Tinea incognito pathology

Tinea incognito is an atypical presentation of tinea infection when topical steroid applications are used incorrectly for the treatment of dermatophytosis. The disease extends despite improvement of itch.

Histology of tinea incognito

In tinea incognito, the epidermis is often mildly spongiotic, and the dermal inflammatory infiltrate is less heavy than usual dermatophytosis. Multiple branched, septate hyphae and small spores are present in the stratum corneum. These can often be seen on H-E stain (figures 1, 2, 3) but special stains are often needed to reveal the fungi and demonstrate their morphology.

Figure 1 

Figure 2 

Figure 3 

Figure 4 

Images provided by Dr Duncan Lamont, Waikato Hospital

Special studies in tinea incognito

Fungal hyphae are positive on PAS stain and Gomori methenamine silver stain.