Superficial fungal infections

Abstract

Superficial fungal infections are common dermatologic conditions, and patients often visit primary care physicians for evaluation. Diagnosis can be established with direct microscopic examination, fungal culture, and Wood's light examination. Some infections (eg, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, pityriasis versicolor) are often successfully treated with a topical antifungal alone. Others (eg, tinea capitis, onychomycosis) require use of a systemic antifungal. Physicians should be familiar with available agents and their adverse effects and closely follow patients receiving long-term antifungal therapy.

Primary care management of common dermatologic disorders in womanPharmacologic considerations

“…If microscopic examination is negative, a fungal culture may be performed to rule out dermatophyte infection because wet preparations will show hyphae in less than 50% of cases of ringworm (6). If the condition appears more inflammatory, candidal or bacterial infection should be considered (3).…”

“…If the condition appears more inflammatory, candidal or bacterial infection should be considered (3). Differential diagnosis includes pityriasis rosea, nummular eczema, granuloma annular, erythema annular centrifugum, secondary syphilis, subacute lupus erythematous psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis (3, 6). When topical steroids are mistakenly used for fungal infection, a condition called tinea incognito may develop in which the inflammation decreases in response to the steroids but the dermatophyte continues to flourish and spread extensively (4).…”

“…Yeast infections of the fingernails present as yellow to brown discoloration, opacity, and a rough surface. Differential diagnosis includes psoriasis, lichen planus, allergic contact dermatitis, onychodystrophy, and acquired or congenital leukonychia (3, 6).…”

Comprehensive dermatologic assessment

“…It can be found in the mouth, vagina, or skin folds and is associated with pruritus. Painful fissuring and maceration may occur (35).…”

“…They are caused by the presence of dermatophytes, and generally present as scaling lesions with sharply defined borders. There are several forms of fungal infections of the skin (tinea), each with a unique presentation, location, and treatment Accurate assessment and diagnosis of the specific forms of tinea is key to formulation of a successful treatment plan (35).…”