An inflammatory rash caused by DERMATOPHYTES of the genera microsporum, epidermophyton and trichophyton, collectively referred to as Tinea species. These fungi can infect skin, hair and nails. The important clinical patterns are as follows.
is usually seen in children and caused by microsporum species of human or animal (frequently a kitten) origin. Typically, patches of ALOPECIA are seen with broken-off hair stumps which fluoresce bright green under an ultraviolet (Wood's) lamp.
is usually due to trichophyton species and forms ringed (hence ‘ringworm’) patches of redness and scaling on the trunk or limbs.
(athlete's foot) is caused by epidermophyton or trichophyton species. Its minor form manifests as itching, scaling or blistering in the lateral toe clefts. More severe forms can be extensive on the sole. Trichophyton rubrum can cause a chronic, dry, scaling inflammation of the foot, eventually extending into the nails and on to the soles and top of the foot which may persist for years if untreated.
typically causes a ‘butterfly’ rash on the upper inner thighs in young adult males. It is usually caused by spread from the feet.
Affecting the nails, especially of the toes, T. rubrum is the usual cause and may persist for decades.
This rash of the face and beard is rare. It may be very inflammatory and is usually contracted from cattle by farm workers.
Tinea of the toe clefts and groin will usually respond to an antifungal cream containing terbinafine or an azole. Tinea capitis, barbae, extensive tinea corporis and all nail infections may be assisted by oral treatment with terbinafine or itraconazole (a triazole antifungal agent taken orally and used for candidiasis of the mouth, throat and vulvovaginal area as well as for ringworm). (See FUNGAL INFECTIONS.)