Cutaneous Mycoses Flashcards
What type of organism is Malassezia?
Lipophilic yeast.
What skin conditions are associated with Malassezia?
Pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, Malassezia folliculitis.
How does pityriasis versicolor present on the skin?
Hypo- or hyperpigmented macules.
What pattern is seen in KOH prep of Malassezia infections?
Spaghetti and meatball pattern.
What is the primary treatment for Malassezia infections?
Topical antifungals like selenium sulfide or ketoconazole.
In what cases is oral antifungal therapy for Malassezia used?
Extensive or resistant cases.
What types of tissue do dermatophytes infect?
Skin, hair, nails.
Name the three main genera of dermatophytes.
Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton.
What is the presentation of tinea corporis?
Circular, erythematous, scaly lesions.
What is tinea capitis, and its common effect?
Scalp infection causing hair loss.
What does tinea pedis commonly affect?
Web spaces between toes.
What is tinea unguium?
Nail infection leading to thickening and discoloration.
How are dermatophyte infections diagnosed microscopically?
KOH prep showing septate hyphae.
What medium is used for dermatophyte cultures?
Sabouraud dextrose agar.
When are systemic antifungals indicated for dermatophyte infections?
Extensive infections or nail involvement.
What is Sporothrix schenckii’s common nickname?
Rose gardener’s disease.
How is Sporothrix schenckii typically introduced into the skin?
Trauma like thorn pricks.
What is the clinical progression of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis?
Nodule at inoculation, then secondary nodules along lymphatics.
How is sporotrichosis diagnosed?
Culture showing yeast at 35°C and mold at 25°C.
What is the treatment of choice for sporotrichosis?
Itraconazole.
What side effects are associated with potassium iodide for sporotrichosis?
Nausea and salivary gland swelling.
In what climates is Sporothrix most prevalent?
Warmer climates.
What zoonotic transmissions are linked to sporotrichosis?
Infected cats and armadillos.
Which fungal infection can mimic squamous cell carcinoma?
Fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis.
What environmental conditions favor Malassezia?
Hot and humid conditions.
What diagnostic technique identifies branching septate hyphae?
KOH prep.
What systemic antifungal is used for severe dermatophyte infections?
Terbinafine or itraconazole.
Which fungal infection’s lesions spread along lymphatics?
Sporotrichosis.
What diagnostic pattern is unique to pityriasis versicolor?
Spaghetti and meatballs.
What is the mainstay of treatment for mild tinea infections?
Topical azoles.
How does Malassezia degrade lipids to become pathogenic?
Produces acid that damages melanocytes.
Which populations are at higher risk of Malassezia infections?
Immunosuppressed individuals.
What is a common location for pityriasis versicolor lesions?
Chest and back.
How can Malassezia infections be differentiated from vitiligo?
KOH prep shows ‘spaghetti and meatballs’ pattern.
What climate conditions increase Malassezia growth?
Hot and humid environments.
How is Malassezia treated when topical therapies fail?
Oral antifungals, like ketoconazole or itraconazole.
What enzyme allows dermatophytes to invade keratinized tissues?
Keratinase.
How is tinea versicolor different from tinea corporis?
Tinea versicolor is caused by Malassezia; tinea corporis by dermatophytes.
What feature distinguishes tinea capitis from seborrheic dermatitis?
Tinea capitis often causes hair loss and scaling.