Diagnosis

The diagnosis of t. capitis is usually easy, as the broken-off hair-stumps are characteristic. T. barboe, when seen early, and before marked inflammatory action has changed the aspect of the part, ought to be recognized without difficulty, but later in the course of the disease it might be mistaken for eczema barbae, or so-called non-parasitic sycosia. Ringworm of the body is recognizable under almost any condition that can be imagined, and tricophytosis genito-femoralis equally so, unless obscured by a coexisting eczema. Under all circumstances, however, the microscope may be relied on to settle the diagnosis.