A 28-year-old immunocompetent man develops widespread tinea corporis over the trunk and limbs after using topical betamethasone-clotrimazole combination for a tinea lesion. The resulting clinical presentation is best described as:
- A Majocchi's granuloma — dermatophyte invasion of hair follicles
- B Dermatophytid (id) reaction — hypersensitivity to distant fungal antigens
- C Tinea incognito — modified clinical features masking classic ringworm morphology ✓
- D Favus — scutula formation around hair follicles
Correct answer: C. Tinea incognito — modified clinical features masking classic ringworm morphology
Explanation
Tinea incognito results from application of topical corticosteroids to a dermatophyte infection, suppressing the inflammatory response and altering the clinical morphology — the characteristic scaling and erythematous ring disappear, replaced by spreading hyperpigmented plaques with ill-defined borders and papules. It can mimic eczema, psoriasis, or granuloma annulare. India has seen an epidemic of tinea incognito/recalcitrant tinea due to widespread misuse of steroid-antifungal combination creams.
Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.