A Case of Possible Penicillium Tinea Capitis

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.