Dermoscopic Image of the Hairs in a Very Early Lesion of Tinea Capitis Caused by Trichophyton Rubrum

A 57-year-old man with diabetes and renal dysfunction presented with a small patch of hair loss on his head, suspected to be a fungal infection. Dermoscopic examination revealed distinctive hair patterns, but initial microscopic tests did not detect fungus. Cultures later confirmed Trichophyton rubrum, a rare cause of tinea capitis. The patient was treated with Luliconazole cream, showing mild improvement. This case highlights the importance of dermoscopy in diagnosing early tinea capitis, as initial lesions can be difficult to detect microscopically. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid misdiagnosing conditions like alopecia areata.