Fungi and Infestations Flashcards
What is a dermatophyte?
- Fungi that require keratin for growth
- most common cause for fungal skin infections
- They proliferate in stratified squamous epithelium
What are the different types of dermatophytes and what infection do they cause?
Microsporum, Trichophyton (most common), Epidermophyton
Tinea, classified on whereabouts it is on the body
Name the infection?
Tinea Pedis
Name the infection?
Tinea Cruris
Groin folds or anal cleft
Name the infection?
Tinea Corporis - arms and legs (glabrous skin)
Name the infection?
Tinea unguium
Name the infection?
Tinea manuum
Name the infection?
Tinea capitis
What investigations should you do for a suspected fungal infecton?
- Skin scrappings (skin from the advancing age is scraped)
- Nail clippings
- Hair clippings for infections which enter the shaft of the hair
Then Microscopy and Culture
Can do wood’s light for Microsporum Canis & M. Audouinii
What is wood’s light?
Wood’s light is a UV light. Certain fungi fluoresece under this light and therefore it used in the lab.
For microsporum canis & microsporum Audouinii
How would you treat localised skin infections?
With topical treatments:
- Terbinafine
- Azoles (e.g ketoconazole)
- Polyenes (e.g. nystatin)
What is the 1st line treatment for dermatophyte infecions and why?
Terbenafine
Adverse side effects are rare
Can be given orally or topically
Most effective
How long would you treat with terbenafine for in the following infections: skin, fingernails, toe nails?
Skin 2 weeks
Finger nails 6 weeks
Toe nails 12 weeks
Name the different azoles which are topical and which are systemic?
Ketoconazole (topical, systemically can cause gynaecomastia)
Fluconazole (systemic)
Itraconazole (systemic)
What are the important points regarding Griseofulvin?
Fungistatic
Therefore long duration
Skin/hair 6 weeks
Toenails 6-12months
Only antifungal licensed in under 12’s
It is a hepatic enzyme inducer and can cause a photosensitive rash