White piedra

Definition

A disease of the hair shaft, caused by an infection with the fungi Trichosporon beigelii. This disease is characterised by irregular, soft, white, or light brown nodules which adhere to the hair follicle. Transmission is by direct contact with contaminated soil or water, or by airborne transmission. Confirmation is by identification of Trichosporon beigelii in a hair follicle sample.

Inclusions

• Trichosporosis nodosa

Index Terms