Fungal skin infections Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is the proper medical name for ringworm?
Tinea
What type of organism causes tinea infections?
Dermatophyte fungi (e.g., Trichophyton rubrum).
What is tinea corporis?
Ringworm of the body
What is tinea cruris?
Ringworm of the groin (jock itch)
What are common risk factors for developing tinea infections?
Hot, humid environments, tight clothing, obesity, hyperhidrosis
Describe the classic appearance of a tinea corporis lesion.
Itchy, scaly, annular red/pink patches with a red scaly edge and clear center
What is tinea incognito?
A tinea infection with an altered appearance due to inappropriate corticosteroid use
What is the first-line treatment for mild, localised tinea infections?
Topical antifungals like terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole, or econazole
When is a mild corticosteroid like hydrocortisone added to antifungal therapy?
When there is significant inflammation
How should miconazole 2% cream be applied?
Twice daily and continued for 10 days after lesions have healed
What oral antifungal is typically used for extensive tinea infection?
Terbinafine (first-line), or itraconazole/griseofulvin if needed.
What are common topical antifungals used for tinea corporis or tinea cruris?
Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, econazole
How should terbinafine 1% cream be applied for tinea corporis/cruris?
Once or twice daily for 1–2 weeks (continue for a few days after lesion resolution)
What is a key counselling point for topical imidazoles (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole)?
Apply 2–3 times daily; continue treatment for at least 2 weeks after symptoms resolve
Which topical antifungal interacts with warfarin and may increase INR?
Miconazole
How should hydrocortisone + antifungal combinations be used in inflamed tinea?
Apply once daily, max 7 days; should not be used alone or long-term.
What is the standard adult dose of oral terbinafine for tinea corporis/cruris?
250 mg once daily for 2–4 weeks.
What are key side effects of terbinafine?
GI upset, rash, taste disturbance, hepatotoxicity, headache.
In which patients is oral terbinafine contraindicated?
Those with chronic or active liver disease
Which patient group should not be given oral itraconazole without specialist advice?
Patients with heart failure — due to risk of worsening.
What are notable side effects of itraconazole?
GI upset, hepatotoxicity, hypokalaemia, rash, dizziness
What monitoring is required with itraconazole?
LFTs before and during treatment if used for more than 1 month
What is the standard adult dose of griseofulvin for tinea corporis/cruris?
500 mg to 1 g daily (in divided doses if needed), usually for 4 weeks or longer
Which major side effects are associated with griseofulvin?
GI upset, photosensitivity, headache, liver dysfunction, rare blood disorders
