Dermatophytosis - Symptoms and Treatment

Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of the skin. It is caused by a dermatophyte and may be characterized by redness of the skin, small papular vesicles, fissures, and scaling. The infection is generally limited to the top layer of skin. Tinea pedis may be present with extreme itching and pain, especially while walking, because of the scaling and blisters between the toes. The group of superficial fungal infections is usually classified according to location on the body. Dermatophytosis is also known as tinea, athlete's foot and ringworm. Dermatophytosis (tinea) may affect the scalp (tinea capitis), the bearded skin of the face (tinea barbae), the body (tinea corporis - mainly affecting children), the groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), the nails (tinea unguium), and the feet (tinea pedis or athlete's foot ). These disorders vary from mild inflammations to acute vesicular reactions. Although remissions and exacerbations are common, with effective treatment, the cure rate is very high. However, about 20 percent of all infected people develop chronic conditions.

Symptoms of Dermatophytosis

Some common Symptoms of Dermatophytosis :

• Green nails.
• Dry skin.
• Blisters.
• Scaly skin.
• Temporary scalp hair loss at ringworm site.
• Scabs.
• Grey nails.

Treatment of Dermatophytosis

• Topical antifungal preparations should be effective in treating small, uncomplicated tinea infections located in areas other than the scalp.
• Tinea capitis, regardless of severity, may be treated with oral antifungal medication, since topical antifungals do not penetrate hair follicles well.
• The healthcare provider may also be prescribed antifungal pills, some medications may be itraconazole, terbinafine,griseofulvin and fluconazole.
• Supportive measures include open wet dressings, removal of scabs and scales, and application ofkeratolytics such as salicylic acid to soften and remove hyperkeratotic lesions of the heels or soles.
• In addition to imidazole, other antifungals include naftifine, ciclopirox, terbinafine, haloprogin, and tolnaftate. Topical treatments should continue for 2 weeks after lesions resolve.

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