Dermatophytid reaction in plantar tinea due to T. rubrum

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18041/2665-427X/ijeph.1.13715

Keywords:

Trichophyton rubrum, Tinea Pedis, Hypersensitivity, Skin Diseases, Infectious

Abstract

Introduction: Dermatophytids are inflammatory reactions secondary to dermatophytic infections.

Case presentation: A 67-year-old woman presented with a pruritic lesion on her right sole, consistent with tinea pedis. Three weeks later, vesicles and scaling appeared on the fingers of both hands; no fungal structures were detected in these lesions. Initial treatment with a topical compounded formulation (urea, salicylic acid, and clobetasol) yielded no improvement. A direct KOH examination and culture of the foot confirmed an infection by Trichophyton rubrum, while the same tests performed on the hands were negative. Oral terbinafine (250 mg daily for two weeks) was initiated, resulting in the complete resolution of both the plantar and hand lesions.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of identifying the underlying infection and considering an dermatofitide reaction in the differential diagnosis, thereby avoiding unnecessary treatments.

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Published

2026-06-30

Data Availability Statement

Interested readers may gain access to the research data upon request by contacting the authors directly.

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Section

Review and case report

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