21.4 Mycoses of the Skin
3 min read•june 18, 2024
Fungal skin infections are a common nuisance caused by various pathogens like , , and . These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, causing itchy, scaly rashes in areas like feet, groin, and scalp.
Diagnosis involves examining skin scrapings and cultures, while treatment ranges from topical creams to oral medications. Keeping affected areas dry and clean is crucial for prevention and recovery. Understanding these infections helps in effective management and prevention.
Fungal Skin Infections
Common fungal skin pathogens
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- Dermatophytes infect the keratinized tissues of the skin, hair, and nails
- spp. are the most common dermatophytes causing skin infections
- frequently causes , jock itch, and nail infections
- often causes and athlete's foot
- spp. primarily affect the skin and scalp
- is a zoophilic transmitted from animals to humans
- spp. mainly infect the skin and nails
- causes athlete's foot and jock itch
- spp. are the most common dermatophytes causing skin infections
- Candida spp. are yeasts that can cause superficial skin infections in moist areas
- is the most common cause of (yeast infections)
- often infects the skin and nails
- Malassezia spp. are lipophilic yeasts that are part of the normal skin flora but can cause infections
- and are the main species associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
Fungal structures and growth
- Dermatophytes produce thread-like structures called that form a network known as
- Fungi reproduce and spread through , which are resistant structures that can survive harsh conditions
- Dermatophytes secrete to break down keratin in skin, hair, and nails for nutrients
Symptoms and transmission of tinea
- (athlete's foot) affects the feet, especially between the toes
- Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, and scaling of the skin
- Transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces (locker room floors, showers)
- (jock itch) affects the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks
- Presents as a red, itchy, scaly rash with a raised border
- Transmitted in warm, moist environments and through close skin-to-skin contact (shared towels, clothing)
- () can occur on any part of the body
- Appears as circular, red, scaly patches with a clear center and raised edges
- Transmitted by contact with infected people, animals (cats, dogs), or contaminated objects (combs, brushes)
- (scalp ringworm) affects the scalp and hair follicles
- Causes scaly patches, hair loss, and itching on the scalp
- Transmitted through sharing of combs, brushes, or hats with infected individuals
- () is a fungal infection of the nails
- Leads to thickening, discoloration, and separation of the nail from the nail bed
- Transmitted in warm, moist environments and through contact with infected nail clippings
Diagnosis and treatment of mycoses
- Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests
- Physical examination of the affected area helps identify characteristic signs of fungal infections
- Microscopic examination of skin scrapings or nail clippings using KOH (potassium hydroxide) reveals fungal elements
- helps identify the specific pathogen causing the infection
- Treatment options depend on the severity and location of the infection
- Topical antifungal medications are used for localized, mild-to-moderate infections
- Azoles (, ) inhibit fungal cell membrane synthesis
- () disrupt fungal cell wall synthesis
- has a broad spectrum of activity against dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds
- Oral antifungal medications are prescribed for severe, widespread, or resistant cases
- is highly effective against dermatophytes
- and have a broader spectrum of activity, including yeasts
- Adjunctive therapies help prevent recurrence and promote healing
- Keeping the affected area clean and dry reduces moisture and fungal growth
- Avoiding tight-fitting clothing or shoes minimizes friction and improves ventilation
- Using antifungal powders or sprays in shoes helps prevent athlete's foot
- Topical antifungal medications are used for localized, mild-to-moderate infections
- can develop, particularly in chronic infections, necessitating alternative treatment strategies
Key Terms to Review (75)
Allylamines: Allylamines are a class of synthetic antifungal compounds that are used to treat various fungal skin infections, particularly those caused by dermatophytes. These compounds disrupt the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane, leading to cell death and inhibition of fungal growth.
Antifungal Resistance: Antifungal resistance refers to the ability of fungal pathogens to withstand or adapt to the effects of antifungal drugs, rendering these medications less effective in treating fungal infections. This phenomenon has significant implications for the management of mycoses, including skin, respiratory, and reproductive system infections.
Aspergillosis: Aspergillosis is an infection caused by the Aspergillus species of fungi, which primarily affects the respiratory system but can disseminate to other organs. It is most commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals.
Aspergillus: Aspergillus is a genus of mold commonly found in the environment that can cause infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. These fungi are known for producing conidia, which can be inhaled and lead to respiratory issues.
