[8] Dermatophytosis Flashcards
What is dermatophytosis more commonly known as?
Ring worm
What is ring worm?
A fungal infection of the skin
How many types of fungi can cause ring worm?
40
What are the most common causative fungi of ring worm?
- Trichophyton
- Microsporum
- Epidermophyton
What are the risk factors for ring worm?
- Using public showers
- Contact sports
- Excessive sweating
- Contact with animals
- Obesity
- Poor immune function
- Diabetes
- Cushing’s syndrome
What is the typical appearance of a ring worm infection?
Enlarged raised red rings on the skin
What are some specific signs of ring worm?
- Red, scaly, itchy patches
- Ring shaped patches
- Patches that ooze or blister
- Bald patches when scalp is affected
- Nail changes
What is involvement of the nails in ring worm known as?
Onychomycosis
What can happen to the nails in onychomycosis?
- Thickening
- Discolouration
- Crumbling and falling off
What is ring worm infection of the feet called?
Athlete’s foot
What is ring worm infection of the groin known as?
Jock itch
What investigations can be commonly useful in ring worm?
- Microscopy of skin and nail specimens
- Fungal culture
What may microscopy of skin and nail specimens reveal?
Hyphae and spores
Why are fungal cultures not always a good test?
They can take 6 weeks to obtain results and are not always reliable
When may a biopsy be required in ring worm?
If case is atypical or not responding to treatment