superficial mycosis

What is Superficial Mycosis?

Superficial mycosis, also known as superficial fungal infections or mycoses, refers to a group of skin and hair-related diseases caused by fungi that invade the outermost layers of the skin, nails, and hair. These infections are characterized by the presence of fungi in the dead, cornified layers of these tissues.

Types of Superficial Mycosis

Superficial mycoses can be categorized into several types, including:

• Dermatophytosis: A fungal infection that affects the skin, nails, and hair.
• Candidiasis: A yeast-like fungus that causes infections in the skin, mucous membranes, and other areas of the body.
• Pityriasis Versicolor: A condition characterized by patches of hypo- or hyper-pigmentation on the neck, shoulders, chest, and back.

Symptoms of Superficial Mycosis

The symptoms of superficial mycoses can vary depending on the type of infection. However, common signs include:

• Itching, soreness, redness, or rash: In the affected area.
• Discolored, thick, or cracked nails: Due to fungal invasion.
• Pain while walking or using the affected area: As a result of fungal growth.

Causes and Risk Factors

Superficial mycoses are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. People with weakened immune systems, skin conditions, or those who engage in activities that expose them to fungi (e.g., swimming) are more susceptible to these infections.

References:

• [1] Superficial fungal infections (mycoses) are caused by specific organisms with the ability to invade and proliferate in keratin-containing layers of the hair, ... (Source: 1)
• The fungi invade only the dead, cornified layers of the skin, nails, and hair. Most of the resulting pathology is caused by the host's ... (Source: 3)
• Superficial mycosis is a disease of the skin and its appendages caused by fungi. It comprises dermatophytosis, candidiasis, and pityriasis versicolor [1]. They ... (Source: 6)

Superficial mycoses are fungal infections that affect the skin, hair, and nails. The signs and symptoms of superficial mycoses can vary depending on the type of infection, but here are some common characteristics:

• Skin Infections: Red, itchy rashes often circular in shape with raised edges [8].
• Flaky Plaques: Flaking or scaling skin lesions, especially on areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the scalp, face, eyebrows, and interdigital spaces [1][2].
• Erythematous-Brownish Color: Bilateral plates of erythematous-brownish color with fine scales [2].
• Interdigital Erosive Changes: In tinea pedis (athlete's foot), there may be erosive changes in the interdigital spaces [3].
• Hair Loss: In tinea capitis, hair loss can occur [3].
• Nail Infections: Thickened nails or nail discoloration can occur in cases of onychomycosis [5][8].

It's worth noting that superficial mycoses are generally characterized by their superficial nature, meaning they only affect the outermost layers of the skin and do not penetrate deeper into the tissue.

Superficial mycoses, also known as cutaneous fungal infections, are skin infections caused by fungi. Diagnostic tests for these infections aim to confirm the presence of a fungus and identify the type of fungus involved.

Common diagnostic tests for superficial mycoses:

• Microscopy: This involves examining skin, hair, or nail samples under a microscope to look for fungal elements such as hyphae or spores [1][2].
• Culture: A sample is taken from the affected area and placed in a special medium that allows the fungus to grow. This can help identify the type of fungus involved [3][4].
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): This is a rapid and effective method for diagnosing superficial mycoses, which has been confirmed as a complementary diagnostic tool [1].

Other tests may be used to guide treatment or monitor effectiveness:

• Fungal culture test can help identify the type of fungus involved and guide treatment [4].
• Fungal tests are also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for fungal infections [3].

It's worth noting that the diagnosis of mycosis is usually made on a clinical basis, but sometimes it may be necessary to perform a direct examination of the skin or other affected areas [8].

Treatment Options for Superficial Mycoses

Superficial mycoses, also known as fungal infections of the skin and its appendages (hair and nails), can be effectively treated with various medications. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection.

• Topical Treatments: Topically applied antifungal creams, ointments, or shampoos are usually effective in treating cutaneous or superficial mycoses. These treatments include:
  • Allylamines (e.g., terbinafine) [4]
  • Azoles (e.g., ketoconazole) [8]
  • Tolnaftate [2]
• Oral Treatments: Oral antifungal medications are reserved for patients who fail topical treatment or have extensive, severe, or recalcitrant disease. These treatments include:
  • Fluconazole [12]
  • Ketoconazole [8]
  • Terbinafine [4]

Key Considerations

• Topical treatments are generally effective in treating superficial mycoses and should be the first line of treatment.
• Oral antifungal medications may be necessary for patients with extensive or severe disease, or those who have failed topical treatment.
• The length of treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the infection. For example, tinea corporis and cruris infections are usually treated for two weeks, while tinea pedis is treated for four weeks [6].

References

[1] Context result 9 [2] Context result 4 [3] Context result 8 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 12 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 13

Superficial Mycoses Differential Diagnosis

Superficial mycoses, also known as dermatophytoses, are fungal infections that affect the skin, hair, and nails. When diagnosing these conditions, it's essential to consider other possible causes, known as differential diagnoses.

Key Considerations:

• Candida spp. and Malassezia spp. infections: These superficial fungal infections can be mistaken for dermatophytes.
• Pigmentary disorders: Conditions like vitiligo, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, and melasma may present with similar symptoms to tinea versicolor.
• Cutaneous mycoses: While these conditions generally trigger inflammation, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis