Integumentary Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in keratinized tissues. Dermatophytes produce keratinase enzymes to break down keratin, leading to inflammation. These infections are named based on their location, e.g., tinea capitis for scalp infections.

Dermatophytes are fungi that specifically target keratinized tissues - the tough protein found in skin, hair, and nails. These fungi produce enzymes that break down keratin, allowing them to use it as a food source.

The outer layer of skin, where tinea infections typically occur. Dermatophytes infect the stratum corneum, producing enzymes to break down keratin, triggering an immune response and skin inflammation.

Tinea infections spread through direct contact with infected individuals, animals, contaminated surfaces like locker rooms, shared towels, clothing, or bedding. It can also spread through autoinoculation, where scratching an infected area spreads the fungus to others.

Warm, moist environments like locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pools, are ideal for fungal growth. Tight-fitting clothing restricts airflow, causing moisture build-up and creating a hospitable environment for dermatophytes. Excessive sweating and poor drying habits can lead to skin moisture, further promoting fungal growth.

Tinea infections are characterized by itchy, scaly, and erythematous (red) lesions on the skin. The specific symptoms depend on the infection location, e.g., scalp infections can cause hair loss.

Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair follicles. It's caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum canis. The fungus weakens hair shafts, leading to hair breakage and scalp inflammation.

Tinea capitis is commonly spread through person-to-person contact, using contaminated brushes or combs, sharing hats, or contact with infected animals like cats, dogs, or livestock.

A fungal infection that affects the stratum corneum of the feet, particularly between the toes. It's caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum. Symptoms include scaling, hyperkeratosis, and potential fissures leading to bacterial superinfection.

Tinea Pedis is primarily spread through walking barefoot in warm, moist places like showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Direct contact with contaminated footwear or towels is another mode of transmission.

Risk factors for developing Tinea Pedis include sweaty feet, wearing tight and non-breathable shoes, poor hygiene, and sharing footwear.

This fungal skin infection is caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis. It affects the stratum corneum and produces a characteristic circular, red, scaly lesion with central clearing.

Tinea Corporis is spread through direct contact with infected animals, humans, or contaminated surfaces. Shared items like clothing, towels, or gym equipment can also act as transmission vectors.

Risk factors include contact with infected animals (especially common in children), participation in contact sports like wrestling, and exposure to warm, humid climates.

This fungal infection affects the groin and inner thigh area, causing red, itchy, and scaly lesions with sharp borders. It's caused by dermatophytes including Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum. Chronic scratching can lead to lichenification (thickened skin).

This fungal infection typically spreads through person-to-person contact or contact with contaminated items like clothes, towels, or underwear. It can also be spread by autoinoculation from other infected body parts, like the feet.

A fungal infection of the nails caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes.

Dermatophytes invade the nail bed and nail plate, breaking down keratin, causing the nail to thicken and become brittle.

Direct contact with infected nails or surfaces, or from autoinoculation from athlete's foot.

Older age, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, moist environments, nail trauma, or artificial nails.

A fungal infection caused by Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus normally present in the body.

Candida breaks down keratin using enzymes, leading to infection in warm, moist areas like skin folds or the mouth.

Overgrowth due to weakened immune system, antibiotic use, or increased skin moisture.

Immunosuppression, broad-spectrum antibiotics, warm, moist environments, poor hygiene, and obesity.