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
What are the differentials for ring worm?
- Dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Pityriasis rosea
- Tinea versicolour
What is athlete’s foot known as in medical terminology?
Tinea pedis
What is jock itch known as in medical terms?
Tinea cruris
How is ring worm treated?
Anti-fungal treatments
What route are anti-fungals usually given for ring worm?
Topical
Give 3 examples of topical anti-fungal agents used for ring worm?
- Miconazole
- Terbinafine
- Ketoconazole
For how long should topical anti-fungals be applied in ring worm?
Twice daily until symptoms resolve (Usually 1-2 weeks) then continue for further 7 days
When may oral anti-fungals be required in ringworm?
In severe cases or in scalp ring worm (tine capitis)
What advice can be given to patients to avoid recurrence of ring worm?
- Good skin and nail hygiene
- Avoid prolonged wetness or dampness of skin and feet
- Don’t share towels
What are the potential complications of ring worm?
- Secondary bacterial infection
- Hair loss if tinea capitis
- Pain and difficulty with shoes from onychomycosis
