White piedra is a fungal infection of hairs associated with a Trichosporon species.
Organism: Trichosporon species (multiple).
Infections may be mixed with other organisms, especially corynebacteria.
Common locations:
(1) scalp
(2) genital region
Appearance: whitish to brownish nodules encasing the hair cuticle
Diagnosis is made by direct mycological exam of an infected hair together with culture.
(1) The hair nodules contain arthroconidia and blastoconidia.
(2) Culture shows a white-yellowish yeast with cerebriform surface.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) nits of pediculosis
(2) black piedra
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
