[Tinea capitis: sample surveys among school doctors and dermatologists in the Paris suburbs].

Background: Subsequent to detection of several cases of anthropophilic tinea capitis, we wanted to know whether the legal decree requiring eviction from school and an epidemiology survey in the children community or the family is implemented properly.

Methods: Two sample surveys were carried out among 50 school doctors from the Hauts-de-Seine department and 110 dermatologists working the Paris suburbs.

Results: Eviction from school was rare and not based on the type of dermatophytes (anthropophilic or zoophilic agent). Likewise, epidemiology survey was neglected, often being solely clinical for other family members. Systematic sampling in the children community or in the family was very exceptional.

Discussion: Despite the rise in the number of cases of anthropophilic tinea capitis in Paris suburbs, the decree is not often implemented. Dermatologists would appear to be responsible for this situation, especially in case of M. langeronii, which is very contagious in nursery school.