Dermatophytosis

A 7-year-old boy presented with a solitary, nearly circular, very pruritic inflammatory facial lesion. He was otherwise in good health.

Key point: Annular lesions suggest dermatophytosis. The intensity of the inflammatory response suggests a non-human source for the fungus (the presence of which was verified by potassium hydroxide preparation).

Treatment: Twice-daily application of sertaconazole 2% cream led to prompt resolution of this prototypical case of tinea faciei.

Note: Most of the time, this phenomenon is associated with acquisition a new kitten or puppy. In this case, the child had contact with a new kitten while playing at a friend’s house.