A Case Report of Tinea Capitis in Children: Utility of Trichoscopy

This case report highlights the use of trichoscopy in the diagnosis, differentiation, and treatment monitoring of Tinea Capitis (TC) in a 13-year-old boy. Trichoscopy, a noninvasive diagnostic tool, revealed specific hair changes associated with TC, such as comma hair and corkscrew hair, which aided in identifying the causative fungus, Microsporum canis. The patient was successfully treated with oral griseofulvin and antifungal shampoo, with trichoscopy showing a return to normal hair structure post-treatment. The report emphasizes that trichoscopy is effective in distinguishing between Microsporum and Trichophyton species of TC, which is crucial for selecting the appropriate treatment. It also notes that trichoscopy should be used alongside clinical and mycological assessments for a definitive diagnosis and that the disappearance of dystrophic hairs can indicate successful therapy.