Dermatophytosis — Tinea

A 35-year-old woman from rural Maharashtra presents with a 2-month history of progressive hair loss from the scalp. Examination reveals a well-demarcated patch of alopecia with scaling, erythema, and broken hairs (not pulled out at the root). Some hairs appear black and dotted (black dot ringworm). Fungal culture on Sabouraud medium shows a slow-growing, buff-coloured colony with a red pigment on the reverse side. What is the most likely diagnosis and organism?

A 28-year-old male presents with a 3-week history of pruritic, scaly patches on his groin and inner thighs. Examination reveals well-demarcated, erythematous plaques with central clearing and an active raised border. The lesions spare the scrotum. KOH mount of scale shows septate hyphae. What is the most likely causative organism?

A 28-year-old woman with tinea unguium (onychomycosis) affecting 3 toenails for 6 months presents for treatment. Which drug is the preferred first-line oral agent?

Regarding the clinical features and epidemiology of dermatophytosis in India, all of the following are true EXCEPT:

A 28-year-old woman with tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) presents with patchy alopecia and scale. Clinical examination and KOH mount are inconclusive. Which investigation is most appropriate to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether the infection is endothrix or ectothrix?