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What do we really know about "tinea incognita"?
Dijana Celić1, Jaka Rados, Mihael Skerlev
1Outpatient Department of Medikol, Dobri dol 49; HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia. dijana_celic@yahoo.com
Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC
|March 25, 2005
Summary
Tinea incognita, a fungal infection altered by corticosteroid use, can mimic other skin conditions. Early diagnosis via fungal culture and prompt antifungal treatment led to complete recovery in a patient with persistent lesions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
Background:
- Tinea incognita describes fungal infections presenting atypically due to prior corticosteroid treatment.
- Corticosteroids can mask or alter the typical clinical appearance of dermatophyte infections.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male presented with a five-year history of generalized, erythematous plaques on the trunk and extremities.
- Lesions exhibited psoriasiform and eczematous features, with some resembling folliculitis.
- Initial mycologic examination of skin scrapings was negative.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of tinea incognita was confirmed by fungal culture, identifying Trichophyton interdigitale.
- The patient's presentation was significantly modified by previous topical corticosteroid therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering tinea incognita in atypical skin presentations, especially after corticosteroid use.
- Accurate mycologic diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of corticosteroid-modified fungal infections.
- Prompt and appropriate antifungal therapy can lead to complete resolution of tinea incognita.