Elongated Corkscrew Hairs as a Possible Novel Trichoscopic Sign in Endothrix Tinea Capitis Affecting Adults with Immunosuppression.

INTRODUCTIONTinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp in which trichoscopy plays an important role by allowing early identification of characteristic hair shaft alterations before mycological confirmation.

METHODSWe describe two adult women who are immunosuppressed with endothrix tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton violaceum.

RESULTSBoth patients presented with diffuse scalp alopecia and scaling. Trichoscopic examination revealed unusually elongated corkscrew hairs, and fungal cultures confirmed the diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONSElongated corkscrew hairs represent a previously unreported trichoscopic pattern in chronic endothrix tinea capitis. Awareness of this finding may facilitate earlier diagnostic suspicion and prompt targeted mycological investigation in patients who are immunosuppressed.

Abstract from PubMed