Tinea

Question 1

What infective organism causes tinea

Answer 1

dermatophyte fungal infection

Question 2

Tinea capitis

Answer 2

scalp

Question 3

Tinea corporis

Answer 3

trunk, legs or arms

Question 4

Tinea pedis

Answer 4

feet

Question 5

What dermatophytes commonly cause tinea capitis in the UK

Answer 5

Trichophyton tonsurans

Microsporum canis acquired from cats or dogs

Question 6

What complication can arise from tinea capitis if untreated

Answer 6

• scarring alopecia

if untreated can cause a raised, pustular, spongy/boggy mass called a “kerion”

Question 7

Useful investigation in tinea capitis

Answer 7

scalp skin scrapings

Question 8

Management of tinea capitis

Answer 8

oral antifungals:
Terbinafine for Trichophyton tonsurans

Griseofulvin for Microsporum infections

Topical ketoconazole shampoo should be given for the first two weeks to reduce transmission

Question 9

Features of tinea corporis

Answer 9

well-defined annular, erythematous lesions

pustules and papules

Question 10

Treatment of tinea corporis

Answer 10

oral fluconazole

Question 11

Features of tinea pedis

Answer 11

• itchy, peeling skin between the toes
• common in adolescence