Fungal Skin Infections Flashcards
What are 3 classes of fungal skin infections?
- Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)
- Tinea corporis (ringworm)
- Tinea cruris (jock itch)
What are 4 symptoms of Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)?
- Usually between toes
- Itching/Flaking
- Fissuring of skin (appears white and soggy due to maceration of the skin)
- Odorous
What are 7 symptoms of Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)?
- Infection of the major skin surfaces that does not involve the face, hands, groin or scalp
- Itchy pink or red scaly
- patches
- Well defined border
- Over time lesions show a ‘central clearing’
- Can be a single lesion or
- numerous overlapping lesions to produce a single large lesion.
What are 5 symptoms of Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch)?
- Usually isolated to groin and thighs but can spread to buttocks
- Often bilateral
- Intensely itchy
- Reddish-brown
- Well-defined edge
Do fungal skin infections require a counselling room?
Yes
What are 7 red flags for referral with fungal skin infections?
- Extensive or severe infection.
- Signs of bacterial infection.
- Recurrent infection
- Unresponsive to topical therapy.
- On the palms, soles or scalp, in hair-bearing areas or in the nail matrix.
- Has been previously treated with corticosteroids.
- Patients with diabetes.
Do fungal skin infections have a PSA self-care card?
Yes (Tinea)
What is the preferred over-the-counter treatment option for fungal skin infections?
Clotrimazole 1% Cream (Canesten)
What are the directions for Clotrimazole 1% Cream (Canesten) in fungal skin infections?
Adult and Children over 2 years: Apply to the affected area 2-3 times daily. Continue treatment for 2 weeks after symptoms disappear to avoid recurrence.
What are 2 non-preferred over-the-counter options for fungal skin infections and why?
- Lamisil® Cream (Terbinafine 1%): expensive, can’t be used under 12
- Clotrimazole 1%/Hydrocortisone 1% cream: have to recommend 2 products
Is Clotrimazole 1% Cream (Canesten) safe in pregnancy?
Yes
Is Clotrimazole 1% Cream (Canesten) safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
What is the age range for Clotrimazole 1% Cream (Canesten)?
Safe in children over 2
What are 9 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for fungal skin infections?
- Maintain good hygiene, and keep the skin and feet clean and dry.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes.
- Wear clean cotton socks, and shoes made of leather or breathable material.
- Avoid walking barefoot.
- Avoid sharing clothes, hairbrushes or towels.
- Wear thongs, washable sandals or shoes if using communal showers at swimming centres or gyms.
- Exclude children with tinea corporis from schools and swimming pools until at least 24 hours after starting treatment.
- Using anti-fungal powder (for example, Daktarin powder) to maintain remission and prevent reinfection.
- Family members and close contacts should be investigated for tinea infection and treated simultaneously.
What are 3 practice points to consider with fungal skin infections?
- Consider predisposing factors such as diabetes, immunosuppression, obesity etc.
- Family members should be evaluated for asymptomatic carriage, particularly if infection is persistent or recurrent
- For the treatment of tinea, terbinafine (fungicidal ➔ kills) is more effective than azoles(fungistatic ➔ stops production).
