Tinea Capitis in Adults
January 2016
in “
Dermatology online journal
”
tinea capitis dermatophyte fungi keratin scalp erythema scaling crusting endothrix Trichophyton tonsurans ectothrix Microsporum species erythematous plaques H&E stained biopsy KOH preparations fungal cultures systemic antifungal treatment scalp infection fungal infection skin scaling skin crusting skin plaques biopsy antifungal treatment
TLDR Adults with persistent scalp issues unresponsive to typical treatments should be tested for the fungal infection tinea capitis to start the right antifungal medication.
The document from 2016 discusses tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp, which is typically observed in prepubescent children but can also affect adults. It is caused by dermatophyte fungi that feed on keratin, leading to symptoms such as scalp erythema, scaling, and crusting. The study identifies two types of tinea capitis: endothrix, caused by Trichophyton tonsurans, which results in generalized scaling and localized inflammation, and ectothrix, caused by Microsporum species, which leads to well-defined erythematous plaques. Diagnosis is often delayed in adults due to low suspicion for the disease, and it is confirmed through H&E stained biopsy specimens, KOH preparations, or fungal cultures. The document concludes that resistance to treatments for conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis should lead to testing for tinea capitis to begin appropriate systemic antifungal treatment.
