A Rare Case of Coexisting Pediculosis Capitis and Tinea Capitis in a Healthy Adult Female

Abstract

Pediculosis capitis is a common condition caused by infestation with the human head louse, <i>Pediculus humanus capitis</i>, and primarily affects children in the age-group of 6–12 years. The most prominent symptom is intense scalp itching, yet moving lice or nonmoving nits may be seen on the scalp and hair. Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a superficial fungal infection caused by keratinophilic fungi termed dermatophytes. Tinea capitis is rare in adults, and its symptoms include hair loss, dry scaly areas, redness, and itching. We here report a case of a rare coexistence between pediculosis capitis and tinea capitis in an otherwise healthy adult female, motivating the search for a possible cause of this rare coexistence and alarming dermatologists to be aware of the modified clinical appearance of this coexistence which could be mistaken with other conditions such as cutaneous lupus erythematosus or lichen planopilaris.

A Clutching Claw: Unexpected Coexistence of Pediculosis Capitis and Tinea Capitis

“…Pediculosis capitis and tinea capitis primarily affect school-aged children. The causative dermatophyte species of tinea capitis varies across geographical regions (1). In contrast, Pediculus humanus capitis is responsible for pediculosis capitis worldwide.…”