[8] Dermatophytosis Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

What is dermatophytosis more commonly known as?

A

Ring worm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is ring worm?

A

A fungal infection of the skin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How many types of fungi can cause ring worm?

A

40

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the most common causative fungi of ring worm?

A
  • Trichophyton
  • Microsporum
  • Epidermophyton
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the risk factors for ring worm?

A
  • Using public showers
  • Contact sports
  • Excessive sweating
  • Contact with animals
  • Obesity
  • Poor immune function
  • Diabetes
  • Cushing’s syndrome
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the typical appearance of a ring worm infection?

A

Enlarged raised red rings on the skin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are some specific signs of ring worm?

A
  • Red, scaly, itchy patches
  • Ring shaped patches
  • Patches that ooze or blister
  • Bald patches when scalp is affected
  • Nail changes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

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

A

Onychomycosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What can happen to the nails in onychomycosis?

A
  • Thickening
  • Discolouration
  • Crumbling and falling off
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is ring worm infection of the feet called?

A

Athlete’s foot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is ring worm infection of the groin known as?

A

Jock itch

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What investigations can be commonly useful in ring worm?

A
  • Microscopy of skin and nail specimens

- Fungal culture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What may microscopy of skin and nail specimens reveal?

A

Hyphae and spores

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Why are fungal cultures not always a good test?

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

When may a biopsy be required in ring worm?

A

If case is atypical or not responding to treatment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the differentials for ring worm?

A
  • Dermatitis
  • Psoriasis
  • Pityriasis rosea
  • Tinea versicolour
17
Q

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

A

Tinea pedis

18
Q

What is jock itch known as in medical terms?

A

Tinea cruris

19
Q

How is ring worm treated?

A

Anti-fungal treatments

20
Q

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

A

Topical

21
Q

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

A
  • Miconazole
  • Terbinafine
  • Ketoconazole
22
Q

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

A

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

23
Q

When may oral anti-fungals be required in ringworm?

A

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

24
Q

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

A
  • Good skin and nail hygiene
  • Avoid prolonged wetness or dampness of skin and feet
  • Don’t share towels
25
Q

What are the potential complications of ring worm?

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