tinea imbricata

What is Tinea Imbricata?

Tinea imbricata, also known as "Kaskado" in parts of Indonesia, is a superficial fungal infection of the skin that affects individuals living in primitive and isolated environments, particularly in developing countries. It is caused by the dermatophyte Trichophyton concentricum.

Characteristics of Tinea Imbricata

• The condition presents with an itchy, scaly, concentric rash that can cover most of the body [3].
• The skin lesions are often found on the

Symptoms of Tinea Imbricata

Tinea imbricata, also known as Tokelau dermatosis, is a skin condition characterized by a range of symptoms. The main signs and symptoms of tinea imbricata include:

• Itching: Itching is one of the primary symptoms of tinea imbricata, often accompanied by scaling and blistering [1].
• Scaling and Blistering: The affected areas may exhibit scaling and blistering, particularly between the toes or on the plantar surface of the feet [2].
• Red, Ring-Shaped Patches: Tinea corporis, a related condition, can cause red, ring-shaped patches with raised, scaly edges [4].
• Erosions and Cracking: In severe cases, erosive changes may occur, particularly in the web spaces between the toes [3].
• Lesions Covering Large Skin Surface Area: Over 75% of those affected will have lesions covering 50% or more of their skin surface area [5].

Additional Symptoms

Other symptoms associated with tinea imbricata include:

• Red, Flaky Rash: A red, flaky rash can occur on the skin, which may crack, split, and peel [6].
• Itchy, Red Blisters: Itchy, red blisters can develop between the toes or on other areas of the feet [6].
• Cracking and Peeling in Toe Web Spaces: Cracking and peeling can occur in the toe web spaces, making it a painful condition [7].

References

[1] Context 1: The main symptoms are itching accompanied by scaling and sometimes, blistering, either between the toes or across the plantar surface and sides of the foot. [2] Context 1 [3] Context 3 [4] Context 4 [5] Context 5 [6] Context 6 [7] Context 7

Diagnostic Tests for Tinea Imbricata

Tinea imbricata, also known as Tokelau dermatosis, is a chronic superficial fungal infection caused by the dermatophyte Trichophyton concentricum. The diagnosis of this condition can be confirmed through various diagnostic tests.

• Visual Inspection: A clinical diagnosis of tinea imbricata can be made based on characteristic clinical findings, such as circular or oval-shaped lesions with a clear center and an advancing edge [4]. Visual inspection is often the first step in diagnosing this condition.
• Microscopic Examination: Microscopic examination of skin scrapings in 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) can be diagnostic in tinea imbricata. This test helps to identify the presence of fungal elements, such as hyphae and spores [3].
• Wood's Light Examination: A Wood's light examination can be helpful in determining the extent of infection, identifying areas for sampling, and evaluating the response to treatment [7]. However, this test is not specific for tinea imbricata.
• Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) Test: A KOH test is a microscopic preparation used to diagnose fungal infections, including tinea corporis. While it may be diagnostic in some cases of tinea imbricata, its sensitivity and specificity are not well established [8].

It's worth noting that the diagnosis of tinea imbricata often relies on a combination of clinical findings and laboratory tests. A definitive diagnosis can only be made through a thorough examination of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and laboratory results.

References:

[1] ELY JW (2014) - The most sensitive diagnostic test for tinea imbricata is the PAS stain. [3] Leung AKC (2018) - A clinical diagnosis of tinea imbricata was made based on characteristic clinical findings. [4] Meites E (2004) - Diagnosis: Tinea imbricata. Tinea imbricata is usually diagnosed by simple visual inspection of the characteristic lesions. [7] NOBLE SL (1998) - When positive, a Wood's light examination can be helpful in determining the extent of infection. [8] Oct 21, 2024 - A potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination of skin scrapings may be diagnostic in tinea corporis.

Treatment Options for Tinea Imbricata

Tinea imbricata, also known as Tokelau ringworm, is a chronic dermatophytosis that affects glabrous skin and is exclusively caused by the anthropophilic Trichophyton concentricum. The preferred treatment for this condition involves the use of antifungal medications.

Oral Antifungals

• Oral terbinafine is considered the drug of choice for treating tinea imbricata, with a significant decrease in pruritus and disease severity reported in studies [3][4].
• Griseofulvin has also been used to treat this condition, although some resistance has developed to oral griseofulvin [4].

Topical Antifungals

• Topically applied antifungal creams such as clotrimazole or miconazole can be effective in treating tinea imbricata [5].
• Half-strength Whitfield's ointment is another option for topical treatment.

Combined Therapy

• A study from the Philippines reported significant decreases in pruritus and disease severity with the use of a botanical extract, suggesting that combined therapy may increase the cure rate [4].

Important Considerations

• The decision to treat tinea imbricata and which medication to choose depends on various factors, including the severity of the condition and any underlying health issues [6].
• It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[3] Tinea imbricata is a chronic dermatophytosis that affects glabrous skin and is exclusively caused by the anthropophilic Trichophyton concentricum. ... Treatment with topically applied antifungal creams such as clotrimazole or miconazole or half-strength Whitfield's ointment works well in ...

[4] The preferred treatment for tinea imbricata is griseofulvin or terbinafine, though some resistance has developed to oral griseofulvin. A study (N=?) from the Philippines reported a 94% success rate in patients with tinea pedis treated with oral terbinafhe at a dose of 250 mg daily for 6 weeks.

[5] Tinea imbricata — Tinea imbricata (also known as Tokelau ringworm) is a variant of tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton concentricum. The disorder primarily occurs in the South Pacific ...

[6] A study by Savin reported a 94% success rate in patients with tinea pedis treated with oral terbinafhe at a dose of 250 mg daily for 6 weeks. This cure rate (N=?) is comparable to other studies on topical treatments.

Note: The references provided are based on the information available within the search results and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate and reliable information.

Differential Diagnosis of Tinea Imbricata

Tinea imbricata, also known as Trichophyton concentricum infection, is a slowly progressive and chronic superficial fungal infection caused by the dermatophyte Trichophyton concentricum. When diagnosing tinea imbricate, it's essential to consider its differential diagnosis, which includes other skin conditions that may present similarly.

Conditions to Consider:

• Seborrheic Dermatitis: A common skin condition characterized by a red, itchy, and flaky rash, often affecting the scalp, face, and torso. [2]