Tinea nigra: Report of three pediatrics cases. / Tiña negra: reporte de tres casos pediátricos.

INTRODUCTION: Tinea nigra is a superficial mycosis caused by Hortaea werneckii. Its clinical characte ristic is the appearance of a blackish brown macula of rapid growth, caused by the pigment produced by the fungus itself. The presence of a dark, fast growing, acral pigmentary lesion causes concern among patients and their treating physician about the possibility of a malignant pigmentary lesion. OBJECTIVE: To present a series of three clinical cases in pediatric patients with this pathology and to show the tools that help to make a differential diagnosis. CLINICAL CASES: Three patients between three and five years of age, which present a macular pigmented lesion on palms or soles, whose parents reported a rapid growth over a short period of time. Two of the patients reported previous trips to the Caribbean. Clinical and dermatoscopy suspicion of tinea nigra lead to a direct mycological exa mination, which confirmed the diagnosis. In all three cases, treatment with topical antifungals led to complete healing of the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Although tinea nigra is rare in a dry climate, increasing travel of patients to tropical countries will increase the number of cases. Dermatoscopy and direct mycological examination are the tools that allow performing a correct diagnosis and avoiding unne cessary biopsies and/or surgeries.

Tiña negra: reporte de tres casos pediátricos / Tinea nigra: report of three pediatrics cases

Resumen: Introducción: La tiña negra es una micosis superficial causada por Hortaea werneckii. Su caracte rística clínica es la aparición de una mácula café negruzca de rápido crecimiento, producto del pig mento sintetizado por el mismo hongo. Sus características pigmentarias y de rápido crecimiento, de localización preferentemente acral, genera preocupación en los pacientes y en sus médicos tratantes por la sospecha de una lesion névica en evolución. Objetivos: Presentar 3 casos clínicos de pacientes pediátricos con esta patología y dar a conocer las herramientas para su diagnóstico diferencial. Casos clínicos: Tres pacientes, edades 3 y 5 años, con lesión macular pigmentada en palmas o plantas, cuyos padres referían habían crecido en forma rápida en poco tiempo. Dos de los casos tenían antecedentes de viajes previos al Caribe. Ante la sospecha clínica y dermatoscópica de una tiña negra, se realizó exámen micológico que confirmó el diagnóstico. En todos los casos, el tratamiento con antimicóticos tópicos llevó a la resolución completa de las lesiones. Conclusión: Aunque la tiña negra es rara en un clima seco, los viajes cada vez más frecuentes de los pacientes a países tropicales, probablemente aumentarán el número de casos. La dermatoscopía y el examen micológico son las herramientas que permiten realizar un correcto diagnóstico, evitando biopsias y/o cirugías innecesarias.

Abstract: Introduction: Tinea nigra is a superficial mycosis caused by Hortaea werneckii. Its clinical characte ristic is the appearance of a blackish brown macula of rapid growth, caused by the pigment produced by the fungus itself. The presence of a dark, fast growing, acral pigmentary lesion causes concern among patients and their treating physician about the possibility of a malignant pigmentary lesion. Objective: To present a series of three clinical cases in pediatric patients with this pathology and to show the tools that help to make a differential diagnosis. Clinical cases: Three patients between three and five years of age, which present a macular pigmented lesion on palms or soles, whose parents reported a rapid growth over a short period of time. Two of the patients reported previous trips to the Caribbean. Clinical and dermatoscopy suspicion of tinea nigra lead to a direct mycological exa mination, which confirmed the diagnosis. In all three cases, treatment with topical antifungals led to complete healing of the lesions. Conclusions: Although tinea nigra is rare in a dry climate, increasing travel of patients to tropical countries will increase the number of cases. Dermatoscopy and direct mycological examination are the tools that allow performing a correct diagnosis and avoiding unne cessary biopsies and/or surgeries.

[Onychomadesis secondary to hand-foot-mouth disease: a frequent manifestation and cause of concern for parents]. / Onicomadesis secundaria a enfermedad pie-mano-boca: una manifestación frecuente y motivo de preocupación de los padres.

INTRODUCTION: Nail alterations in children are an important cause of parent anxiety and derive in multiple and unnecessary consultations. The onychomadesis corresponds to the complete and pain less detachment of the nail plate from the proximal fold. This self-resolving nail finding has been described as a late complication of hand-foot-mouth disease, a frequent viral exanthema in the pedia tric age. OBJECTIVE: To describe a classic pediatric case of hand-foot-mouth disease with subsequent onychomadesis. CLINICAL CASE: A 3-years-old male patient with an acute presentation of acute erythe matous perioral papulovesicles, which extend to upper extremities and hands, buttocks, thighs and feet, asymptomatic, and without compromising general condition. Skin lesions resolve completely, but after one month, he develops detachment of the nails, with subsequent complete recovery. Con clusions: The recognition of this association will allow primary care physicians to guide the parents about a benign and self-resolving process that may occur as part of the evolution of hand-foot-mouth disease, thus avoiding unnecessary anxiety, referral and treatments.