people (43.8%), and most patients have a history of suffering from HIV/AIDS for 1-3 years, as many as 10 people (31, 3%).

Discussion

The conclusion of this study shows that Tinea Pedis is the most common type of dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS patients. Other types of infections such as corporis tinea and facial tinea are also identified, but in less amounts. Interestingly, the patient's HIV/AIDS status does not significantly affect the incidence of dermatophyte infection. This shows that although HIV/AIDS patients tend to experience various opportunistic infections, dermatophytosis can still occur in individuals with a healthy immune system.

Conclusion

A deeper understanding of the picture of dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS patients is very important for more effective management. The hospital needs to increase awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent further complications. Further research also needs to be done to understand the relationship between the severity of HIV/AIDS with the incidence of dermatophytosis infection, as well as to explore a more effective prevention approach for patients with immunocompromic status.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Early diagnosis and treatment: The hospital needs to increase awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent further complications.
  • Further research: Further research needs to be done to understand the relationship between the severity of HIV/AIDS with the incidence of dermatophytosis infection, as well as to explore a more effective prevention approach for patients with immunocompromic status.
  • Prevention approach: A more effective prevention approach needs to be explored for patients with immunocompromic status.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  • Small sample size: The study involved only 32 patients, which may not be representative of the larger population.
  • Cross-sectional design: The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not provide a complete picture of the clinical picture of dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS patients.
  • Limited data: The study only collected data on a limited number of variables, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the clinical picture of dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS patients.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

  • Increase sample size: Future studies should involve a larger sample size to provide a more representative picture of the clinical picture of dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS patients.
  • Use a longitudinal design: Future studies should use a longitudinal design to provide a more complete picture of the clinical picture of dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS patients.
  • Collect more data: Future studies should collect more data on a wider range of variables to provide a comprehensive understanding of the clinical picture of dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides a deeper understanding of the picture of dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS patients and identifies the most common type of dermatophytosis in this population. The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent further complications and recommends further research to understand the relationship between the severity of HIV/AIDS with the incidence of dermatophytosis infection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dermatophytosis in HIV/AIDS Patients

Q: What is dermatophytosis?

A: Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection that affects body parts containing keratin, such as skin, hair, and nails. It is caused by dermatophyte fungus, a group of fungi consisting of epidermophyton, microsporum, and trichophyton.

Q: What are the symptoms of dermatophytosis?

A: The symptoms of dermatophytosis can vary depending on the type of infection. Common symptoms include:

  • Skin lesions: Red, itchy, and scaly skin lesions
  • Hair loss: Hair loss or thinning
  • Nail changes: Thickening, discoloration, or brittleness of the nails

Q: How is dermatophytosis diagnosed?

A: Dermatophytosis is diagnosed through a combination of:

  • Medical history: A thorough medical history to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the infection
  • Physical examination: A physical examination to identify any skin, hair, or nail changes
  • Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests, such as a direct microscopic examination with a 10% -20% KOH solution, to confirm the presence of the fungus

Q: How is dermatophytosis treated?

A: Dermatophytosis is treated with:

  • Antifungal medications: Antifungal medications, such as topical creams or oral tablets, to kill the fungus
  • Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes, such as keeping the affected area clean and dry, to prevent the spread of the infection

Q: Can dermatophytosis be prevented?

A: Yes, dermatophytosis can be prevented by:

  • Practicing good hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as washing the hands regularly and keeping the affected area clean and dry
  • Avoiding close contact: Avoiding close contact with individuals who have the infection
  • Wearing protective clothing: Wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask, when handling infected individuals or their belongings

Q: What is the prognosis for individuals with dermatophytosis?

A: The prognosis for individuals with dermatophytosis is generally good, especially if treated promptly and effectively. However, in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, the prognosis may be poorer.

Q: Can dermatophytosis be a sign of an underlying condition?

A: Yes, dermatophytosis can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as a weakened immune system. If you have a weakened immune system, you may be more susceptible to dermatophytosis and other fungal infections.

Q: How can I reduce my risk of developing dermatophytosis?

A: You can reduce your risk of developing dermatophytosis by:

  • Practicing good hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as washing the hands regularly and keeping the affected area clean and dry
  • Avoiding close contact: Avoiding close contact with individuals who have the infection
  • Wearing protective clothing: Wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask, when handling infected individuals or their belongings

Q: What should I do if I suspect I have dermatophytosis?

A: If you suspect you have dermatophytosis, you should:

  • Consult a healthcare professional: Consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan
  • Practice good hygiene: Practice good hygiene, such as washing the hands regularly and keeping the affected area clean and dry
  • Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with individuals who have the infection