Athlete's Foot: Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that primarily affects the skin of the feet. It is a common condition that can cause itching, scaling, and cracking of the skin, particularly between the toes and on the soles of the feet. Athlete's foot is a type of mycosis, or fungal infection, that falls under the broader category of 21.4 Mycoses of the Skin.
C. albicans: C. albicans is a fungal species that is a common cause of mycoses, or fungal infections, particularly in the skin. It is an opportunistic pathogen that can thrive in the human body under certain conditions, leading to various types of skin infections.
C. parapsilosis: C. parapsilosis is a species of yeast that can cause various types of mycoses, including skin infections. It is an opportunistic pathogen that is commonly found on human skin and in the gastrointestinal tract, and can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Candida: Candida is a genus of yeast-like fungi that are a common part of the human microbiome, typically residing in the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and female genital area. However, under certain conditions, these normally harmless fungi can overgrow and cause various types of infections, known as candidiasis or thrush.
Candida albicans: Candida albicans is a dimorphic fungus that can exist in both yeast and hyphal forms. It is a common opportunistic pathogen in humans, causing infections primarily when the immune system is compromised.
Candidiasis: Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida species, most commonly Candida albicans. It can affect various parts of the body, including the urogenital system.
Candidiasis: Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the yeast-like organism Candida, which can affect various parts of the body, including the skin and the urogenital tract. It is a common opportunistic infection that occurs when the delicate balance of the body's natural microbiota is disrupted, allowing Candida to overgrow and cause infection.
Cell-Mediated Immunity: Cell-mediated immunity is an immune response that involves the activation of specialized T cells to eliminate pathogens or infected cells. It is a crucial component of the adaptive immune system, working in conjunction with humoral immunity to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats, including viral infections, intracellular bacteria, and certain types of cancer.
Ciclopirox: Ciclopirox is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections of the skin, including mycoses. It works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane and interfering with essential cellular processes, thereby inhibiting the growth and proliferation of fungal pathogens.
Clotrimazole: Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a crucial component of fungal cell membranes. It is commonly applied topically for skin and mucous membrane infections.
Clotrimazole: Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections, particularly those affecting the skin and reproductive system. It works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, leading to the death of the fungal cells.
Cutaneous mycoses: Cutaneous mycoses are fungal infections that affect the skin, hair, and nails. They are typically caused by dermatophytes, which thrive on keratin.
Dermatophyte: Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that have the ability to infect and colonize the skin, hair, and nails of humans and other animals. They are the primary causative agents of common fungal skin infections known as mycoses of the skin, or dermatophytoses.
Dermatophytes: Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that cause infections in keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails. They are responsible for common fungal infections like athlete's foot and ringworm.
Dermatophytosis: Dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails. It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes that thrive on keratin, the main structural component of the skin, hair, and nails.
E. floccosum: E. floccosum is a fungal species that is the causative agent of a common skin infection known as tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp. It is a dermatophyte, a group of fungi that can infect the skin, hair, and nails.
Econazole: Econazole is an antifungal medication used to treat various skin infections caused by fungi. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungal cell membranes, thereby eliminating the infection.
Epidermophyton: Epidermophyton is a genus of fungi that primarily infects the skin, hair, and nails, causing various mycotic infections known as dermatophytosis or ringworm. These fungi are classified as dermatophytes, a group of fungi that have the ability to invade and colonize the keratinized tissues of the body.
Fluconazole: Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes.
Fluconazole: Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections. It works by interfering with the fungal cell membrane, disrupting the fungal cell's ability to maintain its structure and function, ultimately leading to the death of the fungal cells.
Fungal Culture: Fungal culture refers to the process of growing and isolating fungi in a controlled laboratory environment. This technique is crucial for the diagnosis and study of fungal infections, known as mycoses, particularly those affecting the skin, which is the focus of the 21.4 Mycoses of the Skin topic.
Griseofulvin: Griseofulvin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails. It works by inhibiting fungal cell mitosis, leading to the disruption of fungal growth.
Hyperkeratosis: Hyperkeratosis is a skin condition characterized by the thickening and hardening of the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. This abnormal accumulation of keratin, the primary structural protein in the skin, can lead to the formation of calluses, warts, and other skin lesions.
