INTRODUCTION: Tinea capitis is a common dermatophyte infection of the scalp and hair shaft, most commonly observed in children. Trichoscopy is very effective, simple, speedy, inexpensive and nonivasive tool which helps in the swift diagnosis and screening of some hair disorders. It helps in early diagnosis and prompt treatment of tinea capitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out with the aim to describe the trichoscopic features of tinea capitis and to find out its different clinical variants with the aid of trichoscopy.

METHODOLOGY: This is a hospital based cross sectional descriptive study conducted from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019. All patients clinically diagnosed with tinea capitis were included in the study. Demographic profile like age, sex, family history, personal hygiene, duration, site and clinical types was filled in a preset proforma. Trichoscopy was performed in all cases who met the inclusion criteria.

RESULT: A total of 50 patients with tinea capitis were recruited. The most common age group was found to be 6-10 years (52%) and 27 patients (54%) were female. Majority of the population were students, 46 patients (92 %). Family history was positive in 38% of cases. The clinical variants were black dots seen in 20 patients (40%) followed by gray patch in 15 patients (30%), kerion was seen in 8 patients (16%) and in 4 patients (8%), combined type (both gray patch and black dots) was observed. No cases of favus were detected. The most common trichoscopic feature was black dots in 40 (80%), followed by comma hairs in 38 (76%), corkscrew hairs in 33 (66%), broken hairs in 24 (48%), other trichoscopic features in 31 (62%) and zigzag hairs in 15 (30%). Morse code-like hairs were not seen.

CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the use of trichoscopy as non-invasive, useful diagnostic tool which helps in diagnosing the cases of tinea capitis without the use of wood’s lamp and laboratory investigations. Trichoscopy also helps to verify the types of tinea capitis.

KEYWORDS: Trichoscopy, tinea capitis, Nepal

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