A Case of Tinea Pseudoimbricata Due to Trichophyton tonsurans Induced by Topical Steroid Application

Tinea imbricata and tinea pseudoimbricata are variant types of tinea corporis characterized by annual-ring-shaped erythema. Although the skin lesions manifest similar symptoms, these two diseases are classified based on causative fungi. The former is caused by Trichophyton concentricum, an anthropophilic dermatophyte, and the latter is caused by dermatophytes other than T. concentricum, commonly zoophilic fungi such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex. Here, we report a 27-year-old Japanese male diagnosed with tinea pseudoimbricata attributed to Trichophyton tonsurans, an anthropophilic dermatophyte. We suspected that application of steroid ointment caused the annular pattern of his skin lesions. After three months use of topical luliconazole cream, treatment was finished. We also summarize the knowledge about tinea pseudoimbricata through previous reports with bibliographical consideration.