[Dermatophytosis and atopy].

The association of dermatophytosis and atopy on patients from the University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, was carried out during 1984-1985 as follows: a) 141 cases exhibiting lesions on feet, glabrous skin, groins, nails and scalp. The dermatophytes were demonstrated in the material from skin and nail scrapings and depilated hairs by direct microscopic examination and culture; b) 131 cases of several skin diseases other than dermatophytosis (control group). Both were inquired about personal history of atopic dermatitis, asthma and rhinitis. In the first group 14 (9.9%) patients gave a positive personal history of atopy while in the control group only one (0.7%) did it. The comparison between the studied groups was made be means of the chi-square test and a statistically significant difference was established (p less than 0.001) giving a greater risk for getting dermatophytosis to those suffering from atopic disease.