What is Tinea Faciale?

This dermatophytic infection of the face appears typically as a serpiginous, erythematous rash with a sharply demarcated border.

With what can tinea faciale confused?

Chronic irritant contact dermatitis can also cause scaling on the face, as can seborrheic dermatitis. Tinea faciale may occasionally mimic the rash of a photodermatitis or the butterfly rash of systemic lupus erythematosus.

How is tinea faciale treated?

If tinea faciale is located in a non-hair bearing part of the face, then topical antifungal medications might be sufficient, such as ketoconazole cream. However, tinea faciale in a hair-bearing area of the face will require oral anti-fungal medication, such as terbinafine.

See: Tinea Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis