Tinea faciei, also known as tinea faciale, is a superficial dermatophyte infection occurring in the nonbearded areas of the face. All age groups are affected, but peaks occur in children between the ages of 2 and 14 years as well as in adults between the ages of 20 and 40.

Different species may be anthropophilic (humans are the primary host) or zoophilic (animal host). In North America, Trichophyton tonsurans is the most common agent. In Asia, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum are most common. The 3 most common causative zoophilic agents worldwide are T mentagrophytes (in rodents, rabbits, dogs, and horses), Trichophyton verrucosum (in cattle), and Microsporum canis (in cats and dogs). In general, zoophilic organisms are associated with inflammatory changes while anthropophilic organisms are associated with minimal inflammation.

Transmission among humans is either by direct contact with those infected (animals or humans) or through fomites. Infection may also frequently arise from self-inoculation from the feet (tinea pedis), scalp (tinea capitis), or nails (tinea unguium). Tropical and/or humid climates are associated with more frequent and severe cases. More cases are also noted after holidays, as children may spend their holidays in rural areas where animal exposure occurs. The most common manifestation is that of one or more pruritic, erythematous, annular, scaling plaques, most often on the cheeks. Eyelid involvement is uncommon but reported. Occasionally, pustules and crusting may be seen at the active edge. Untreated lesions tend to demonstrate centripetal growth over time and may become several centimeters in diameter.

Trichophyton indotineae is an emerging dermatophyte characterized by extensive or atypical presentations and resistance to topical and oral therapies. This species is more easily spread within families, and infants and even neonates may be affected via exposure to an adult family member with disease.

Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype type VII (TMVII) is an emerging strain that is typically spread through close contact, including sexual intercourse. It may lead to genital and buttock tinea as well as tinea corporis.

In the immunocompromised patient, pruritus may be absent. There is an increased risk of all dermatophyte infections (tinea faciei, tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis as well as Majocchi granuloma) in immunocompromised individuals.

Related topics: tinea barbae, tinea imbricata, tinea manus, tinea versicolor