MYCOLOGY, BACTERIOLOGY, AND HISTOPATHOLOGY OF SUPPURATIVE RINGWORM

Abstract

SUPPURATIVE ringworm includes all types of ringworm which attack the deep layers of the skin and hair follicles with the production of nodules and pus. Clinically the lesions are characterized by nodules or large boggy masses that arise abruptly from the surrounding tissue. They are angry red in color and dotted over with perifollicular abscesses. The hairs in these follicles are either lusterless and broken, or are shed completely, leaving gaping holes containing purulent fluid. The neighboring lymph nodes are usually enlarged. The lesions are known by various terms, depending on the site of the human body that is infected. If the scalp is infected, the lesion is known as kerion celsi (Fig. 1); if the beard area is involved, the diagnosis is tinea barbae or sycosis parasitaria (Fig. 2); and if the glabrous skin is affected, the terms used are agminate folliculitis or tinea profunda. The early lesion may be a flat plaque with