BACKGROUND : The incidence of dermatophytosis is increasing over the last few years and there are many cases which are recurrent and chronic.

 AIM : The aim of the study was to establish the host and pathogen factors in dermatophytosis, to identify the species responsible  and to study the histopathological features of chronic dermatophytosis.

 MATERIAL  AND METHODS : This descriptive study was conducted in the Department of  Dermatology , Nalanda Medical College & Hospital , Patna  for a period of 1 year from May 2016 to April 2017 and all patients who were clinically diagnosed as dermatophytosis were included. Isolated hair and nail involvement were excluded from the study. Epidemiological parameters and treatment history were analyzed , scrapings and fungal culture were done in all patients. Histopathological examination was done in patients with chronic dermatophytosis who had applied topical steroids.

 RESULTS : Chronic dermatophytosis was seen in 79% , tinea corporis was the most common presentation , topical steroid application was seen in 66.9% , azoles were the most common antifungals used , varied morphologies such as follicular and nonfollicular papules , arciform lesions , pseudoimbricata were seen in steroid modified tinea. Trichophyton  rubrum and Trichophyton  mentagrophytes were the most common species isolated in culture but rare species such as Trichophyton tonsurans , Trichophyton schoenleinii , Epidermophyton  floccosum  and Microsporum audouinii were also isolated from chronic cases. Histopathology showed perifolliculitis in steroid modified tinea.

 CONCLUSION : Chronicity in dermatophytosis is due to various factors such as topical steroid application, noncompliance and change in predominant species