[Tinea of the eyebrows. About six cases]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tinea of the eyebrows is a clinical manifestation of tinea capitis.
• Commonly implicated fungi include Microsporum canis (M. canis), Trichophyton violaceum, Trichophyton verrucosum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
• It often occurs secondary to other dermatophytic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes of tinea of the eyebrows.
• To evaluate the efficacy of systemic antifungal agents in treating this rare condition.

Main Methods:

• A study involving six patients with erythematous, scaly plaques and pustules on the eyebrows.
• Direct microscopy and fungal culture (Sabouraud dextrose agar) of infected eyebrow hairs were performed.
• Patients received systemic treatment with griseofulvin or terbinafine, combined with topical antimycotics for 8 weeks.

Main Results:

• Direct microscopy indicated ectothrix-type hair shaft infection.
• Microsporum canis (M. canis) was identified in all cultured cases.
• A 100% mycological cure rate was achieved after 8 weeks of treatment with systemic antifungals.

Conclusions:

• Tinea of the eyebrows is a rare dermatophytic infection.
• Effective treatment with systemic antifungals like griseofulvin and terbinafine leads to complete mycological cure.