Sycosiform tinea barbae caused by Trichophyton rubrum.

ABSTRACT

Tinea barbae is an uncommon superficial dermatophyte infection of the beard and moustache areas. It was more frequently observed in the past, before single-use razors became available. In most cases, the zoophilic ectothrix Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum are responsible for this type of infection. Its clinical presentation is variable; it can mimic many other skin disorders such as sycosis, iododerma, contact dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and actinomycosis. We report a case of tinea barbae caused by an uncommon agent Trichophyton rubrum, misdiagnosed as sycosis, and review the approach and management of the disease.