First Report of Concomitant Tinea Faciei and Pityriasis Folliculorum: A Dermatomicrobiological Rarity

Abstract

Tinea faciei (TF) is a common dermatomicrobiological condition caused by dermatophytes involving the skin of the face but not the mustache and beard (Tinea barbae). It poses a diagnostic dilemma with its atypical clinical presentation. Pityriasis folliculorum (PF) is a dermatological condition that results in rosacea-like skin eruptions. It was previously associated with a human ectoparasitic infestation. Demodex mites (Demodex folliculorum) is a group of obligate parasites that live on the skin of mammals. These mites have been associated with various dermatological disorders, clinically termed as demodicosis. Insects have been described as potential vectors that can carry various microorganisms and especially spores of fungi. Hence, infestation by such insects may aggravate the already present skin condition, leading to secondary infections. There has been a change in the trend of dermatophytosis worldwide and infections caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytesvar.interdigitale (T. interdigitale) are increasing. Hence, there is an urgent need for a thorough investigation of an infectious etiology among various skin disorders. This is the first report of concomitant Tinea faciei and Pityriasis folliculorum involving facial skin.