Tinea capitis (Favus) in a 8-year-old child: Case report

In examining any scalp itch or skin lesions, especially in children with long hair, fungal lesions under the hair may not be diagnosed in a timely manner. Additionally, fungal infection of the scalp, known as tinea capitis, is considered a chronic condition and if left untreated, it can lead to alopecia (hair loss) and permanent scarring.

Tinea capitis (TC) is a common cutaneous fungal infection in childhood. In this report, we describe the case of an 8-year-old child presenting with erythematous scalp lesions accompanied by hair loss. Upon examination, palpation revealed a swollen and tender left parotid gland. Notably, the frontal region of the scalp exhibited erythematous lesions and scaly red plaques resembling yellowish paste-like dough. Subsequent clinical evaluation and culture analysis confirmed the diagnosis of TC. The patient received treatment with Terbinafine 125 mg for a duration of 8 weeks. Follow-up examinations conducted after 3 months showed no signs of recurrence. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, along with adherence to medication regimens, are crucial in cases of TC, and differential diagnoses should be considered. Treatment should commence promptly upon diagnosis to prevent complications such as scalp baldness and transmission to others. This case report underscores the significance of establishing a precise diagnosis and effective treatment for this dermatophytosis to mitigate the risk of recurrences or therapeutic shortcomings, particularly in infants.