Description Of The Characteristics Of Dermatophytosis At The Adam Malik Hajj Hospital For January 1, 2015 To 31 December 2015

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Background

Dermatophytosis, a disease caused by the dermatophyte fungus, is a common health issue affecting individuals worldwide, including Indonesia. This fungal infection, which includes types such as microsporum, epidermophyton, and Trichophyton, can be a human skin parasite. Superficial fungal infections are still often found in various parts of the world, and it is essential to understand the characteristics of this disease to provide effective prevention and treatment measures.

Dermatophytosis attacks tissue containing keratin, which is a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This disease can cause discomfort, itching, and social stigma, affecting the quality of life of patients. Public awareness of skin health and the need for efforts to prevent and handle better fungal infections are crucial in addressing this issue.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to determine the incidence of dermatophytosis at Adam Malik Hajj Hospital from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. This study aimed to identify and analyze the characteristics of dermatophytosis, including factors such as gender, age, occupation, and type of dermatophytosis that occurs.

Method

This study employed a descriptive method with a latitude cut design. Through this method, the data characteristics of patients who experience dermatophytosis were collected and analyzed to provide a clear picture of the prevalence and distribution of dermatophytosis in the hospital.

Results

The results of the study revealed that 54 respondents (51.4%) who experienced dermatophytosis were men, while 51 respondents (48.6%) were women. The age group that suffered the most dermatophytosis was between 40-59 years, with 38 respondents (36.2%). The most common work among respondents was in non-governmental agencies or entrepreneurs, which were recorded as many as 40 respondents (38.1%).

The most common type of dermatophytosis was corporis tinea, whose prevalence reached 15 respondents (14.3%) in groups working in non-government agencies. In the age group, tinea cruris was mostly detected in men with 23 respondents (21.9%), and in the age group 10-19 years, tinea cruris was also found with 13 respondents (12.4%).

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that dermatophytosis is more common in men, especially in the age group 40-59 years, and is found among individuals who work in the non-governmental sector or entrepreneur. These findings highlight the importance of public awareness of skin health and the need for efforts to prevent and handle better fungal infections, especially in the non-governmental work environment.

Additional Analysis

Although dermatophytosis is classified as a superficial infection, the impact can be significant enough, both in terms of physical and psychological health. Patients often experience discomfort, itching, and social stigma that can affect their quality of life. Therefore, public education about prevention, introduction of early symptoms, and handling fungal infections is very important.

As a first step, health facilities such as Adam Malik Hajj Hospital need to provide health education programs to patients and the general public. In addition, further research with a larger number of samples and long-term monitoring is needed to understand the trend of dermatophytosis in the community and the effectiveness of the interventions carried out.

Recommendations

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

  1. Public awareness campaigns: Health facilities and government agencies should launch public awareness campaigns to educate the general public about the risks and consequences of dermatophytosis.
  2. Health education programs: Health facilities should provide health education programs to patients and the general public to promote prevention and early detection of dermatophytosis.
  3. Research and monitoring: Further research with a larger number of samples and long-term monitoring is needed to understand the trend of dermatophytosis in the community and the effectiveness of the interventions carried out.
  4. Improved healthcare services: Health facilities should improve their healthcare services to provide effective treatment and management of dermatophytosis.

By implementing these recommendations, we can reduce the incidence of dermatophytosis and improve the quality of life of patients affected by this disease.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  2. Limited data collection: The data collection for this study was limited to a single hospital, which may not be representative of the broader community.
  3. Lack of long-term follow-up: This study did not have a long-term follow-up component, which may limit our understanding of the long-term effects of dermatophytosis.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to address the limitations of this study and provide a more comprehensive understanding of dermatophytosis. Some potential research directions include:

  1. Large-scale studies: Conducting large-scale studies with a larger sample size and more diverse population can provide a more accurate representation of the prevalence and distribution of dermatophytosis.
  2. Long-term follow-up: Conducting long-term follow-up studies can provide a better understanding of the long-term effects of dermatophytosis and the effectiveness of interventions.
  3. Comparative studies: Conducting comparative studies between different populations and settings can provide a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the development of dermatophytosis.

By addressing these limitations and exploring new research directions, we can gain a better understanding of dermatophytosis and develop more effective prevention and treatment measures.

Q: What is dermatophytosis?

A: Dermatophytosis is a disease caused by the dermatophyte fungus, which attacks tissue containing keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This fungal infection can cause discomfort, itching, and social stigma, affecting the quality of life of patients.

Q: What are the common types of dermatophytosis?

A: The most common types of dermatophytosis include:

  • Corporis tinea: A fungal infection of the skin, often causing redness, itching, and scaling.
  • Tinea cruris: A fungal infection of the groin area, often causing itching, redness, and scaling.
  • Tinea pedis: A fungal infection of the feet, often causing itching, redness, and scaling.

Q: Who is at risk of developing dermatophytosis?

A: Anyone can develop dermatophytosis, but certain individuals are at a higher risk, including:

  • Men: Men are more likely to develop dermatophytosis than women.
  • Older adults: Older adults are more likely to develop dermatophytosis due to weakened immune systems.
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications, are more likely to develop dermatophytosis.

Q: How is dermatophytosis diagnosed?

A: Dermatophytosis is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, including:

  • Physical examination: A healthcare provider will examine the affected area to look for signs of infection, such as redness, itching, and scaling.
  • Medical history: A healthcare provider will ask questions about the patient's medical history, including any previous fungal infections or allergies.
  • Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests, such as skin scrapings or fungal cultures, may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Q: How is dermatophytosis treated?

A: Dermatophytosis is treated with a combination of self-care measures and medical treatments, including:

  • Self-care measures: Keeping the affected area clean and dry, avoiding scratching or rubbing the affected area, and wearing loose-fitting clothing.
  • Topical treatments: Topical treatments, such as creams or ointments, may be applied to the affected area to help clear up the infection.
  • Oral medications: Oral medications, such as antifungal pills, may be prescribed to help clear up the infection.

Q: Can dermatophytosis be prevented?

A: Yes, dermatophytosis can be prevented by taking certain precautions, including:

  • Keeping the affected area clean and dry: Keeping the affected area clean and dry can help prevent the spread of the infection.
  • Avoiding scratching or rubbing the affected area: Avoiding scratching or rubbing the affected area can help prevent the spread of the infection.
  • Wearing loose-fitting clothing: Wearing loose-fitting clothing can help prevent the spread of the infection.

Q: What are the complications of dermatophytosis?

A: If left untreated, dermatophytosis can lead to complications, including:

  • Scarring: Dermatophytosis can cause scarring, especially if the infection is severe or prolonged.
  • Discoloration: Dermatophytosis can cause discoloration of the skin, especially if the infection is severe or prolonged.
  • Infection: Dermatophytosis can lead to secondary bacterial infections, especially if the infection is severe or prolonged.

Q: Can dermatophytosis be cured?

A: Yes, dermatophytosis can be cured with proper treatment and self-care measures. However, it may take several weeks or months for the infection to clear up completely.