Fungal Skin Infections

Question 1

Tinea

Answer 1

• clinical name given to dermatophyte (cutaneous fungal) infections
• branching septate hyphae viable on KOH perparation with blue fungal stain

Question 2

name the dermatophytes

Answer 2

• Microsporum
• Trichophyton
• Epidermophyton

Question 3

Tinea capitis

Answer 3

• occurs on head, scalp
• associated with lymphadenopathy, alopecia, scaling

Question 4

Tina corporis

Answer 4

• occurs on torso
• characterized by erythematous scaling rings (“ringworm”) and central clearing
• can be acquired from contact with an infected cat or dog

Question 5

Tinea cruris

Answer 5

• occurs in inguinal area
• often does not show the central clearing seen in tinea corporis

Question 6

Tinea pedis

Answer 6

• three varieties
  
  • interdigital–most common
  • moccasin distribution
  • vesicular type

Question 7

Tinea unguium

Answer 7

• onychomycosis
• occurs on nails

Question 8

Tinea (pityriasis) versicolor

Answer 8

• caused by Malassezia spp. (Pityrosporum spp.)
• degradation of lipids produces acids that damage melanocytes and cause hypopigmented (see pic) and/or pink patches

Question 9

Malassezia spp.

Answer 9

• causes Tinea (pityriasis) versiccolor
• yeast like fungus (not a dermatophyte despite being called tinea)

Question 10

when does Tinea (pityriasis) versicolor occur?

Answer 10

• can occur any time of year
  
  • most common in summer (hot, humid weather)

Question 11

how does Malassezia spp. appear on microscopy?

Answer 11

• “spaghetti and meatballs” appearance

Question 12

Tinea (pityriasis) versicolor–treatment

Answer 12

• selenium sulfide
• and/or oral antifungal medications