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Tinea capitis mimicking dissecting cellulitis in three children
Jennifer Shastry1, Heather Ciliberto2, Dawn Marie Davis3
1Presence Resurrection Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
Pediatric Dermatology
|December 22, 2017
Summary
Tinea capitis can rarely mimic dissecting cellulitis in children. Prompt treatment with antifungals led to successful outcomes, including hair regrowth and no scarring.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Tinea capitis is a common pediatric fungal infection.
- Dissecting cellulitis is a rare, severe scalp condition.
- Atypical presentations of tinea capitis can be challenging to diagnose.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases (10-14 years) presented with tinea capitis mimicking dissecting cellulitis.
- The clinical presentation included inflammatory scalp lesions resembling dissecting cellulitis.
- This specific presentation is infrequently documented in medical literature.
Findings:
- Patients received systemic antifungal therapy for 3-4 months.
- Treatment success was confirmed by negative fungal cultures and clinical hair regrowth.
- All three children achieved complete resolution of infection without scarring.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare, inflammatory subtype of tinea capitis.
- Emphasizes the risk of misdiagnosis and improper treatment.
- Underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in inflammatory scalp conditions.
