Asymptomatic Hair Loss in a Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

November 2023 in “ Cutis ”

Kyomin Choi

systemic lupus erythematosus SLE asymptomatic hair loss tinea capitis Trichophyton tonsurans terbinafine dermoscopy fungal microscopy lupus ringworm Lamisil

TLDR Fungal infections can cause hair loss in lupus patients and should be considered even if rare.

A 51-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented with asymptomatic hair loss. Dermoscopy and fungal microscopy revealed tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton tonsurans. The patient was treated with oral terbinafine 250 mg/d, resulting in visible hair regrowth after 4 weeks and no recurrence. This case highlights the importance of considering fungal infections like tinea capitis in immunocompromised patients, such as those with SLE, despite its rarity in adults.

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