Tinea Capitis in Adults in Southern Taiwan

The study reported 27 culture-proven cases of tinea capitis in southern Taiwan from 1988 to 1990, with a notable predominance of adults (63%) and women (89%). The majority of infections (74%) were caused by Trichophyton violaceum. The age distribution was bimodal, with a median age of 6 years for children and 56 years for adults. Clinically, black-dot ringworm caused by T. violaceum often presented with subtle symptoms such as scaling, hair loss, and black dots. Accurate diagnosis relied on a high clinical suspicion, careful scalp inspection, and microscopic examination and culturing of black dots or plucked hairs.