Fungal Skin Infection Flashcards Preview

Dermatology > Fungal Skin Infection > Flashcards

Flashcards in Fungal Skin Infection Deck (16)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Describe the two types of fungal skin infections

A
  • Tinea corporis (ringworm) (all over skin)

- Tinea cruris (groin, perineum, perianal)

2
Q

What are risk factors for fungal skin infections?

A
  • Hot humid climates
  • Wearing tight fitting clothing
  • Obesity
  • Hyperhidrosis
  • Immunocompromised states
3
Q

What are complications of fungal skin infections?

A
  • Secondary bacterial infection

- Tinea incognito (inappropriate use of topical steroids can lead to extensive spread of fungal infection)

4
Q

Describe fungal rashes on the skin

A
  • Single or multiple red or pink, flat or slightly raised annular patches of varying size
  • They enlarge outwards
  • Lesions have an active, red, scaly advancing edge and a clear central area. Scaly edge may be lost in moist flexures
  • Asymmetrical in distribution
  • Coalescence of lesions
5
Q

What investigations would you undertake?

A
  • Usually a clinical diagnosis

Skin sampling for microscopy and culture if:

  • Severe and extensive disease in adults
  • Diagnosis is uncertain and there is an atypical appearance
6
Q

What self care management strategies can you advise?

A
  • Loose fitting clothing made of cotton/moisture away from the skin material
  • Good hygiene measures
  • Dry thoroughly after washing
  • Don’t scratch affected skin
  • Do not share towels, and wash them frequently
  • Wash clothes and bed linen to eradicate fungal spores
  • Don’t exclude from school/nursery
7
Q

What is the management for fungal skin infections?

A
  • Terbinafine cream
  • Imidazole cream (clotrimazole, miconazole)
  • Mildly potent topical corticosteroid (hydrocortisone 1% for max 7 days)
  • If severe, oral antifungals but needs skin sample testing
8
Q

What advise should you give about topical corticsteroids?

A
  • Apply a thin layer one or twice daily for max 7 days
  • Rare to get side effects if used appropriately
  • Seek GP advice if thin skin, striae or acne
  • Keep away from fire or naked flames
9
Q

What type of foot infections can be caused by fungus?

A
  • Interdigital type (white or red, fissured, scaling skin)
  • Dry type (diffuse scaling, erythema and hyperkeratosis of the sole and lateral aspect of the foot)
  • Vesicobullous (inflammatory variant of vesicles on an erythematous base, mainly on arches and soles of the feet)
10
Q

What symptoms suggest a fungal scalp infection?

A
  • Scaling and itching of the scalp, may be generalised and diffuse
  • Single or multiple circular patches of alopecia which is asymmetrical
  • Inflammation - erythema, scattered pustules, crusting, thick crust
11
Q

What is the self management advice for fungal scalp?

A
  • Soften surface crusts with moistened dressings then tease away
  • Discard or wash any hats, pillows etc
  • Do not share towels
  • Assess and treat household pets
12
Q

What is the treatment for fungal scalp?

A
  • Ketonazole shampoo twice weekly for 2-4 weeks

- Oral antifungal agents (oral terbinafine)

13
Q

What are symptoms of fungal nail infections (onychomycosis)?

A
  • Discoloured nail
  • Single or rarely all the nails are affected
  • Superficial white (small flaky white patches and pits on the nail plate)
  • Associated with paroncyhia
14
Q

What investigations would you undertake?

A
  • Nail clippings or scrapings for fungal microscopy and culture
15
Q

What is the self management advice for fungal nail infections?

A
  • Keep nails trimmed short and filed down
  • Well fitted non occlusive shoes
  • Wear cotton absorbent socks
  • Maintain good foot hygiene
  • Wear protective footwear in communal bathing spaces
16
Q

What management is there for fungal nail infections?

A
  • Antifungal treatment only if walking is uncomfortable,, psychological distress, comorbidities
  • Amorolfine 5% nail laquer for 9-12 months on toenails
  • Oral terbinadine/itraconazole 250mg OD for 3-6 months for toenails