Tinea infection histologically simulating eosinophilic pustular folliculitis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Pediatric Pathology

Background:

• Ofuji's eosinophilic pustular folliculitis is a rare inflammatory skin condition characterized by sterile eosinophilic pustules.
• Tinea infections are common superficial fungal infections affecting the skin.

Observation:

• A biopsy from an infant boy's thigh annular eruption displayed histological features consistent with Ofuji's eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.
• Microscopic examination of the lesion also revealed the presence of fungal hyphae.

Findings:

• This case demonstrates that tinea infection can present with histological findings that mimic Ofuji's eosinophilic pustular folliculitis.
• The histological features of eosinophilic pustular folliculitis were stimulated by an underlying fungal infection.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis requires considering fungal infections in cases presenting with eosinophilic pustular folliculitis, especially in infants.
• This highlights the importance of thorough histopathological evaluation to differentiate between primary eosinophilic conditions and infectious mimics.