Dermoscopy for cutaneous fungal infections: A brief review

Abstract

Background: Fungal dermatological diseases are significant public health issues. Dermoscopy is a useful bedside assessment tool that helps clinicians diagnose various skin neoplasms and general dermatological diseases. Aim: This brief review aims to update clinicians on the dermoscopic features of cutaneous fungal infections such as tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea incognito, onychomycosis, and pityrosporum folliculitis. Methods: The PubMed database was searched using the terms “dermoscopy” or its synonyms, “tinea capitis”, “tinea corporis”, “tinea incognito”, “onychomycosis” and “pityrosporum folliculitis”. Results: The diagnostic value of dermoscopy is well-recognised in the evaluation of tinea capitis and onychomycosis. There are fewer studies investigating the dermoscopic features of tinea corporis, tinea incognito and pityrosporum folliculitis, but the current data suggest that dermoscopy can aid clinical evaluation of these diseases. Understanding dermoscopic features of cutaneous fungal infection has the potential to increase diagnostic accuracy. Conclusion: Dermoscopy in the evaluation of fungal dermatological diseases has the potential to optimize diagnostic accuracy, reduce unnecessary testing, and, consequently, improve clinical practice.