Tinea capitis mimicking dissecting cellulitis in three children

摘要

Abstract Tinea capitis mimicking dissecting cellulitis is a rare presentation, and there is a paucity of information regarding this presentation in the literature. Three children 10‐14 years of age who presented with an unusual clinical manifestation of tinea capitis that clinically resembled dissecting cellulitis are reported. The patients were treated with systemic antifungals for 3‐4 months. Treatment success was measured according to repeat fungal cultures and clinical assessment of hair regrowth at follow‐up visits. All three patients had resolution of infection, with negative repeat fungal cultures and complete hair regrowth without scarring. These cases highlight a rare inflammatory subtype of tinea capitis that can be easily misdiagnosed and therefore improperly treated, prolonging the duration of infection.