Tinea imbricata in the Americas

Abstract

Tinea imbricata, or Tokelau, remains an infrequent superficial mycosis restricted to endemic zones in the South Pacific islands (Polynesia and Melanesia), South Asia and some specific areas of South America. Migration phenomena and global changes in the climate may modify the incidence and characteristics of the disease.

Tinea Imbricata as a Clue to Occult Immunodeficiency

“…Caused by the strictly anthropophilic T. concentricum, TI affects almost exclusively native populations from tropical areas of the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America (1). Although cutaneous lesions can appear on any hairless part of the body at any age, the onset of the disease usually presents in childhood as a solitary concentric plaque most commonly on the face, as we saw in our patient (1,2).…”

“…Caused by the strictly anthropophilic T. concentricum, TI affects almost exclusively native populations from tropical areas of the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America (1). Although cutaneous lesions can appear on any hairless part of the body at any age, the onset of the disease usually presents in childhood as a solitary concentric plaque most commonly on the face, as we saw in our patient (1,2). The initial lesions consist of intensely pruritic brownish-red scaly papules that spread centrifugally in waves to form numerous overlapping lamellar rings, which are a characteristic clinical picture of this entity (2).…”

“…With chronic disease, widespread lesions can resemble ichthyosiform or lichenoid conditions. The scalp, nails, palms, and soles are frequently spared (1,2).…”

“…Because the disease is highly characteristic and taking a fungal culture is often impractical in endemic areas, diagnosis is usually based on clinical findings (1)(2)(3). Griseofulvin 500 mg twice daily or terbinafine 125 to 250 mg once daily for 4 to 6 weeks in combination with topical keratolytic agents provides the best therapeutic results (4).…”

Mycoses superficielles

“…Dans sa présentation chronique, elle peut ressembler à une ichtyose circonflexe ou une erythema gyratum repens [65]. Dans sa présentation chronique, elle peut ressembler à une ichtyose circonflexe ou une erythema gyratum repens [65].…”