Tinea capitis is a common dermatophyte infection of the scalp in children. It is an uncommon infection in adults and usually affects postmenopausal women and immunocompromised patients. We report an immunocompetent elderly female with inflammatory tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton violaceum and review the literature for the past 5 years to describe the disease, its epidemiologic characteristics, dermatophyte species involved and treatment options used. The total number of cases was 11, including 8 women and 3 men, with an average age of 48.36. The most commonly isolated dermatophyte was Trichophyton tonsurans, and most cases were treated successfully with oral terbinafine with no side effects. In our case, the diagnosis was established by direct examination, culture and histological examination. Remedy with itraconazole and prednisolone was very successful. Early diagnosis of tinea capitis in adults is necessary to provide early treatment and minimize sequelae of the disease.
Keywords: dermatophytosis; elderly; tinea capitis; trichophyton.
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