Dermatophytosis



Dermatophytosis





Also called tinea or ringworm, dermatophytosis is a disease that can affect the scalp (tinea capitis), body (tinea corporis), nails (tinea unguium), feet (tinea pedis), groin (tinea cruris), and bearded skin (tinea barbae).

Tinea infections are quite prevalent in the United States and are usually more common in males than in females. With effective treatment, the cure rate is very high, although about 20% of persons with infected feet or nails develop chronic conditions.


Causes

Tinea infections (except for tinea versicolor) result from dermatophytes (noncandidal fungi) of the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton that involve the stratum corneum, nails or hair.

Transmission can occur directly (through contact with infected lesions) or indirectly (through contact with contaminated articles, such as shoes, towels, or shower stalls). Some cases come from animals or soil.


Signs and symptoms

Lesions vary in appearance and duration with the type of infection:

Jun 16, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL & FAMILY MEDICINE | Comments Off on Dermatophytosis

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