Between 1973 and 1994, 17 cases of tinea capitis in adults were observed in the Dermatology Clinic of the University of Cagliari (Italy). The patients were all women (age range 17-76 years) and came from the district of Cagliari. At the time of referral, they presented with a disease duration varying from 8 to 10 months. The main clinical feature was scalp lesions, but in two cases mycotic lesions on the face were also present. The following dermatophytes were isolated: Microsporum canis (eight cases), Trichophyton violaceum (four cases), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (four cases) and Trichophyton verrucosum (one case). Systemic treatment with griseofulvin or terbinafine led to complete recovery in 40-50 days. In discussing the pathogenesis and transmission mode of the disease, the authors hypothesize that endocrine disorders influencing the secretion and composition of sebum may facilitate dermatophyte invasion of the scalp in the adults.