Cutaneous Fungus Infections in Children

1992 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 152-156
Author(s):  
James E. Rasmussen

Cutaneous fungus infection in children may be either superficial or deep. The most common superficial infections include tinea versicolor, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, and candidiasis. "Ringworm" is a common term used to describe these infections, stemming from the fact that "tinea" is Latin for "worm" or "moth." The only deep fungal infection discussed in this review is sporotrichosis. Diagnostic Methods All forms of superficial fungal infection can be diagnosed easily with a variety of quick, simple, and inexpensive diagnostic methods. Once mastered, the tests need not be used on patients with obvious diagnoses; nevertheless, confirmation of one's clinical impression is personally satisfying and often important. POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE Superficial fungal infections of the skin involve the outer portion of the epidermis, including the hair and nails. Hyphae and spores are visible easily with low-to-moderate microscopic magnification. With the exception of mucous membranes or eroded surfaces (as often found in the case of candidiasis), skin and hair for sampling should be moistened with a drop of water or an alcohol swab. The skin should be abraded gently with the round belly of a 15 blade at the active margin of tinea corporis or, in the case of tinea capitis, any place where alopecia is visible.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan V. Hirschmann

The skin can become infected by viruses, fungi, and bacteria, including some that ordinarily are harmless colonizing organisms. The most common fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes, which can involve the hair, nails, and skin. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations of specimens from affected areas typically demonstrate hyphae, and either topical or systemic antifungal therapy usually cures or controls the process. The most common bacterial pathogens are Staphylococcus aureus and group A streptococci, which, alone or together, can cause a wide variety of disorders, including impetigo, ecthyma, and cellulitis. Topical antibiotics may suffice for impetigo, but ecthyma and cellulitis require systemic treatment. S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, can also cause furuncles, carbuncles, and cutaneous abscesses. For these infections, incision and drainage without antibiotics are usually curative. Warts are the most common cutaneous viral infection, and eradication can be difficult, especially where the skin is thick, such as the palms and soles, or the patient is immunocompromised. Most therapies consist of trying to destroy the viruses by mechanical, chemical, or immune mechanisms. This review covers dermatophyte infections, yeast infections, bacterial infections, and viral infections of the skin. Figures show the classic annular lesion of tinea corporis, a typical kerion presenting as a zoophilic Microsporum canis infection of the scalp (tinea capitis), tinea corporis, tinea barbae, tinea pedis between and under the toes and on the plantar surface, inflammatory tinea pedis, tinea unguium, tinea manuum, angular cheilitis, prominent satellite lesions of discrete vesicles associated with candidiasis, facial candidiasis, Candida paronychia, tinea versicolor, nonbullous impetigo, bullous impetigo, ecthyma, leg cellulitis, erythema and edema on the cheeks, eyelids, and nose, furuncle, carbuncle, nasal folliculitis, pitted keratolysis, trichomycosis axillaris, necrotizing fasciitis, Fournier gangrene, folliculitis, plantar wart, condyloma acuminatum, and benign lesions of bowenoid papulosis. Tables list dermatophyte species, terminology of dermatophyte infections, topical agents for dermatophyte infections, treatment options for impetigo (adult doses), and treatment options for erythrasma.   This review contains 28 highly rendered figures, 5 tables, and 33 references


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan V. Hirschmann

The skin can become infected by viruses, fungi, and bacteria, including some that ordinarily are harmless colonizing organisms. The most common fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes, which can involve the hair, nails, and skin. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations of specimens from affected areas typically demonstrate hyphae, and either topical or systemic antifungal therapy usually cures or controls the process. The most common bacterial pathogens are Staphylococcus aureus and group A streptococci, which, alone or together, can cause a wide variety of disorders, including impetigo, ecthyma, and cellulitis. Topical antibiotics may suffice for impetigo, but ecthyma and cellulitis require systemic treatment. S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, can also cause furuncles, carbuncles, and cutaneous abscesses. For these infections, incision and drainage without antibiotics are usually curative. Warts are the most common cutaneous viral infection, and eradication can be difficult, especially where the skin is thick, such as the palms and soles, or the patient is immunocompromised. Most therapies consist of trying to destroy the viruses by mechanical, chemical, or immune mechanisms. This review covers dermatophyte infections, yeast infections, bacterial infections, and viral infections of the skin. Figures show the classic annular lesion of tinea corporis, a typical kerion presenting as a zoophilic Microsporum canis infection of the scalp (tinea capitis), tinea corporis, tinea barbae, tinea pedis between and under the toes and on the plantar surface, inflammatory tinea pedis, tinea unguium, tinea manuum, angular cheilitis, prominent satellite lesions of discrete vesicles associated with candidiasis, facial candidiasis, Candida paronychia, tinea versicolor, nonbullous impetigo, bullous impetigo, ecthyma, leg cellulitis, erythema and edema on the cheeks, eyelids, and nose, furuncle, carbuncle, nasal folliculitis, pitted keratolysis, trichomycosis axillaris, necrotizing fasciitis, Fournier gangrene, folliculitis, plantar wart, condyloma acuminatum, and benign lesions of bowenoid papulosis. Tables list dermatophyte species, terminology of dermatophyte infections, topical agents for dermatophyte infections, treatment options for impetigo (adult doses), and treatment options for erythrasma.   This review contains 29 figures, 5 tables, and 33 references. Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant strains, furuncles, carbuncles, cutaneous abscesses, dermatophytes, zoophilic Microsporum canis, andidiasis, facial candidiasis, Candida paronychia, tinea versicolor, nonbullous impetigo, bullous impetigo, ecthyma, leg cellulitis, erythema


