Tinea (skin infection by fungi)

Skin | Dermatology | Tinea (skin infection by fungi) (Disease)


Description

Tinea is an infection of skin, hair, and nails caused by a group of fungi (yeasts) called dermatophytes. The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and mold-like and yeast-like fungi. Some microorganisms are useful to the body, while others can multiply rapidly, forming infections. Although tinea is the general term for this group of infections, specific names are assigned according to specific sites of infection.

The symptoms in tinea versicolor are: an irritation in the form of round or oval spots, which eventually may merge and form plaque, stains are flat and can be yellow, pink, red or brown;Itching (especially when the environment is warm), but it is infrequent symptom. Most of those affected are more conscious of it than itchy skin. The rash occurs more often in the chest and back and less often in the arms, thighs and neck. Rash on the face is rare and can be seen in children.

Causes and Risk factors

Tinea versicolor (also known as pityriasis versicolor) is a skin infection caused by a fungus and is characterized by the appearance of several small spots, usually on the skin more oily from the trunk (chest and back). At this level has a scaly skin, scaly, especially when its easy grace (scratched). Doctors often describe the stained appearance of the trunk.

Tinea versicolor is caused by a fungus (Malassezia furfur) which is found everywhere in the environment, including the skin. Normally, daily hygiene will remove dead skin portions that contain the fungus. However, high temperatures and humidity (during summer or in tropical regions) above mentioned fungus can grow faster. As the fungus multiplies an imbalance occurs in the skin, normal skin color changes (pigmentation) and spots.

Because this fungus is found on the skin of all people, and the disease appears only in some, it can be concluded that it and the individual susceptibility to those affected. Illness is not considered, therefore, contagious .

Diagnosis and Treatment

Often, the diagnosis of ringworm is obvious from its location and appearance. Otherwise, skin scrapings for microscopic examination and a culture of the affected skin can establish the diagnosis of ringworm. If the diagnosis is unclear, a potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of a skin scraping can be reviewed under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis of a fungal dermatophyte infection.

If a dermatophyte infection is present and the skin problem is misdiagnosed, inappropriate treatment might be prescribed that could actually worsen the infection. When fungus affects the skin of the body or the groin, many antifungal creams can clear the condition in around two weeks. ...