Abstract: A 57-year-old man had a history of erythema plaque, papules in face and neck, pustules with burning pain on upper-lip for more than 2 months. Treatment with different kinds of traditional Chinese medicine proved no effect. Direct microscopic examination of the NaOH (10%)preparation showed hyphae in the scales and moustache hair. The slide culture showed the clubshaped macroconidia with septate and grape-like crowded microconidia. Both urease test and hair penetration test in vitro were positive. The pathogen was identified as Trichophyton mentagrophytes.The patient was treated with oral itraconazole capsules and topical use of a butenafine hydrochloride gream. The lesion resolved with negative fungal check after continuous treatment for 2 months.

Key words: tinea barbae, tinea corporis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes