TINEA-CAPITIS IN ADULTS

Between 1973 and 1994, 17 cases of tinea capitis in adults were observ ed in the Dermatology Clinic of the University of Cagliari (Italy). Th e patients were all women (age range 17-76 years) and came from the di strict of Cagliari. At the time of referral, they presented with a dis ease duration varying from 8 to 10 months. The main clinical feature w as scalp lesions, but in two cases mycotic lesions on the face were al so present. The following dermatophytes were isolated: Microsporum can is (eight cases), Trichophyton violaceum (four cases), Trichophyton me ntagrophytes (four cases) and Trichophyton verrucosum (one case). Syst emic treatment with griseofulvin or terbinafine led to complete recove ry in 40-50 days. In discussing the pathogenesis and transmission mode of the disease, the authors hypothesize that endocrine disorders infl uencing the secretion and composition of sebum may facilitate dermatop hyte invasion of the scalp in the adults.