Microbiology: Fungal Skin Infections Flashcards
what infection is caused by dermatophyte(fungal) infection
ringworm
tinea = ringworm
what is tinea pedis more commonly known as
athlete’s foot
what are some of the different types of ringworm
tinea capitis(scalp), tinea manuum(hands), tinea cruris(groin), tinea corporis(body)
how does dermatophyte enter the skin in tinea
enters at abraded or soggy skin
describe the pathogenesis of dermatophyte(ringworm)
hyphae spreads in stratum corneum, increased epidermal turnover causes scaling, inflammatory response provoked(dermis), hair follicles and shafts invaded
describe the lesion seen in dermatophyte infection
grows outward and heals in centre, giving “ring” appearance
what type of tissue is affected by dermatophyte
keratinised tissues only(skin, nails, hair)
what gender is more commonly affected by ringworm
males
what type of tinea is most commonly seen in children
tinea capitis(scalp ringworm)
what are the different sources of infection of dermatophytes
other infected humans(by far most common), animals, soil
what are the 2 most common causative organisms of ringworm
Trichophyton rubrum(>70%) and Trichophyton mentagraphytes(>20%)
what investigations are used in the diagnosis of dermatophytes
clinical appearance, Woods light(fluorescence), skin scraping, nail clippings, hair for microscopy and culture
what treatment is used for dermatophyte small areas of skin or nails
clotrimazole cream or similar, topical nail paint
what treatment is used for dermatophyte extensive skin infections, scalp infections and nail infections
terbinafine orally, itraconazole orally
what sites does Candida infection affect
skin folds where area most warm and moist
eg under breasts, groin areas, abdominal skin folds,
