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A case of tinea incognito
Dan Segal1, Malcolm M Wells, Amit Rahalkar
1Schulich School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Dermatology Online Journal
|September 10, 2013
Summary
Tinea incognito, a fungal skin infection, can present atypically, especially after immunosuppressive treatment. This case highlights a patient whose condition worsened with psoriasis treatment before diagnosis and resolution with antifungals.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
Background:
- Tinea incognito is a superficial fungal infection.
- Immunosuppressive medications can alter the clinical presentation of fungal infections.
Observation:
- A middle-aged man presented with a worsening rash initially diagnosed as plaque psoriasis.
- The patient had been treated with topical steroids, calcipotriol, and phototherapy for two months.
- The rash was pruritic, widespread, erythematous, sloughing, and had eschar formation.
Findings:
- Skin biopsy confirmed a dermatophyte fungal infection.
- Fungal culture identified Trichophyton Rubrum as the causative agent.
- The patient's risk factors included poor hygiene and hepatic disease.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering tinea incognito in atypical presentations of skin conditions.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are crucial for resolution.
- Awareness of risk factors can aid in early identification of this treatable condition.
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