Clinical diagnosis and treatment of tinea of vellus hair / 中华皮肤科杂志

ABSTRACT

Tinea of vellus hair is caused by dermatophyte infection of vellus hairs, and commonly affects children. It usually occurs on the face, and clinically manifests as annular or semi-annular erythema gradually spreading to the surrounding area, with central clearing and a slightly elevating border covered with papules and papulovesicles. Intense inflammation, which may manifest as pustules, erosions, exudation, scales and crusts, can be observed in patients with severe tinea of vellus hair. Direct microscopy of fungi showed abundant hyphae and/or spores on vellus hairs. Topical antifungal therapy is usually ineffective, and systemic antifungal therapy should be considered. In order to reduce the high rate of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, and to improve clinicians′ understanding of this disease, this review summarizes the incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of tinea of vellus hair.