TLDR Penicillium might rarely cause scalp infection in children.
A 3-year-old boy presented with patchy hair loss and scalp crusts, initially suspected to be tinea capitis. While typical tests for fungal infections were normal, a culture revealed Penicillium species, suggesting it might be the causative agent, which was unusual as Penicillium was typically considered a contaminant rather than a pathogen. The boy was treated with 50 mg of ketoconazole daily. This case highlighted the potential for Penicillium to cause scalp infections, although such occurrences were rare.
1 citations
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January 2024 in “Journal of clinical medicine” Early recognition and treatment of tinea capitis are crucial to prevent severe scalp issues and prolonged therapy.
89 citations
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May 1999 in “Pediatric Dermatology” New antifungal treatments for a children's scalp infection are effective and safe, but it's not decided if they will become the preferred option over the old treatment.
2 citations
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January 1983 in “Archives of Dermatology” A 3-year-old boy's scalp infection was treated with ketoconazole.
35 citations
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January 1996 in “Dermatologic clinics” Tinea capitis is a common scalp infection causing hair loss, mostly in young children.
91 citations
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July 2004 in “BMJ. British medical journal” The document concludes that molluscum contagiosum is a common, benign skin infection in children, often healing without scarring.