SUMMARY: Tinea imbricata is a chronic superficial mycosis caused by the fungus Trichophyton concentricum. A recent case report by Dr A Leung and colleagues describes a case of tinea imbricata in an 8 year old Malaysian boy.
Tinea imbricata is a chronic superficial mycosis caused by the fungus Trichophyton concentricum. It is endemic in Central and South America, Southwest Pacific and Southeast Asia, and mainly affects those living in primitive conditions and isolated environments.
Patients typically present with an itchy, scaly, concentric rash, which can cover most of their body. Transmission occurs through close contact with those infected.
A recent case report by Dr Alexander Leung and colleagues describes a case of tinea imbricata in an 8 year old Malaysian boy. Key points:
- Microscopic examination of skin scrapings showed closely packed short septate hyphae and no arthroconidia
- The patient was treated with 125 mg of oral terbinafine daily for 8 weeks with complete clearance of the lesions
- The authors note that physicians in non-endemic areas should be aware of tinea imbricata due to the popularity of international travel
Read the paper: Leung et al (2018) Tinea Imbricata. The Journal of Pediatrics, 200:e1, 285 – 285
