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Trichophyton rubrum tinea capitis in an 85-year-old woman

H Bargman1

  • 1Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|September 26, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Tinea capitis, a common childhood fungal infection, is rarely seen in adults. This case highlights Trichophyton rubrum as a cause in an elderly patient, suggesting increased recognition is needed for adult scalp conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Tinea capitis is a prevalent global fungal infection, predominantly affecting young children.
  • Common dermatophyte species are typically implicated in tinea capitis cases.

Observation:

  • This report details a rare instance of tinea capitis in an elderly woman.
  • The causative fungal agent, Trichophyton rubrum, infrequently infects hair follicles.

Findings:

  • Trichophyton rubrum is an uncommon cause of tinea capitis, particularly in adult populations.
  • Literature review reveals limited documented cases of this specific fungal infection in adults.

Implications:

  • The increasing recognition of Trichophyton rubrum as a cause of adult tinea capitis is noted.
  • Clinicians should consider this diagnosis in adults presenting with persistent, non-healing scalp lesions.

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