Sycosiform tinea barbae caused by trichophyton rubrum and its association with autoinoculation*

Dear Editor, Tinea barbae is a dermatophyte infection that affects primarily the bearded areas of the face.1 Sycosis is one type of clinical manifestation associated with deep folliculitis. The infection is usually caused by zoophilic fungi acquired after contact with animals.2 The presence of anthropophilic fungi, such as Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum), has recently been reported, and they often colonize nails.3,4 Since its first report by Nenoff et al.4 in 2008, the number of cases has grown, especially those involving nails, feet, or hands.5 Brazil reported one case of tinea barbae caused by T. rubrum in 20081, but without autoinoculation. This case report highlights such an association and recommends attention for this diagnosis. A 68-year-old male patient showed suppurative nodular lesions for five months in his beard and on the right side of his neck