II. Definitions

  1. Tinea
    1. Fungal Infection
  2. Dermatophytes
    1. Fungal organisms that cause Tinea
    2. Dermatophytes inhabit keratinized tissues (hair, skin and nails)
      1. Dermatophytes are able to digest keratin via keratinase secretion
    3. Includes three genera: Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton
      1. Overall, >30 dermatophyte species that infect humans

III. Conditions: Tinea

  1. Children
    1. Tinea Capitis (scalp infection)
    2. Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)
    3. Tinea Faciale (facial infection)
  2. Adolescents and adults
    1. Tinea Manum (Hand Infection)
    2. Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot)
    3. Tinea Unguium (Onychomycosis, ToenailFungus)
    4. Pityriasis Versicolor or as previoulsy known, Tinea Versicolor (uneven tanning on the trunk )
  3. Adolescent and adult males
    1. Tinea Barbae (beard-area Superficial Folliculitis)
    2. Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch)
    3. Tinea Corporis Gladiatorum

IV. Conditions: Other Cutaneous Fungal Infections

V. Management: Pearls

  1. Limit Nystatin use to Cutaneous Candidiasis (not effective against Tinea Infections)
  2. Butenafine (Lotrimin) and Terbinafine (Lamasil) are preferred topical agents for tinea
  3. Avoid oral Ketoconazole due to hepatotoxicity
  4. Avoid combination agents containing Antifungals with high-potency Corticosteroids
    1. Dilutes the Antifungal concentration and may exacerbate the Fungal Infection

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