The incidences of dermatophytosis and cutaneous candidiasis infection in southeastern Korea between 2013 and 2016

Background: Superficial fungal infections, including dermatophyte infection and cutaneous candidiasis, are common and affect more than 25% of the population worldwide. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the recent clinical and mycological characteristics of dermatophytosis and cutaneous candidiasis in southeastern Korea. Methods: Of 20,413 patients with dermatophyte infection, cutaneous candidiasis, or suspected fungal infection, 8,106 who were culture positive for infection were retrospectively evaluated using their medical records. Results: The annual incidence rate of fungal infection tended to be constant. Such infections were more common in men than in women. Fungal infections most commonly occurred in patients in their 50s and in August. The most common clinical type of superficial fungal infections was tinea pedis. The most common causative fungus of superficial fungal infections was Trichophyton rubrum. Conclusion: This study provides useful information on the clinical and mycological characteristics of fungal infections in southeastern Korea in recent years.