dermatomycosis

Dermatomycosis: A Fungal Infection of the Skin

Dermatomycosis, also known as tinea or ringworm, is a highly contagious skin disease caused by fungi [3]. It affects both people and animals [6], and can be spread through skin contact among individuals [5].

Causes and Types

The most common causes of dermatomycosis are dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive on human skin, hair, and nails [10]. Other forms of yeasts or molds like Candida and Malassezia can also contribute to the infection. The disease gets its name from the appearance of a "ring" type rash that develops on the skin of the infected person or animal [9].

Symptoms

The symptoms of dermatomycosis include an itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle [8]. In severe cases, the rash can spread to other parts of the body.

Prevalence and Treatment

Dermatomycosis is a common fungal infection that affects millions of people worldwide. According to estimates, 21.6% of the Japanese population has tinea pedis (athlete's foot), while 10.0% have tinea unguium (fungal nail infections) [12]. Diagnosis and treatment of dermatomycosis are routine in dermatological practice.

References

• [1] A dermatomycosis is a skin disease caused by a fungus.
• [3] A dermatomycosis is a highly contagious skin disease caused by fungi. It affects both people and animals.
• [5] Ringworm (tinea) is a common epidermis infection caused by dermatophyte fungi. Ringworm spreads through skin contact among people and...
• [6] Dermatomycosis is a skin disease caused by non-dermatophyte Ascomycota fungi, resulting in fungal infections on the skin or its appendages.
• [8] Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) is a rash caused by a fungal infection. It's usually an itchy, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle.
• [9] The disease gets its name from the appearance of a “ring” type rash that develops on the skin of the infected person or animal.
• [10] Dermatomycosis is primarily caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive on human skin, hair, and nails. The most common dermatophytes responsible for fungal skin infections include Dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton) and other forms of yeasts or molds like Candida and Malassezia that can also contribute to...
• [12] Background and Purpose. Dermatomycosis, including dermatophytosis, is commonly encountered in routine medical care. In Japan, 21.6% of the population are estimated to have tinea pedis, while 10.0% are estimated to have tinea unguium.

Dermatomycosis Signs and Symptoms

Dermatomycosis, also known as skin fungus infection, can manifest in various ways, making it challenging to diagnose. Here are the common signs and symptoms:

• Skin changes: A violet-colored or dusky red rash develops on the face, eyelids, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest, and back [1].
• Itching and pain: The rash can be itchy and painful.
• Gradual onset: Symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually over time.

Key differences from other skin conditions

Dermatomycosis is often misdiagnosed as eczema or dermatitis due to similar initial symptoms. However, the presence of a violet-colored rash on specific areas of the body and gradual symptom development are distinctive features of this condition.

References:

• [1] Dermatomycosis is frequently misdiagnosed as eczema or dermatitis, leading to inappropriate treatment with steroids.
• [3] Signs and symptoms of ringworm may include a scaly ring-shaped area, typically on the buttocks, trunk, arms, and legs. Itchiness.

Note: The information provided above is based on search results from various online sources, including medical websites and health forums.

Dermatomycosis, also known as fungal infections of the skin, can be diagnosed using various methods. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to identify dermatomycosis:

• Molecular methods: These quick and species-specific methods facilitate rapid determination of dermatophyte species [1]. They have become a valuable tool in diagnosing dermatomycosis.
• Cyanoacrylate surface skin scraping (CSSS): This is a new diagnostic tool that may be useful and simple, as mentioned by D Lousbergh in 1999 [2].
• Direct microscopic examination: The simplest and cheapest method used for the diagnosis of mycotic infections involves direct microscopic examination of potassium hydroxide (KOH)-prepared specimens [3]. This method is widely used to establish or confirm the diagnosis of a fungal infection.
• Fungal culture test: A fungal culture test is used to find out whether you have a fungal infection. The test may help identify the type of fungus that you have [5].
• EUROArray Dermatomycosis: This allows reliable and comprehensive detection of dermatomycosis pathogens in less than 24 hours [6].
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation or culture: A potassium hydroxide preparation or culture can often be used to diagnose tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis based on appearance [7].
• Biopsy: Skin, hair, and nail tissue are collected for microscopy and culture (mycology) to establish or confirm the diagnosis of a fungal infection. A biopsy may also be required in some cases [4].

These diagnostic tests can help identify dermatomycosis and provide information about the type of fungus causing the infection.

