[Tinea capitis. Dermoscopic findings in 37 patients]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Medical Diagnostics

Context:

• Tinea capitis is a prevalent pediatric fungal infection.
• Diagnosis traditionally relies on mycological studies like KOH/chlorazol black and culture.
• Previous research noted specific hair abnormalities such as comma hairs, corkscrew hairs, short hairs, and black dots.

Purpose:

• To delineate the dermoscopic patterns observed during trichoscopic examinations of tinea capitis patients.
• To evaluate the utility of dermoscopy as a diagnostic tool for tinea capitis.

Summary:

• A cross-sectional study involving 37 pediatric patients with tinea capitis across Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
• Dermoscopic findings revealed high prevalence of scales (89%), alopecia (65%), short hairs (49%), peripilar casts (46%), comma hairs (41%), and black dots (33%).
• Specific hair structures like comma hairs and corkscrew hairs were confirmed, alongside common signs of fungal infection.

Impact:

• Dermoscopy offers a valuable, accessible method for diagnosing tinea capitis, especially where advanced laboratory facilities are unavailable.
• The study highlights key dermoscopic features that can assist clinicians in identifying this common childhood infection.
• Findings support the integration of dermoscopy into routine pediatric dermatology practice for efficient tinea capitis diagnosis.