Primary Gangrenous Cutaneous Mucormycosis of the Scalp in a Child

Abstract

Primary cutaneous mucormycosis (MM) is a rare fungal infection of childhood and is most often encountered in immunocompromised patients. It is a potentially lethal opportunistic fungal infection with rapid progression and high mortality. A report of cutaneous MM involving the head region is very rare. We herein report a case of primary cutaneous MM in a malnourished patient. The infection progressed rapidly, and the infant died from infection. The diagnosis was made at postmortem examination. Early diagnosis and surgery should be undertaken to prevent fatal outcome, and complete study of the etiologic agent must be carried out in all cases.