Hyphae: Hyphae are the long, branching filamentous structures that make up the body of a fungus. They are the fundamental units of fungal growth and are responsible for the characteristic appearance and function of fungi.
Intertrigo: Intertrigo is an inflammatory condition of skin folds caused by moisture, friction, and heat. It can lead to secondary infections by bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
Itraconazole: Itraconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections. It is particularly effective against dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Itraconazole: Itraconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal drug used to treat a variety of fungal infections, including those affecting the skin, nails, and respiratory system. It works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a critical component of the fungal cell wall.
Keratinase: Keratinase is an enzyme that breaks down keratin, a tough, fibrous protein found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. It plays a crucial role in the context of mycoses, or fungal infections, of the skin.
Keratinolytic Enzymes: Keratinolytic enzymes are a class of proteolytic enzymes that have the ability to break down the structural protein keratin, which is the main component of skin, hair, and nails. These enzymes play a crucial role in the context of mycoses, or fungal infections, of the skin.
Keratomycosis: Keratomycosis, also known as fungal keratitis, is a serious eye infection that occurs when fungi infect the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. This condition is a type of mycosis, or fungal infection, that primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes, including the eye.
Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections, including those that affect the skin and respiratory system. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes.
KOH Preparation: KOH preparation, or potassium hydroxide preparation, is a technique used in the diagnosis of fungal skin infections, particularly mycoses. It involves the application of a potassium hydroxide solution to a sample of the affected skin, hair, or nail to help identify the presence of fungal elements.
M. canis: M. canis is a species of fungus that is a common cause of ringworm, a type of fungal skin infection. It is one of the most prevalent dermatophyte fungi responsible for mycoses of the skin, nails, and hair.
M. globosa: M. globosa is a fungus that is the primary causative agent of pityriasis versicolor, a common skin infection characterized by discolored patches on the skin. This fungus is part of the normal skin microbiome but can overgrow and cause disease in certain conditions.
M. restricta: M. restricta is a species of fungus that is a common cause of Tinea versicolor, a type of superficial fungal skin infection. It is a lipophilic yeast that resides on the skin and can overgrow, leading to discolored patches on the body.
Maceration: Maceration is the softening or breaking down of tissues, often due to the action of enzymes or microorganisms. In the context of mycoses of the skin, maceration refers to the process by which fungal infections can lead to the softening and disintegration of the skin and surrounding tissues.
Malassezia: Malassezia is a genus of fungi that are commonly found on the skin of humans and other warm-blooded animals. These lipophilic yeasts are known to be involved in various skin conditions, particularly those categorized under the topic of 21.4 Mycoses of the Skin.
Miconazole: Miconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes. It is commonly applied topically for skin and mucous membrane infections.
Miconazole: Miconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections, including those affecting the skin and reproductive system. It works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, leading to the death of the fungal cells.
Microsporum: Microsporum is a genus of fungi known for causing dermatophytosis in humans and animals, primarily affecting the skin, hair, and nails. It is one of the main pathogens responsible for ringworm infections.
Mycelium: Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine, tubular filaments called hyphae. It is the primary structure responsible for the growth, reproduction, and nutrient absorption of fungi, playing a crucial role in their biology and ecological functions.
Mycoses: Mycoses are fungal infections that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin. They can range from superficial infections to more serious systemic conditions.
Naftifine: Naftifine is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections of the skin. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, providing relief from symptoms such as itching and scaling.
Nodules: Nodules are small, raised areas or lumps that can form on the skin due to infections, inflammation, or other causes. In microbiology, they are often associated with certain bacterial and fungal infections.
Nystatin: Nystatin is an antifungal antibiotic used to treat fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species. It works by binding to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, creating pores that lead to cell death.
Onychomycosis: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the toenails or fingernails. It is a common condition that can cause discoloration, thickening, and deformation of the nails, and is often associated with the Mycoses of the Skin chapter.
Ringworm: Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes. It presents as a red, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle.
Ringworm: Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection of the skin that manifests as a circular, red, and often itchy rash. It is a common mycosis that primarily affects the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails, and is typically caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes.
Rose gardener’s disease: Rose gardener’s disease, also known as sporotrichosis, is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii. It typically enters the body through minor cuts or abrasions and affects the skin, lymphatic system, and occasionally the lungs.
