Persistent Desquamation of the Scalp as a Manifestation of Tinea Capitis in Sub-Saharan Children

Scalp hyperkeratosis of childhood is most often associated with atopic or seborrheic dermatitis. However, in black children can be associated with tinea capitis. We undertook a retrospective study in all Sub-Saharan children presenting with chronic scalp scaling between June 2010 and June 2013, to determine whether chronic desquamation of the scalp is a clinical manifestation of tinea capitis. The criterion used to diagnose tinea capitis was a positive mycolological culture. Of the 23 Sub-Saharan African children attended, 12 (43.4 %) presented with chronic scalp flaking. Mycological culture was performed in 9 of the 12 cases. The culture was positive in 6 out of 9, so 26 % of the Sub-Saharan African children attended were diagnosed with tinea capitis. In 52.1 % of the cases with persistent scalp scaling the culture was positive. In conclusion, chronic scaling of the scalp may well be the sole form of presentation of tinea capitis in Sub-Saharan children.