Tinea faciei mimicking neonatal lupus erythematosus in a newborn.

Abstract

Tineas constitute prevalent superficial fungal infections in the fields of pediatrics and dermatology, primarily caused by dermatophytes - fungi that intrude upon keratinized tissues, provoking inflammatory responses. Despite their confinement to the superficial epidermal layers, these pathogens engender substantial morbidity by symptomatic manifestations, susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections, and stigmatization. The differential diagnosis for these infections is broad, potentially mimicking more severe conditions such as lupus erythematosus (LE). LE may manifest either with exclusive cutaneous involvement or contribute to a systemic presentation, with its subacute variant assuming significance as a crucial differential diagnosis for dermatophytoses. Within this study, we report a rare case of facial tinea in a newborn and emphasize its distinctive features from neonatal lupus.