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Inflammatory tinea pedis/manuum masquerading as bacterial cellulitis

Susan M Sweeney1, Karen Wiss, Susan Bayliss Mallory

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester 01605, USA. sweeneys@ummhc.org

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|November 7, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pediatric fungal infections like tinea pedis and tinea manuum can mimic bacterial cellulitis. Prompt potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective antifungal treatment in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Tinea pedis and tinea manuum are increasingly recognized in children.
  • Clinical presentations can be atypical and challenging to diagnose.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations and fungal cultures in diagnosing suspected dermatophyte infections presenting as cellulitis in children.

Main Methods:

  • Case series of 4 children with inflammatory tinea pedis or tinea manuum initially misdiagnosed as bacterial cellulitis.
  • Diagnostic methods included KOH examination (3 patients) and fungal cultures (2 patients).

Main Results:

  • KOH examination confirmed inflammatory/bullous dermatophyte infections in all 4 patients.
  • All children achieved successful outcomes with topical antifungal therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Inflammatory tinea pedis/manuum can be misdiagnosed as cellulitis in pediatric cases.
  • Early KOH examination facilitates timely antifungal treatment, even before definitive fungal culture results.

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