Tinea incognito and "over-the-counter" potent topical steroids

Cutis. 1996 Oct;58(4):295-6.

Abstract

The term tinea incognito has been used to describe a dermatophyte infection modified by corticosteroid treatment. Lesions are often atypical appearing and the diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed. This difficulty is often exacerbated by the random misuse of potent dermatologic preparations that can alter the initial presentation to the dermatologist. Recently, we have encountered an increasing number of patients who have obtained potent superpotent topical steroids "over the counter" to self-treat various dermatoses. We report two such cases of tinea incognito that were exacerbated and altered clinically by the use of such preparations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Facial Dermatoses / diagnosis
  • Facial Dermatoses / drug therapy*
  • Facial Dermatoses / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Steroids / administration & dosage
  • Steroids / therapeutic use*
  • Tinea / diagnosis
  • Tinea / drug therapy*
  • Tinea / physiopathology

Substances

  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Steroids