Rose thorn disease: Rose thorn disease, also known as sporotrichosis, is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii. It typically occurs following the inoculation of the fungus through skin injuries from plant material such as rose thorns.
Spores: Spores are specialized reproductive structures produced by various microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and some protists. They are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and serve as a means of dispersal and survival for the parent organism.
Sporothrix schenkii: Sporothrix schenkii is a dimorphic fungus responsible for sporotrichosis, an infection typically affecting the skin. It is commonly found in soil, plants, and decaying vegetation.
Sporotrichosis: Sporotrichosis is a chronic fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii, typically entering the skin through small cuts or abrasions. It often manifests as nodular lesions that can ulcerate and spread along lymphatic pathways.
Subcutaneous mycoses: Subcutaneous mycoses are fungal infections that occur beneath the skin's surface, typically involving the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and sometimes bone. These infections usually develop after traumatic implantation of the fungus into the skin.
Systemic mycoses: Systemic mycoses are fungal infections that affect internal organs and systems, often starting from the lungs and spreading to other parts of the body. These infections can become serious or life-threatening if not properly treated.
T. mentagrophytes: T. mentagrophytes is a species of fungus that is a common causative agent of dermatophytosis, a type of fungal skin infection also known as ringworm. It is a filamentous, keratinophilic fungus that primarily infects the skin, hair, and nails, leading to various mycoses of the skin.
T. rubrum: T. rubrum is a fungal pathogen that is the primary causative agent of tinea infections, also known as ringworm, affecting the skin, hair, and nails. It is a dermatophyte, a group of fungi that specifically infect and thrive on keratinized tissues of the body.
Terbinafine: Terbinafine is an antifungal medication primarily used to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails. It works by inhibiting the enzyme squalene epoxidase, leading to a deficiency in ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes.
Terbinafine: Terbinafine is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections, particularly those affecting the skin, hair, and nails. It is a synthetic allylamine compound that disrupts the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes, leading to the death or inhibition of fungal growth.
Tinea Capitis: Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair, commonly referred to as ringworm of the scalp. It is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes that invade the hair follicles and the outer layer of the skin, leading to various symptoms and potential complications.
Tinea corporis: Tinea corporis, commonly known as ringworm, is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes. It presents as a red, circular rash with clearer skin in the middle.
Tinea Corporis: Tinea corporis, also known as ringworm of the body, is a fungal skin infection caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. It is characterized by a circular, red, itchy rash that can occur on various parts of the body, excluding the scalp, groin, and feet.
Tinea cruris: Tinea cruris, commonly known as jock itch, is a fungal infection of the groin area. It is caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungi that thrive in warm and moist environments.
Tinea Cruris: Tinea cruris, commonly known as jock itch, is a fungal infection that occurs in the groin area. It is a type of dermatophyte infection that affects the skin, causing redness, itching, and a characteristic ring-shaped rash.
Tinea pedis: Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It is caused by dermatophytes and typically occurs in warm, moist environments.
Tinea Pedis: Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot, is a fungal infection that primarily affects the feet, particularly the areas between the toes. It is a common condition that can cause itching, scaling, and redness of the affected skin.
Tinea Unguium: Tinea unguium, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the toenails or fingernails. It is a common condition caused by dermatophyte fungi that invade and colonize the nail plate, leading to discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nails.
Tineas: Tineas are superficial fungal infections of the skin, hair, or nails caused by dermatophytes. They are commonly known as ringworm due to their characteristic ring-like appearance.
Trichophyton: Trichophyton is a genus of fungi primarily responsible for dermatophytic infections in humans, such as athlete's foot and ringworm. These fungi invade keratinized tissues including skin, hair, and nails.
Wood’s lamp: Wood's lamp is a diagnostic tool that emits ultraviolet (UV) light to detect fungal and bacterial infections in the skin. It helps identify specific pathogens based on their fluorescence under UV light.
Wood's Lamp: A Wood's lamp, also known as a UV lamp or black light, is a diagnostic tool used in the field of dermatology to aid in the identification and examination of certain skin conditions, particularly those related to fungal infections or pigmentation disorders. It emits ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause certain substances to fluoresce, revealing unique patterns or colors that help healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor various skin mycoses.