Tinea incognita

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Tinea incognita
Synonyms	Tinea incognito
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Atypical skin lesions, often with less inflammation
Complications	Misdiagnosis, prolonged infection
Onset	Varies
Duration	Chronic if untreated
Types	N/A
Causes	Dermatophyte infection modified by topical steroid use
Risks	Use of topical steroids, immunosuppression
Diagnosis	KOH test, Fungal culture, Skin biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Eczema, Psoriasis, Contact dermatitis
Prevention	Avoid inappropriate use of topical steroids
Treatment	Antifungal medications
Medication	Terbinafine, Itraconazole, Fluconazole
Prognosis	Good with appropriate treatment
Frequency	Common in cases of misdiagnosed fungal infections
Deaths	N/A

A dermatological condition caused by fungal infection

Tinea incognita is a dermatological condition characterized by a fungal infection that presents atypically due to the use of topical immunosuppressive agents, such as corticosteroids. This condition is often misdiagnosed because the typical inflammatory response is suppressed, leading to a less obvious clinical presentation.

Pathophysiology

Tinea incognita occurs when a dermatophyte infection is altered by the application of topical corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive treatments. These agents reduce the body's inflammatory response, which can mask the typical signs of a fungal infection, such as redness, scaling, and itching. As a result, the infection may spread more extensively before being correctly identified.

Clinical Presentation

The clinical presentation of tinea incognita can vary significantly, making diagnosis challenging. Common features include:

• Atypical Lesions: The lesions may appear less inflamed and more subtle than typical tinea infections.
• Color Changes: The affected skin may show unusual pigmentation, often appearing hypopigmented or hyperpigmented.
• Minimal Scaling: Unlike classic tinea infections, scaling may be minimal or absent.
• Widespread Distribution: The infection may cover a larger area due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tinea incognita requires a high index of suspicion, especially in patients with a history of topical steroid use. Diagnostic methods include:

• KOH Preparation: A potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of skin scrapings can reveal fungal elements.
• Fungal Culture: Culturing the organism can confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific dermatophyte.
• Skin Biopsy: In some cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary to differentiate from other dermatoses.

Treatment

The primary treatment for tinea incognita involves discontinuing the use of topical corticosteroids and initiating antifungal therapy. Options include:

• Topical Antifungals: Such as clotrimazole or terbinafine.
• Oral Antifungals: In extensive cases, oral antifungals like itraconazole or fluconazole may be required.

Prevention

Preventing tinea incognita involves careful use of topical corticosteroids, particularly in patients with a history of fungal infections. Educating patients about the potential risks of self-medicating with steroids is crucial.

See also

• Dermatophyte
• Tinea
• Corticosteroid
• Fungal infection