P32 ‘Skin fade’ haircut: an independent risk factor for tinea capitis?

Abstract

Abstract Tinea capitis is a highly contagious infection, with peak incidence at 3–9 years; transmission occurs between infected persons or via contaminated surfaces. We examine three different cases, all presented to our department this summer. Each gave a synchronous history of a friend or family member that contracted tinea capitis from the same ‘Turkish barbershop’ visit. We compare similar clinical features and timeframes. Two brothers aged 12 and 9 years, presented with multiple inflamed scaly plaques of alopecia on the occipital scalp. An 8-year-old boy presented with a 3-month history of tinea capitis infection affecting his occipital and temporal scalp. A 9-year-old boy presented with a 2-month history of inflammatory scaling scalp alopecia, spreading to involve his face and neck. All three groups attended different schools, different barbershops and had received a ‘skin fade’ haircut a few weeks prior to developing symptoms. Mycology confirmed Trichophyton tonsurans. ‘Skin fade’ is a type of haircut that has a graded hair length, starting at top of the head and gradually getting shorter towards the neckline. This is produced by using clippers and often cut-throat razors. The technique was introduced in 1930s. Its popularity has varied since and has enjoyed another resurgence recently in South Wales. T. tonsurans is well recognized as an important cause of inflammatory scarring alopecia in South Wales and barbers represent an important source of cross-contamination if hygiene measures are not followed carefully. These consecutive cases suggest that ‘skin fade’ haircuts represent a risk factor for the spread of tinea capitis.