Dermatophytosis - causes and symptoms of dermatophytosis

Depending on the type of tissue affected, the following categories of dermatophytosis are classified:

• Epidermophytosis. Damage to the stratum corneum of the epidermis.
• Trichophytosis. Damage to the stratum corneum of the epidermis and hair.
• Onychomycosis. Damage to the horny mass of the nails.

According to the location of the lesion, the following types of the disease are distinguished:

• dermatophytosis of the feet and hands;
• inguinal dermatophytosis;
• dermatophytosis of smooth skin and large folds;
• dermatophytosis of the trunk;
• unspecified dermatophytosis;

Causes

The disease is caused by dermatophyte fungi. Dermatophytes are classified as geophilic, zoophilic and anthropophilic, depending on their place of existence. Geophilic microorganisms can also provoke the disease in animals, but their traditional habitat is soil. Representatives of the zoophilic and anthropophilic categories originated from soil saprophytes that destroy keratin. Zoophilic pathogens can be transmitted to humans if they have an affinity for their keratin. Infection occurs through contact with an animal or through wool, which can be found on household items. The main percentage of infection is provided by anthropophilic species. This infection is epidemic in nature.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of this disease:

• Epidermatophytosis is characterized by red flaky formations.
• Trichophytosis is accompanied by the appearance of many small foci. The hair becomes dull and weak, with a white sheath at the base. There is swelling of the skin in the lesion, which is covered with small scales.

Dermatophytosis of the feet and hands is accompanied by the formation of redness, erythema, peeling, keratinization of the skin, and the formation of blisters.

With inguinal dermatophytosis, large flaky lesions and erythema are observed. The formations have red, yellow-brown, brown shades, the edges of the lesions are distinguished by papules and pustules. With dermatophytosis of the trunk, small or large flaky formations with clear boundaries are observed. Dermatophytosis of smooth skin and large folds is characterized by the formation of lesions that have annular growth and scalloped outlines. The spread of formations from the center to the periphery looks like an increasing ring, in the center of which peeling is observed. Onychomycosis is characterized by damage to the fingernails and toenails. The nails become thicker, acquire a grayish-dirty color, and are destroyed at the edges.

Diagnostics

The main objective of laboratory tests is to identify the pathogen in the material. The affected material: hair, nails, scales are treated with an alkali solution so that only the fungal masses are visible under a microscope. If mycelial threads or conidial chains are visible during the examination, a diagnosis is made. Additional tests can be performed if necessary. A Wood's fluorescent lamp is used for prompt diagnostics; when illuminated, the fungal particles acquire a light green tint.

Treatment

All systemic antifungal drugs are used in the treatment of dermatophytosis, as well as all kinds of antimycotics and antiseptics for external use. Broader action agents are classified as azoles: ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole. The range of antifungal agents for external use has dozens of different forms and is regularly updated.

For scalp dermatophytosis, local treatment is not used, as it is not effective. The priority method of treating this type of disease is systemic therapy. The standard therapy for scalp dermatophytosis is griseofulvin. In the treatment of nail dermatophytosis, complex therapy is used. Local treatment is acceptable at the initial stage of the disease or in isolated lesions. Innovative external agents also include antifungal nail polishes. For internal use, drugs such as fluconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine, etc. are prescribed. In the treatment of foot and hand dermatophytosis, both external agents and systemic drugs are used. Antifungals for external use include creams, ointments, sprays, etc.

In chronic forms of mycosis of the feet, hands or smooth skin, the use of local agents is not enough. In such cases, dermatologists prescribe terbinafine, intraconazole, etc. Similar treatment regimens are used for other types of the disease.

Prevention

Prevention of fungal infections consists of following the following principles:

• Keep your skin clean and dry.
• Change your underwear, clothes and socks regularly.
• All personal items should be individual.
• Treat your skin with disinfectants after water procedures in a bathhouse, pool, visiting a gym and other public places.
• Wipe your feet dry after water procedures or visiting a gym.
• Do not walk barefoot on beaches and public places.
• Carefully inspect the fur of your pets and if you suspect lichen, consult a specialist.
• Before using items in the gym, make sure they are clean.