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FUNGUS

 The number of fungal infections are so many that they merit a sub specialty of dermatology – mycology.  The term fungus is used here loosely to represent ring worm.

 Caused by 3 groups of fungi these typically result in an annular rings of reddish scaly patches with central normal skin.  The rings may link and result in a different pattern.

  It is usually seen in the groins, armpits, chest.  The nails may be affected, resulting in yellowish crumbling nails with marked damage to nail.

  In children hair on scalp may be involved to form a circular patch of hair loss.  The skin on the area of hair loss is usually scaly and crusted.

 The source of the fungus can be from man, pets, cattle.  The names of the various ring worms depending on the site affected is as follows

1. Tinea pedis – feet
2. Tinea unguium – nails
3. Tinea corporis – Body
4. Tinea manum – Hand
5. Tinea cruris – groins
6. Tinea capitis – scalp

Sometimes entire classes in schools may be affected.

 If the diagnosis is in doubt or to establish a diagnosis the superficial skin is scraped with a blunt blade and the scraped skin is sent to the lab. This is seen under the microscope and grown in special liquids to look for fungal species. The results should be available in 2-4 weeks.

Wood’s light examination of the skin  is sometimes carried out in certain fungal infections.

Treatment

 Usually antifungal creams like clotrimazole , miconazole, ketoconazole, will suffice if there are one or two lesions. If there is widespread involvement or if the nails are involved then tablets like griseofulvin,terbinafine or itraconazole may be required.

 Dusting with antifungal powders will help for the body folds to prevent future recurrences.

TINEA CORPORIS- CLICK HERE

TINEA CAPITIS - CLICK HERE