Author(s):  
Yogeshwari Gupta ◽  
◽  
Sonia Tuteja ◽  
Ankita Acharya ◽  
Vikrant Tripathi ◽  
...  

Dermatophytoses refers to superficial fungal infection of keratinized tissues caused by keratinophilic dermatophytes. According to observations worldwide, dermatophytoses are the most common of the superficial fungal infections. It is common in tropics and may present in epidemic proportions in areas with high rates of humidity. This prospective, longitudinal, observational study was conducted at SKHMC, Jaipur for a period of 1 year (April 2018 to March 2019), aiming to ascertain the effectiveness of homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of Tinea corporis and Tinea cruris. In this study, 65 cases of Tinea Infection (33 cases of Tinea cruris & 32 cases of Tinea corporis) were treated with homoeopathic medicines prescribed on the basis of totality of the symptoms. Treatment outcomes were assessed using Clinical Symptom Score, designed for this study & approved by Institutional Ethical Committee. Out of 65 patients, 41 patients (63.1%) got improved; 19 patients (29.2%) were at status quo and 05 patients (07.7%) became worse. Maximum patients were found to be in the age group of 11-40 years (n=50; 76.9%). Males were observed to be affected more as compared to females. Paired t-test was conducted on the Clinical Symptom Scores obtained before and after treatment and the result showed that p value is < 0.05 & value of t (11.623) is greater than the tabulated value in t-table at df = 64 (1.997), which was statistically significant and which also concluded that homoeopathic medicines were effective in treating Tinea corporis and Tinea cruris. Keywords Homeopathy; Dermatophytoses; Fungal infection; Observational study


2004 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 248-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matjaz Rode ◽  
Jernej Podboj ◽  
Mirela Kogoj-Rode

Fungal infections are on the increase and those of the jaw cavities with Aspergillus species may be connected with the root apices of teeth in the upper jaw. Diagnostic changes in the sinus maxillaris and certain types of facial pain may be indicative of fungal infection. The authors report a case of aspergillosis sinusitis and describe the diagnostic methods and treatment of this infection that may be associated with endodontic treatment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (01) ◽  
pp. 041-045
Author(s):  
Anirban Chatterjee ◽  
Shamita Chatterjee

AbstractSubcutaneous and deep fungal infections in the hand are rare among children. These are usually found in immunocompromised adults or in persons engaged in soil handling activities, due to direct exposure, especially in the tropics. Delay in diagnosis is usual because pyogenic and other granulomatous infections are considered first.The authors present the case of a healthy, immunocompetent 2½-year-old child who presented with progressive swelling of the right hand mimicking a localized gigantism of the entire hand. Multiple operative drainage procedures done previously had failed to resolve the condition. A biopsy established the presence of fungal hyphae, thus confirming the diagnosis of deep fungal infection of the hand and guided proper therapeutic intervention. A strong index of suspicion needs to be maintained in cases not responding to conventional antibacterial therapy, and both microbiologic and histopathologic samples need to be obtained to establish the diagnosis.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (08) ◽  
pp. 777-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Abuga Guto ◽  
Christine C Bii ◽  
David W Denning

Introduction: Kenya is a developing country with a high rate of tuberculosis (TB) and a moderate HIV infection burden. No estimate of the burden of fungal diseases in Kenya is published. Methodology: We used specific populations at risk and fungal infection frequencies from the literature to estimate national incidence or prevalence of serious fungal infections. Used sources were: 2010 WHO TB statistics, Kenya Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Epidemic Update 2012, Kenya Facts and figures 2012, Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2008-2009. Results: Of Kenya’s population of ~40 million, 43% are under 15 years old and approximately 594,660 Kenyan women get >4 episodes Candida vulvovaginitis annually (2,988/100,000). The HIV/AIDS population at risk of opportunistic infections (OI) is 480,000 and the OI estimates include 306,000 patients with oral thrush (768/100,000), 114,000 with oesophageal candidiasis (286/100,000), 11,900 with cryptococcal meningitis (29/100,000) and 17,000 patients with Pneumocystis pneumonia (42/100,000). Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis following TB has a prevalence of 10,848 cases (32/100,000). The adult asthma prevalence is 3.1% and assuming 2.5% have allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis then 17,696 (44/100,000) are affected.  Invasive aspergillosis, candidaemia and Candida peritonitis are probably uncommon. Tinea capitis infects 9.6% of children in Kenya, while fungal keratitis and otomycoses are difficult to estimate. Conclusion: At any one time, about 7% of the Kenyan population suffers from a significant fungal infection, with recurrent vaginitis and tinea capitis accounting for 82% of the infections. These estimates require further epidemiological studies for validation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-15
Author(s):  
P. M. Ridzuan ◽  
C. M. Nazira ◽  
Manuel Ruth ◽  
C. N. Abdul Rassip ◽  
M. H Nur Raihan ◽  
...  

