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Tinea capitis in adults
1Università degli Studi di Milano, Clinica Dermatologica IV, Ospedale San Paolo, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Invasion of keratin of the hair by dermatophytes is a rare event after puberty. A study of 2200 patients affected by various mycotic cutaneous infections during 6 years of observation brought to our attention three cases of tinea capitis in adults. Confirming the studies of other authors, we also found that this disease mostly affected females. In all cases the isolated aetiological agent was Microsporum canis, the fungus species most frequently responsible for tinea capitis in Italy.
Insights
Tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp, is rare in adults but was observed in three female patients. Microsporum canis was the identified cause, common in Italy.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea capitis, a fungal infection primarily affecting children, involves dermatophyte invasion of hair keratin.
- Post-pubertal cases are exceptionally rare, with limited documentation in medical literature.
Observation:
- A 6-year study of 2200 patients with mycotic cutaneous infections identified three adult cases of tinea capitis.
- All three affected individuals were female, aligning with previous observations on gender predilection.
Findings:
- The etiological agent isolated in all three cases was Microsporum canis.
- Microsporum canis is the predominant species responsible for tinea capitis in Italy.
Implications:
- This study highlights the possibility of tinea capitis in adult females, emphasizing the need for considering this diagnosis.
- The findings reinforce the role of Microsporum canis as a significant pathogen in adult tinea capitis cases within the Italian context.
- Further research may explore potential risk factors or unique transmission routes for adult tinea capitis.