TLDR Proper antifungal treatment is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and prevent scarring alopecia.
The document described a case of a 10-year-old girl with tinea capitis that mimicked dissecting cellulitis, presenting with tender, purulent nodules and alopecia. Initial treatment with antibiotics failed, and subsequent fungal culture identified Trichophyton tonsurans. Treatment with terbinafine, prednisolone, and ketoconazole shampoo led to resolution of inflammation and significant hair regrowth within seven months. The study highlighted the importance of recognizing this variant to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure proper antifungal treatment, as mismanagement could lead to scarring alopecia.
29 citations,
April 2013 in “Mycoses” A young man was initially misdiagnosed with a scalp condition but was found to have a fungal infection, which improved with antifungal treatment.
65 citations,
January 2005 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” Children with scalp fungal infections need proper diagnosis and treatment, usually with antifungal medications, and newer drugs may offer quicker recovery.
44 citations,
March 1991 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Prompt treatment of inflammatory tinea capitis (kerion) is crucial to prevent scarring and hair loss.
1 citations,
January 2021 in “Our Dermatology Online” A scalp infection can look like alopecia areata and get worse if treated incorrectly.
10 citations,
January 2016 in “Dermatology online journal” Adults with persistent scalp issues unresponsive to typical treatments should be tested for the fungal infection tinea capitis to start the right antifungal medication.
65 citations,
January 2005 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” Children with scalp fungal infections need proper diagnosis and treatment, usually with antifungal medications, and newer drugs may offer quicker recovery.