A case of tinea corporis mimicking erythema annulare centrifugum in a patient treated with chemotherapy due to multiple myeloma

Tinea corporis usually presents as an erythematous annular plaque with a scaly, concentrically expanding border. However, it is often difficult to diagnose when the initial manifestation is atypical, especially in immunocompromised patients. Early accurate diagnosis on mycologic basis may be of value in controlling the disease and preventing severe infection. We herein report an atypical case of tinea corporis that presented with skin lesions resembling erythema annulare centrifugum. A 61-year-old female presented with multiple, pruritic, polycyclic plaques on the back for a few days. She had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and was being treated with Velcade chemotherapy. KOH examination was positive, and on histological examination, fungal hyphae were noted on Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain. Fungal cultures from skin scrapings showed growth of Trichophyton rubrum.