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Tinea incognito due to Microsporum gypseum in three children
Abstract:
Tinea incognito is a dermatophytosis of atypical clinical character due to the absence of classic features of ringworm. It is caused by prolonged use of topical steroids, sometimes prescribed as a result of incorrect diagnosis. The cases reported in the literature have different clinical presentations and have generally been in adults. We report three children with tinea incognito in whom the lesions were psoriasis-like, eczema-like, and lichenoid, respectively. Diagnosis was confirmed by mycologic examination, which led to the identification of Microsporum gypseum, a geophilic dermatophyte which is an infrequent agent of mycotic infection in humans.
Insights
Tinea incognito, a fungal infection, can mimic other skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema due to prolonged steroid use. This study highlights three pediatric cases of this atypical ringworm presentation caused by Microsporum gypseum.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea incognito presents atypically, lacking classic ringworm features, often due to misdiagnosis and prolonged topical steroid use.
- Literature primarily reports adult cases, with varied clinical presentations.
- Geophilic dermatophytes like Microsporum gypseum are infrequent causes of human dermatophytosis.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of tinea incognito were observed.
- Lesions presented with psoriasis-like, eczema-like, and lichenoid morphologies.
- Mycologic examination confirmed the diagnosis in all cases.
Findings:
- The causative agent identified was Microsporum gypseum, a geophilic dermatophyte.
- This highlights an unusual presentation of dermatophytosis in children.
- The atypical morphology was linked to prior topical steroid application.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider tinea incognito in pediatric patients with atypical dermatological presentations, especially after topical steroid use.
- Accurate mycologic diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of tinea incognito.
- The findings expand the understanding of Microsporum gypseum infections in pediatric populations.