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Dermatology (Expert Forum)

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Am I worrying about nothing

Answered by

Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems

The Rockoff Dermatology Center Brookline - MA

This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.

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MedHelp Member's Question

Am I worrying about nothing

by billy415, Feb 24, 2005 12:00AM

Tags: fungus, dermatology, benign, children, dermatologist, head, infection, inflammatory, tender, tinea, hair loss, HIV infection, Tinea capitis

I was away in Costa Rica recently and the day I returned to the US, I noticed an inflammed area on the back of my head. It is just above the hair line on the right side of my head. It continued to swell and became a bit tender. I was concerned about it as I have in the past had a scare with HIV infection, but had a test and it came back negative, about 4 months after the possible infection. I now am wondering whether its tinea capitis,since it has no hair on it. I am going to see a dermatologist but can someone calm my fears? Everything I read is that tinea is uncommon in Adults, except for those who have comprimised immune systems...I think it frightens me and in the back of my mind I think its a manifestation of HIV infection

Please help

Thank you

Doctor's Answer

by Alan Rockoff, MD

, Feb 24, 2005 12:00AM

Tinea capitis is a disease of children. Even in children, it is usually not inflammatory, just scaly. There is such a think as inflammatory tinea, but that is rare. I frankly don't know why you have a tender patch of hair loss--maybe it's alopecia areata that got irritated. Diagnosis will of course involve seeing a dermatologist, but worrying about HIV with symptoms like yours is really a stretch.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

Member Comments (3)

by billy415, Feb 24, 2005 12:00AM

To paraphrase, I just wonder whether this can be a somewhat benign infection, because I can deal with a small bald spot, particularly if the hair grows back at some point.

Thank you again for the input,

Billy

by billy415, Feb 25, 2005 12:00AM

Thank you for the help Dr, I suspect I am one of those people that is entirely too sensitive to what is mostly benign symptoms of life. You can imagine how a mind can get things stirred up and get someone into a lather about something that could be totally meaningless. I appreciate the input, and will let you know what happens when I go to the DR next week

Billy

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