Dermatofitosi

What is dermatophytosis?¹

Dermatophytosis (tinea) infections are fungal infections caused by dermatophytes - a group of fungi that invade and grow in dead keratin. Several species commonly invade human keratin and these belong to the Epidermophyton, Microsporum e Trichophyton genera. They tend to grow outwards on skin, producing a ring-like pattern - hence the term 'ringworm'. They are very common and affect different parts of the body. They can usually be successfully treated but success depends on the site of infection and on compliance with treatment.

Vedi il separato Tinea capitis, Infezioni fungine delle unghie, Pitiriasi versicolor e Candidosi articoli.

Fisiopatologia²³

• Infection is limited to the dead layers of skin but encouraged by a damp and warm local environment.

• The infection can be transmitted to humans by anthropophilic (between people), geophilic (from soil) and zoophilic (from animals) spread.

• Gli organismi più comuni sono:

  • Trichophytons rubrum, Trichophytons tonsurans, Trichophytons interdigitale e Trichophytons mentagrophytes.

  • Microsporum canis.

  • Epidermophyton floccosum.

• Clinical classification is according to site:

  • Scalp - tinea capitis.

  • Feet - tinea pedis.

  • Hands - tinea manuum.

  • Nail - tinea unguium (or onychomycosis).

  • Beard area - tinea barbae.

  • Groin - tinea cruris.

  • Body including trunk and arms - tinea corporis.

How common is dermatophytosis? (Epidemiology)

Infection is very common all over the world. Some types are more common than others, with tinea pedis being most common in adults and tinea capitis the most common in children. Onychomycosis is also extremely common.

Dermatophytosis symptoms (presentation)²

Storia

• Itching, rash and nail discolouration are the most common symptoms of tinea infection.

• Hair loss occurs with tinea capitis (mainly a disease of children).

• Complications such as secondary infection (cellulitis and impetigo) can lead to symptoms.

• It is common in people who play contact sports.

• It occurs in immunocompromised patients.

Esame

• Tinea pedis:⁴

  • It particularly affects the web of the toe where skin may be macerated and erythematous.

  • It commonly affects the plantar surface of the foot. Erythema, vesicles and pustules can occur.

  Tinea pedis - tra le dita dei piedi

  

  © Utente Falloonb su en.wikipedia, Pubblico dominio, tramite Wikimedia Commons

• Tinea capitis:⁵

  • It can cause hair loss with broken hairs at the surface (as distinct from alopecia areata).

  • Clinical appearance is variable, including scaly, crusting, pustules and/or black dot alopecia.

• Tinea unguium (onychomycosis):⁶

  • Onycholysis or separation of the nail from the nail bed commonly occurs.

  • Nail dystrophy with thickening and discolouration of the nail develops.

• Tinea corporis:⁷

  • The skin lesions have annular scaly plaques with raised edges.

  • There may be vesicles and pustules.

  • Typically lesions are on exposed skin of the trunk, arms and legs (see 'Differential diagnosis', below).

  • More unusually the lesions can appear as overlapping concentric circles (tinea imbricate) or even herpetiform subcorneal vesicles or pustules (bullous tinea corporis).

Tinea corporis

© Corina G., Pubblico dominio, via Wikimedia Commons

• Tinea manuum:

  • Usually with tinea pedis.

  • Typically just affects one hand.

  • Scaling and redness are prominent.

  • Incorrect diagnosis and use of steroid may eventually exacerbate the infection.

• Tinea cruris:⁸

  • Usually occurs in men.

  • Often tolerated for some time before presentation.

  • Typically erythematous with central clearing and raised edge.

• Tinea barbae:⁹

  • Affects the beard area.

  • Redness, scaling and pustules are common.

Diagnosi differenziale⁷

Other annular rashes are often confused with tinea infections. Eczema e psoriasi are commonly confused with tinea. Pityriasis versicolor occurs all over the trunk while candida occurs as a flexural rash at extremes of age or in the immunocompromised, those with diabetes or patients on antibiotics.

Treatment with topical steroids often causes confusion, making tinea less scaly and more erythematous. Steroid use also makes the 'active' edge and the inactive centre less distinct (tinea incognito). Clinically the diagnosis can be difficult but, if it is a possibility, take scrapings for mycology. Other fungal infections look nothing like tinea. Other conditions to consider include:

• Dermatite da contatto.

• Dermatite seborroica.

• Intertrigo.

• Erythrasma.

• Micosi fungoide.

• Alopecia areata.

Diagnosing dermatophytosis (investigations)¹⁰

• Microscopy of skin and nail specimens may reveal hyphae and spores.

• Fungal culture can identify the species but is not always reliable and it can take six weeks to obtain results.

• Ultraviolet light (Wood's light) is useful for tinea capitis especially. Fluorescence is produced by the fungus. Fluorescence is not seen with tinea corporis or tinea cruris.

• Rarely, a biopsy may be needed if the case is atypical or not responding to treatment.

Malattie associate

Diabetes, immunocompromised states, atopy and sindrome di Cushing have all been associated with fungal infections.

Management of dermatophytosis⁴⁵⁶¹⁰

• Offer advice on hygiene measures:

  • Keep affected skin cool and dry.

  • Wear cotton, absorbent clothing.

  • Avoid scratching affected skin.

  • After washing, dry thoroughly.

  • Do not share towels, and wash frequently, to reduce the risk of transmission.

  • Cover feet in communal bathing pools, changing areas and gymnasiums if feet are affected.

  • Continue school and sporting activities.

• Vedi il separato Farmaci antifungini articolo.

• Topical agents containing a corticosteroid are not usually necessary. They may be used if there is a lot of skin inflammation. They should be used for a week only.

• Referral may be needed if diagnosis is in doubt.

Complications of dermatophytosis

Secondary bacterial infection may occur. Hair loss is a complication of tinea capitis. Pain and difficulty with shoes can result from onychomycosis.

A dermatophytid (id) reaction may occur, especially after initiation of systemic antifungal treatment. This is thought to be a type IV hypersensitivity response, and causes a widespread pruritic rash, with papules, maculopapules, papulovesicles, or pustules at sites distinct from that of the original dermatophyte infection.¹¹

Scarring is uncommon but more likely in people with pigmented skin. Scarring usually fades with time. Skin protection such as using a moisturiser cream and sunscreen can be helpful. Extensive or severe scarring may need further treatment, such as using laser therapy.

Dermatophytosis prognosis

Excellent with good compliance and subsequent precautions to avoid repeat infection.

Prevention of dermatophytosis

• Good skin hygiene.

• Good nail hygiene.

• Avoiding prolonged wetting or dampness of the skin and feet.

• Avoiding trainers, which can retain sweat and promote a warm, moist environment.

• Treatment of tinea pedis - helps prevent onychomycosis.⁶

• Wearing clean, loose-fitting underwear.