obsolete Microsporum distortum tinea capitis

**Obsolescence of Microsporum

Based on the provided context, here are the signs and symptoms of obsolete Microsporum distortum tinea capitis:

• Hair loss: Tinea capitis can present with a spectrum of subtle to severe hair loss, from diffuse hair loss to boggy, scaling abscess-like nodules [4].
• Scaly areas: Infected areas may appear as dry scaly patches on the scalp [2].
• Redness and itch: Symptoms include redness and intense itching of the scalp [9].
• Patches of hair loss: Some infections cause patches of hair loss, which can be a sign of tinea capitis [1].
• Dull, grayish appearance: Hairs in involved areas may assume a dull, grayish, discolored appearance [3].
• Broken and shorter hairs: Infected hairs are often broken and shorter than normal [3].
• Papular lesions: Papular lesions or abscess-like nodules can form on the scalp [5].
• Whitish, ill-defined patches: Physical examination may reveal whitish, ill-defined patches and plaques with focal area of scaling and hyperkeratosis on the scalp [7].

It's worth noting that tinea capitis is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes belonging to genera Trichophyton and Microsporum, including the obsolete Microsporum distortum.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are several diagnostic tests that can be used to diagnose tinea capitis caused by Microsporum distortum.

• KOH microscopic examination: This test can reveal fungal elements in skin scrapings or plucked hairs from lesions (4). It is a useful tool for diagnosing tinea capitis, especially when caused by Trichophyton and Microsporum species.
• Fungal culture: A fungal culture swab, biopsy, or scraping from the scalp can confirm the causative fungus in patients with tinea capitis (2).
• Wood light examination: This examination may be performed to diagnose tinea capitis, particularly when caused by Microsporum species. Infected hairs may fluoresce under Wood's lamp (5).

It is worth noting that while these tests can aid in the diagnosis of tinea capitis, they are not necessarily specific for Microsporum distortum. However, they can be useful in identifying the causative fungus and guiding treatment.

Additionally, PCR-based methods have been developed to identify Microsporum species, including M. canis (6) and Trichophyton spp. (7). These tests may provide more specificity for diagnosing tinea capitis caused by these fungi.

It is also mentioned that growth on rice grains can be used as a confirmatory test, but it is very poor or absent in the

Based on the available information, it appears that there are limited resources on the treatment of tinea capitis caused by Microsporum ferrugineum (not Microsporum distortum), which is a related but distinct species.

However, I can provide some general information on the treatment of tinea capitis. According to search result [8], new oral antifungal agents such as itraconazole, terbinafine, and fluconazole have been demonstrated to be effective and safe in the treatment of tinea capitis.

Regarding Microsporum ferrugineum specifically, a study mentioned in search result [1] suggests that higher dosages or longer treatment durations of itraconazole may be required to achieve more cure rates for tinea capitis caused by this species.

It's worth noting that there is limited information available on the specific treatment of Microsporum distortum tinea capitis, and further research would be necessary to determine the most effective treatment options. However, based on the related information available, it appears that oral antifungal agents such as itraconazole may still be a viable option for treating this condition.

Here are some possible treatment options:

• Itraconazole: Higher dosages or longer treatment durations may be required to achieve more cure rates.
• Terbinafine: This agent has been shown to have a high complete cure rate of 92% [3].
• Fluconazole: This oral antifungal agent has also been found to be effective in treating tinea capitis.

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on the treatment of tinea capitis, as they can assess individual cases and provide guidance on the most appropriate course of treatment.

The differential diagnosis for tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis var. distortum, a rare zoophilic fungus, includes several conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

• Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune condition characterized by patchy hair loss on the scalp [7].
• Atopic dermatitis: Also known as eczema, this is a chronic skin condition that can cause inflammation and scaling on the scalp [8].
• Folliculitis: An infection of the hair follicles, which can cause redness, swelling, and pus-filled bumps on the scalp [8].
• Impetigo: A bacterial skin infection that can cause red sores or blisters on the scalp [8].
• Lupus erythematosus: A chronic autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation and scarring on the scalp [6].
• Psoriasis: A chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the scalp [8].
• Seborrheic dermatitis: A common skin condition that can cause inflammation and scaling on the scalp [10].

It's worth noting that Microsporum canis var. distortum is a rare cause of tinea capitis, and its diagnosis may require specialized laboratory tests to confirm the presence of the fungus.

References: [7] - Search result 7 [8] - Search result 8 [6] - Search result 6 [10] - Search result 10