Adult With Tinea Capitis: A Five‐Year (2015–2019) Trend Study Among Patients Attending the Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal

ABSTRACT Background Although tinea capitis (TC) is most commonly diagnosed in children, several studies have also shown that it is far from unusual in adults. Objectives To determine the frequency and risk factors of TC in adults in Dakar, Senegal. Patients and Methods A cross‐sectional study including all patients who visited the Parasitology and Mycology Lab at Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital for suspicion of TC was conducted from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. The diagnosis was performed using conventional techniques. Results In sum, 458 adults were included. The majority (89%) were female. The patients' mean age was 35 ± 12 years (ranges: 18–84). Of the 458, 92 (20%) were confirmed with TC. The frequency trend, by year, showed a significant decrease ranging from 26.3% in 2015 to 19.2% in 2019. By sex, females (20.5%) were more affected than males (17.6%). According to age, the elderly present the highest infestation rate (36.4%). TC was diagnosed alone in 91.3%. T. soudanense (57.6%) was the most common species, followed by M. audouinii (34.8%). Conclusion TC is frequent among adults in Senegal, particularly in women, and the main causal agent is T. soudanense . Its duration seems to indicate a chronic form previously acquired between 1 and 10 years ago. Thus, early management will be essential to avoid epidemic proportions.