References: [1] - While traditional dermatomycosis diagnostics may take several weeks or are unable to identify dermatophyte species, molecular methods facilitate quick, species-specific determination. [2] - by D Lousbergh · 1999 · Cited by 21 — Cyanoacrylate surface skin scraping (CSSS) is a new diagnostic tool that may be useful and simple. [3] - by V Panasiti · 2006 · Cited by 108 — Direct microscopic examination of potassium hydroxide (KOH)-prepared specimens is the simplest, cheapest method used for the diagnosis of mycotic infections ... [4] - Skin, hair and nail tissue are collected for microscopy and culture (mycology) to establish or confirm the diagnosis of a fungal infection. [5] - Jul 7, 2022 — A fungal culture test is used to find out whether you have a fungal infection. The test may help identify the type of fungus that you have. [6] - The EUROArray Dermatomycosis allows reliable and comprehensive detection of dermatomycosis pathogens in less than 24 hours. [7] - by JW ELY · 2014 · Cited by 305 — Tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis can often be diagnosed based on appearance, but a potassium hydroxide preparation or culture ...

Treatment Options for Dermatomycosis

Dermatomycosis, also known as tinea infections, can be effectively treated with various antifungal medications. The choice of treatment depends on the specific type and severity of the infection.

• Topical Antifungals: These are the most commonly recommended treatment for most dermatophytosis, excluding tinea capitis and onychomycosis [8]. Topical antifungal drugs can be applied directly to the affected area using lotions, creams, or ointments such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) or terbinafine (Lamisil AT).
• Oral Antifungals: Oral antifungal medications are useful for treating more severe cases of dermatomycosis, particularly tinea capitis and onychomycosis [2]. Prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth is usually the best treatment for these conditions [3].
• Combination Therapy: A combination of topical and oral antifungal drugs can shorten the treatment period, thus improving patient adherence to topical treatment [1].

Specific Treatment Options

• For tinea capitis, an oral antifungal is generally necessary for effective therapy [2].
• Oral itraconazole at 100 mg/day for 2 weeks shows high efficacy in treating dermatomycosis [6].
• Griseofulvin is often used to treat scalp ringworm, which may last for 4 to 8 weeks [9].

Important Considerations

• Using steroids for fungal infections can worsen the condition by promoting fungal growth and the growth of drug-resistant strains of fungi [13].
• Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is recommended to personalize antifungal treatment and minimize toxicity [15].

Differential Diagnosis of Dermatomycosis

Dermatomycosis, also known as dermatophytosis, requires a comprehensive differential diagnosis to rule out other skin conditions that may present similarly. The following are some of the key differential diagnoses for dermatomycosis:

• Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition can mimic tinea capitis and corporis in terms of its clinical presentation.
• Psoriasis: Psoriasis can be confused with dermatophytosis, particularly when it presents as a scaly or crusty lesion.
• Lupus erythematosus: Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can cause skin lesions that may resemble those seen in dermatomycosis.
• Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis can present with skin lesions that are similar to those seen in dermatophytosis, particularly when it involves the face or scalp.

Other Differential Diagnoses

In addition to the above conditions, other differential diagnoses for dermatomycosis include:

• Folliculitis decalvans: This is a rare, scarring alopecia that can be confused with tinea capitis.
• Atopic dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that can present with lesions that may resemble those seen in dermatophytosis.
• Cutaneous candidiasis: Cutaneous candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida species, which can be confused with dermatomycosis.

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis of dermatomycosis is crucial to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications. A dermatologist may use a combination of clinical examination, laboratory tests, and microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis.

References:

• [1] The differential diagnosis includes seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, discoid lupus erythematosus, and contact dermatitis. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose these conditions accurately.
• [3] Diagnosis of dermatophytoses is based on clinical appearance and site of infection and can be confirmed by skin scrapings and demonstration of hyphae on potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mount or by culture of plucked hairs.
• [5] The differential diagnosis includes seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, discoid lupus erythematosus, and contact dermatitis. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose these conditions accurately.
• [12] Differential diagnosis of fungal infections. Athlete's foot (rash between the toes, which is often caused by a fungal infection but not always) Cradle cap (pityriasis capitis, infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp) Intertrigo (body fold rashes)
• [13] Diagnosis of superficial/cutaneous fungal infections from skin, hair and nail samples is generally achieved using microscopy and culture in a microbiology laboratory.