Dermatomycosis is a fungal infection of the skin, hair and nail caused by Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. These organisms are found in the environment, humans and animals in forms of yeast or mold. There are many factors that contribute to the growth of fungal infections in human body. But still majority of virulent factors and mechanisms of the diseases of fungi are not clear. This review paper describes types of fungal infections, their classification, epidemiology and new insights into pathogenesis with the focus on molecular mechanisms of the diseases. Furthermore, traditional and novel molecular diagnostic methods and the variety of drug treatment and the development of resistance against these drugs are discussed.


2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Buckman ◽  
Luis A. Fernandez

Fungal infections remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical settings, with critically ill patients, transplant patients, and sick neonates all being especially vulnerable. Over the past few decades, technological and scientific advancements have improved physicians’ ability to sustain life in critically ill patients, developments in chemotherapeutics and immune-based therapies have yielded increased survival for many cancer patients, organ transplantation has evolved dramatically, and the use of invasive therapies has increased markedly. With these changes has come an increase in the incidence of serious Candida infections, as well as an increase in the less common but potentially fatal noncandidal infections caused by Aspergillus and the Zygomycetes Mucor and Rhizopus. Antifungal prophylaxis has emerged as a potential means of reducing the occurrence of serious fungal infections. This review covers fungal colonization versus infection, types of fungal infection, epidemiology and risk factors, clinical evaluation, investigative studies, management of acute candidemia and acute disseminated candidiasis, management of nonhematogenous candidiasis, peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscess, management of other fungal infections (Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Mucor, Rhizopusi), systemic antifungal agents, and the pathogenesis of Candida infection. Tables describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic methods for common fungal infections, antimicrobial agents of choice for candida infections, antifungal chemotherapy, and characteristics of currently available antifungals. Figures show Candida endophthalmitis; superficial candidiasis; biopsy samples of chronic progressive disseminated histoplasmosis and thick-walled, broad-based budding yeasts typical for Blastomyces dermatitidis; and the various forms of Candida. Algorithms demonstrate the approach to the surgical patient at risk for candidiasis, aspergillosis, and other types of fungal infection. This review contains 5 figures, 4 tables, and 189 references.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan V. Hirschmann

The skin can become infected by viruses, fungi, and bacteria, including some that ordinarily are harmless colonizing organisms. The most common fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes, which can involve the hair, nails, and skin. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations of specimens from affected areas typically demonstrate hyphae, and either topical or systemic antifungal therapy usually cures or controls the process. The most common bacterial pathogens are Staphylococcus aureus and group A streptococci, which, alone or together, can cause a wide variety of disorders, including impetigo, ecthyma, and cellulitis. Topical antibiotics may suffice for impetigo, but ecthyma and cellulitis require systemic treatment. S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, can also cause furuncles, carbuncles, and cutaneous abscesses. For these infections, incision and drainage without antibiotics are usually curative. Warts are the most common cutaneous viral infection, and eradication can be difficult, especially where the skin is thick, such as the palms and soles, or the patient is immunocompromised. Most therapies consist of trying to destroy the viruses by mechanical, chemical, or immune mechanisms. This review covers dermatophyte infections, yeast infections, bacterial infections, and viral infections of the skin. Figures show the classic annular lesion of tinea corporis, a typical kerion presenting as a zoophilic Microsporum canis infection of the scalp (tinea capitis), tinea corporis, tinea barbae, tinea pedis between and under the toes and on the plantar surface, inflammatory tinea pedis, tinea unguium, tinea manuum, angular cheilitis, prominent satellite lesions of discrete vesicles associated with candidiasis, facial candidiasis, Candida paronychia, tinea versicolor, nonbullous impetigo, bullous impetigo, ecthyma, leg cellulitis, erythema and edema on the cheeks, eyelids, and nose, furuncle, carbuncle, nasal folliculitis, pitted keratolysis, trichomycosis axillaris, necrotizing fasciitis, Fournier gangrene, folliculitis, plantar wart, condyloma acuminatum, and benign lesions of bowenoid papulosis. Tables list dermatophyte species, terminology of dermatophyte infections, topical agents for dermatophyte infections, treatment options for impetigo (adult doses), and treatment options for erythrasma.   This review contains 29 figures, 5 tables, and 33 references. Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant strains, furuncles, carbuncles, cutaneous abscesses, dermatophytes, zoophilic Microsporum canis, andidiasis, facial candidiasis, Candida paronychia, tinea versicolor, nonbullous impetigo, bullous impetigo, ecthyma, leg cellulitis, erythema


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