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Histopathology in the Diagnosis of Tinea Capitis: When to Do, How to Interpret?

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Abstract

The diagnosis of tinea capitis is usually made by clinical signs and direct microscopic examination. Early diagnosis of this dermatophytic infection, which may cause permanent hair loss if not treated appropriately, is very crucial. In recent years, the use of dermoscopy has helped with early diagnosis. However, when tinea capitis has an atypical course and develops in adulthood, it can be confused with several diseases, such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis decalvans, acne keloidalis, and dissecting cellulitis. Due to the different treatment approaches and prognoses, it is important to distinguish tinea capitis from invasive dermatoses on the scalp. In this article, histopathological findings of tinea capitis and several advantages and disadvantages of histopathology in the diagnosis of fungal infections are also reviewed and updated.

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Acknowledgements

Histopathological figures (figures 1 and 2) in this article are reprinted with permission of Abdul Kadir Rifaei B. Abd Rashid Khairi.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Medicana International Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

    Ömer Faruk Elmas

  2. Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Adana Dr. Turgut Noyan Application and Research Center, Başkent University, Adana, Turkey

    Murat Durdu

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  1. Ömer Faruk Elmas
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Correspondence to Murat Durdu.

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Elmas, Ö.F., Durdu, M. Histopathology in the Diagnosis of Tinea Capitis: When to Do, How to Interpret?. Mycopathologia 188, 545–552 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11046-023-00711-7

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