Telogen-Sparing Arthroconidia Involvement in an Adult Case of Endothrix Tinea Capitis

This case study reports a unique instance of endothrix tinea capitis in a 66-year-old Italian woman, highlighting two notable aspects: the rarity of this infection in white adult women and the sparing of telogen phase hair follicles by arthroconidia. Typically, endothrix tinea capitis is more prevalent in children and individuals of African descent, with arthroconidia affecting both anagen and telogen hair follicles. The patient presented with chronic scalp eruptions and alopecia, and was successfully treated with oral terbinafine, corticosteroids, and topical antifungals, achieving complete remission and hair regrowth in 3 months. This case suggests the need for further study on the involvement of hair cycle phases in endothrix tinea capitis infections.