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| Tinea cruris: |
Definition: 
Tinea cruris is a skin disorder that occurs almost exclusively in adult
men, it is usually found in the crotch, or warm, moist areas of the
body.
It can sometimes accompany
athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and other tinea
infections.
People who wear tight fitting clothing and who are over-weight seem to
be more susceptible to the infection.
Alternative Names:
Infection - fungal - groin; Jock itch; Itching in the groin; Tinea of
the groin; fungal infection - groin, Ringworm - groin.
Causes:
Occasionally, itching in the groin can result from chemical irritation
(see vaginal itching, in women). Other causes include lichen simplex
chronicus, eczema, and pubic lice.Symptoms:
►Itching of the groin, anal area, thigh
skin fold.
►Often sparing the genitals.
►Rash without itching.
►Skin rash.
►Slightly raised patch.
►Sharp borders.
►Expanding or spreading, with clearing in the center.
►Dry or scaly.
►Blisters, open areas; may ooze, crust (uncommon).
►Skin, abnormally dark or light.
►Skin redness or inflammation.
Treatment:
Jock itch usually responds to self-care. Keep the skin clean and dry,
and avoid chafing (The act of rubbing). Topical (applied directly to the
skin) over-the-counter antifungal or drying powders, such as those that
contain Miconazole or Clotrimazole, are often effective in controlling
the infection.
Severe or chronic infection may require further treatment by the health
care provider. Oral antifungal medications such as
fluconazole may be given. Stronger
prescription medications, such as those containing
ketoconazole or
terbinafine, may be needed. Antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary
bacterial infections.
Jock itch usually responds promptly to treatment, but it may be
persistent.
Complications:
►Permanent discoloration of the area.
►Secondary bacterial skin infections.
►Side effects of systemic medications.
Prevention:
Good general hygiene is vital in the prevention and treatment of jock
itch. After bathing, antifungal or drying powders may be used as
prevention if a man is susceptible to jock itch.
Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid chafing. Underwear should be
loose fitting. Avoid rough textured clothing. Launder athletic
supporters frequently.
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| Tinea Versicolor: |
Definition:
Tinea versicolor is cause by a yeast type of skin fungus, which is
present on normal skin. If the skin is oily enough, warm enough and
moist enough, it starts to grow into small "colonies" on the surface of
the skin. In these colonies the yeast grows like crazy and leaks out an
acidic bleach. This changes the skin color. The patches are lightly
reddish brown on very pale skin but they don't tan.
Because of lack of any tanning, they look like white spots on darker or
tanned skin. This is most often seen on the neck, upper chest, upper
arms and back. There may be a fine, dry scale on it.
Usually the infection produces few symptoms, but some people get
itching, especially when sweating. The warmer the weather, the worse
this condition gets. Tanning booths are warm places, so avoid them. The
reasons why some get this problem and others do not are not known.
A dermatologist can easily recognize this infection, but occasionally it
can be mistaken for other skin conditions. If there is any doubt a
'KOH prep', a test done quickly in the office, will confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment:
►Topical antifungal medications:
Containing either 2.5% selenium sulfide,
ketoconazole applied to dry
skin and washed off after 10 minutes, repeated daily for 2 weeks. Other
topical antifungal agents such as clotrimazole, miconazole or
terbinafine are less widely recommended.
►Oral antifungal prescription only
medications:
Include 400 mg of ketoconazole e.g.
Ketoderm
or fluconazole e.g.
Flucoral capsules in a single dose, or ketoconazole 200 mg daily for
7 days, or itraconazole 400 mg daily for 3-7 days.
For severe, extensive or recurrent cases, a few tablets of Nizoral pills
will clear things up.
Recurrence is common and may be reduced by intermittent application of
topical agents or adding a little anti-dandruff shampoo e.g.
Ketoderm
shampoo to the bath
water.
Remember, since we all have some of this fungus, no treatment can
prevent one from picking it up again. In many people, the rash reappears
for the next few years. To prevent recurrence, preventative re-treatment
with the same medication may be advised. This condition is not seen
beyond mid-life, so rest assured it won't keep coming back forever. |
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Otomycosis (fungal ear infections): |
Definition:
Fungus infection of the external ear, usually caused by Aspergillus
niger and A. fumigatus.
Aspergillus's Niger is one of the most common causes of otomycosis
(fungal ear infections). Otomycosis can cause pain, temporary hearing
loss and in severe cases damage to the ear canal and tympanic membrane.
It can be treated with an extended course of Clotrimazole drops. |
| Onychomycosis |
Definition:
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails. The
actual infection is of the bed of the nail and of the plate under the
surface of the nail.
Description:
Onychomycosis is the most common of all diseases of the nails in adults.
In North America, the incidence falls roughly between 2-13%. The
incidence of onychomycosis is also greater in older adults, and up to
90% of the elderly may be affected. Men are more commonly infected than
women.
Individuals who are especially susceptible include those with chronic
diseases such as
diabetes and circulatory problems and those with
diseases that suppress the immune system.
Other risk factors include a family history, previous trauma to the
nails, warm climate, occlusive or tight footwear.
Causes and symptoms:
Onychomycosis is caused by three types of fungi, called dermatophytes,
yeasts, and
nondermatophyte molds.
Fungi are simple parasitic plant organisms that don't need sunlight to
grow. Toenails are especially susceptible because fungi prefer dark damp
places. Swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers typically harbor
fungi. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, problems with the circulatory
system, or immune deficiency disease are risk factors. A history of
athlete's foot and excess perspiration are also risk factors.
Onychomycosis can be present for years without causing pain or
disturbing symptoms. Typically, the nail becomes thicker and changes to
a yellowish-brown. Foul smelling debris may collect under the nail. The
infection can spread to the surrounding nails and even the
skin.
Diagnosis:
To make a diagnosis of onychomycosis, the clinician must collect a
specimen of the nail in which infection is suspected. A clipping is
taken from the nail plate, and a sample of the debris from underneath
the nail bed is also taken. Debris from the nail surface may also be
taken. These will be sent for microscopic analysis to a laboratory, as
well as cultured to determine what types of fungus are growing there. |
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