[8] Dermatophytosis

Question 1

What is dermatophytosis more commonly known as?

Answer 1

Ring worm

Question 2

What is ring worm?

Answer 2

A fungal infection of the skin

Question 3

How many types of fungi can cause ring worm?

Answer 3

40

Question 4

What are the most common causative fungi of ring worm?

Answer 4

• Trichophyton
• Microsporum
• Epidermophyton

Question 5

What are the risk factors for ring worm?

Answer 5

• Using public showers
• Contact sports
• Excessive sweating
• Contact with animals
• Obesity
• Poor immune function
• Diabetes
• Cushing’s syndrome

Question 6

What is the typical appearance of a ring worm infection?

Answer 6

Enlarged raised red rings on the skin

Question 7

What are some specific signs of ring worm?

Answer 7

• Red, scaly, itchy patches
• Ring shaped patches
• Patches that ooze or blister
• Bald patches when scalp is affected
• Nail changes

Question 8

What is involvement of the nails in ring worm known as?

Answer 8

Onychomycosis

Question 9

What can happen to the nails in onychomycosis?

Answer 9

• Thickening
• Discolouration
• Crumbling and falling off

Question 10

What is ring worm infection of the feet called?

Answer 10

Athlete’s foot

Question 11

What is ring worm infection of the groin known as?

Answer 11

Jock itch

Question 12

What investigations can be commonly useful in ring worm?

Answer 12

• Microscopy of skin and nail specimens

- Fungal culture

Question 13

What may microscopy of skin and nail specimens reveal?

Answer 13

Hyphae and spores

Question 14

Why are fungal cultures not always a good test?

Answer 14

They can take 6 weeks to obtain results and are not always reliable

Question 15

When may a biopsy be required in ring worm?

Answer 15

If case is atypical or not responding to treatment

Question 16

What are the differentials for ring worm?

Answer 16

• Dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Pityriasis rosea
• Tinea versicolour

Question 17

What is athlete’s foot known as in medical terminology?

Answer 17

Tinea pedis

Question 18

What is jock itch known as in medical terms?

Answer 18

Tinea cruris

Question 19

How is ring worm treated?

Answer 19

Anti-fungal treatments

Question 20

What route are anti-fungals usually given for ring worm?

Answer 20

Topical

Question 21

Give 3 examples of topical anti-fungal agents used for ring worm?

Answer 21

• Miconazole
• Terbinafine
• Ketoconazole

Question 22

For how long should topical anti-fungals be applied in ring worm?

Answer 22

Twice daily until symptoms resolve (Usually 1-2 weeks) then continue for further 7 days

Question 23

When may oral anti-fungals be required in ringworm?

Answer 23

In severe cases or in scalp ring worm (tine capitis)

Question 24

What advice can be given to patients to avoid recurrence of ring worm?

Answer 24

• Good skin and nail hygiene
• Avoid prolonged wetness or dampness of skin and feet
• Don’t share towels

Question 25

What are the potential complications of ring worm?

Answer 25

• Secondary bacterial infection
• Hair loss if tinea capitis
• Pain and difficulty with shoes from onychomycosis