Aetiology and Laboratory Diagnosis
Raimo E Suhonen, Rodney P R Dawber, David H Ellis in Fungal Infections of the Skin, Hair and Nails, 2020
Dermatophytosis of the scalp, glabrous skin and nails is caused by a closely related group of fungi known as dermatophytes which have the ability to utilise keratin as a nutrient source, i.e. they have a unique enzymatic capacity. It is important to stress that fewer than 50% of dystrophic nails are of fungal aetiology and that it is therefore essential to establish a correct laboratory diagnosis by microscopy and/or culture before treating a patient with a systemic antifungal agent. For a laboratory diagnosis, clinicians should be aware of the need to generate an adequate amount of suitable clinical material. In patients with suspected dermatophytosis of the nails, the nail plate should be pared and scraped using a blunt scalpel until the crumbling white degenerating portion is reached. Therefore, it is essential to perform both direct microscopy and culture on all specimens, and repeat collections should always be considered in cases of suspected dermatophytosis with negative laboratory reports.
Dermatology
Shibley Rahman, Avinash Sharma in A Complete MRCP(UK) Parts 1 and 2 Written Examination Revision Guide, 2018
This chapter details what is required in terms of competencies, skills and knowledge from junior physicians in core medical training in dermatology. Alopecia areata is a presumed autoimmune condition causing localised, well-demarcated patches of hair loss. At the edge of the hair loss, there may be small, broken 'exclamation mark' hairs. Onycholysis describes the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Purpura fall largely into two groups: vessel disorders and platelet disorders. Henoch-Schonlein purpura classically appears over lower limbs and buttocks. There are two strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in humans: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Venous ulceration is typically seen above the medial malleolus. Dermatophytosis infections are fungal infections caused by dermatophytes – a group of fungi that invade and grow in dead keratin. Tinea capitis is a dermatophyte infection of the scalp most often caused by Trichophyton tonsurans , and occasionally by Microsporum canis . It is commonest in areas of socio-economic deprivation.
Ringworm/Dermatophytosis/Tinea Infections
Charles Theisler in Adjuvant Medical Care, 2022
Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, is not a worm but a fungal (tinea) infection of the skin. The fungi live on the dead tissues of the skin, hair, and nails. Tinea infections are commonly referred to as ringworm due to the characteristic circular lesions. These infections are named for the affected body part, such as tinea pedis (feet), tinea capitis (scalp), and tinea corporis (body). Typically, it results in a circular red, itchy, scaly rash. Ringworm occurs in people of all ages, but it is particularly 306 common in children. It occurs most often in warm, moist climates. Ringworm is a contagious disease and can be passed from person to person by contact with infected skin areas or by sharing combs and brushes, other personal care items, or clothing.'
Development of a new synthetic xerogel nanoparticles of silver and zinc oxide against causative agents of dermatophytoses
Published in Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2019
Ali Abdul Hussein S. Al-Janabi, Abass M. Bashi
Background: Dermatophytes, which are the common causative agents of superficial infection on the human skin called dermatophytosis that can be treated by various antifungal drugs. Nanoparticles composed of such drugs have many benefits. A new form called xerogel of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) was prepared and tested against dermatophytes. Methods: Xerogel consists of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs was prepared. Characteristics of chemical composition, surface morphology, and nanoparticle size were determined. Antidermatophytic action of prepared xerogel was investigated against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum. Results: The new preparation exhibited satisfactory character of xerogel nanoparticles. Trichophyton mentagrophytes showed more susceptibility to xerogel with lower minimum inhibitory concentration than T. verrucosum. Conclusions: Xerogel nanoparticles composed of Ag and ZnO were successfully prepared. They had antidermatophytic action in specific concentrations.
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of oral terbinafine and itraconazole combination therapy in the management of dermatophytosis
Published in Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2020
Priyanka Sharma, Mala Bhalla, Gurvinder P. Thami, Jagdish Chander
Background: There has been an alarming increase in recalcitrant dermatophytosis in recent years. The standard treatment guidelines no longer seem effective in achieving clearance and results in high failure rates. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral terbinafine and itraconazole combination therapy in the management of dermatophytosis. Methods: Clinically diagnosed and KOH positive patients of tinea corporis/cruris/faciei were randomly divided into three groups and given terbinafine 250 mg, itraconazole 200 mg and a combination of both once daily taken on the same day respectively for 3 weeks. Partial responders at the end of the therapy were given same treatment for additional 3 weeks. Clinical parameters namely itching, erythema, and scaling were evaluated at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 weeks. Adverse effects were noted at the end of therapy. Results: Maximum clinical and mycological cure was achieved in group III (receiving combination therapy) (90%) followed by group II (receiving itraconazole) (50%) and group I (receiving terbinafine) (35%). The combination therapy of oral terbinafine and itraconazole was found to be as safe as monotherapy without any significant adverse effects. Conclusions: The combination of systemic terbinafine and itraconazole therapy may be an effective and safe therapeutic strategy in the management of dermatophytosis
Influence of low-level laser on pain and inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic dermopathy – A case report
Published in Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2017
Animesh Hazari, Shivashankara K. N, Karthik K. Rao, Arun G. Maiya
Numerous skin lesions have been commonly observed in individuals with diabetes mellitus. The common skin manifestations of diabetes mellitus are erythrasma, xanthomatosis, xanthelasma, phycomycetes and cutaneous infections like furuncolosis, candidiasis, carbuncle, dermatophytosis, etc. Diabetic dermopathy is the most common skin lesion found in patients with diabetes. It is typically seen in men aged above 50 years. In low-level laser therapy (LLLT), the entire lower limb was illuminated with the frequency of 20 Hz and wavelength of 830 nm for 9 min, and the treatment was divided into four parts. With the continued sessions of LLLT, the skin manifestations and neuropathy conditions improved drastically. On the 21st day, the skin colour was found to be normal. Also, there were significant changes in clinical findings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. LLLT with specific exercises can promote healing of skin manifestations in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can be used as an effective treatment modality for treating diabetic dermopathy.
Related Knowledge Centers
- Epidermophyton
- Microsporum
- Trichophyton
- Yeasts
- Dermatophytes
- Dermatomycoses
- Molds