Black Dot Tinea Capitis

A healthy 2-year-old presented with a 4-week history of painless alopecia and black dots on the occipital scalp. Direct microscopy revealed fungal spores within the hair shaft, consistent with endothrix infection. Trichophyton tonsurans was cultured, confirming a diagnosis of “black dot” tinea capitis. Treatment with oral terbinafine and topical naftifine yielded full clinical and mycologic resolution by 8 weeks. The case illustrates hallmark features of this non-fluorescent dermatophyte infection and supports combined therapy for scalp clearance in pediatric patients.

A healthy 2-year-old presented with a 4-week history of painless alopecia and black dots on the occipital scalp. Direct microscopy revealed fungal spores within the hair shaft, consistent with endothrix infection. Trichophyton tonsurans was cultured, confirming a diagnosis of “black dot” tinea capitis. Treatment with oral terbinafine and topical naftifine yielded full clinical and mycologic resolution by 8 weeks. The case illustrates hallmark features of this non-fluorescent dermatophyte infection and supports combined therapy for scalp clearance in pediatric patients.