Cutaneous Mycoses by Dr. Momoh Abdul-Razaq.pdf

CUTANEOUS MYCOSES BY DR. MOMOH ABDUL-RAZAQ • Basically, cutaneous mycoses are the dermatophytoses (dermatophytes) whose three implicated fungi are Microsporon, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton as well as Candidiasis of the skin, mucosa and nails. • • • • • While dermatophytosis are caused by - M...

CUTANEOUS MYCOSES BY DR. MOMOH ABDUL-RAZAQ • Basically, cutaneous mycoses are the dermatophytoses (dermatophytes) whose three implicated fungi are Microsporon, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton as well as Candidiasis of the skin, mucosa and nails. • • • • • While dermatophytosis are caused by - Microsporon -Trichophyton - Epidermophyton, Candidiasis of the skin, hair and nails are caused by Candida albicans and other candida species. • Dermatophytic infections of the skin, hair and nails include: • Skin: Tinea corporis(body) • Tinea cruris(groin) • Tinea pedis(feet) • Hair: Tinea capitis(scalp) • Nail: Tinea ungium • Tinea corporis: When the horny layer of the skin is invaded, the fungi spread , forming a ring shape with red raised borders with the red borders representing the active inflammation site, with a healing centre. • The ring shape gives Tinea corporis the acronym “Ring worm” as it looks like a ring shaped worm beneath the skin. • Tinea cruris: (Jock itch): The infected patient develops itchy, reddish patches around their groin or scrotum. • Ladies are by no means exempted from this infection. • Tinea pedis (Atlete’s foot): It is an infection of the inter-digital spaces of the foot, beginning with the toes then leading to cracking and peeling of the adherent skin as well as itching and reddening. • This infection requires moisture hence it is commoner amongst those wearing shoes. • Tinea capitis (Ring wormof the scalp): This condition is frequently seen in children, with the infectious agents replicating in their hair and scalp. • The resultant scaly red lesions is accompanied by hair loss and appears as expanding ring. • Tinea ungium(Onychomycosis): This is an infection of the nail, wherein, the nails become thickened, discoloured and brittle. • CANDIDIASIS OF THE SKIN • These infection is caused by Candida albicans and other Candida species. • Candid can infect the mouth(oral thrush), infects the vagina(Candida vaginitis) and cause diaper rashes due to warm areas under the diapers. Similarly, causing rashes under the skin folds of adults, especially under the breast, which become reddish and macerated. • For oral thrush, there are creamy white exudates with a reddish base over the mucus membranes of the mouth, • These exudates are difficult to scrape off with a tongue blade(spatula). • In vaginitis, ladies experience sustained copious discharges(thick copious secretions) wetting the under wears of ladies. • Vagina examination reveal inflamed vagina mucosa and patches of cheese-like white clumps adhering to the vagina wall.