clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
Possible features are dependent on the site, organism involved and the patient’s immune response::
- athlete's foot (tinea pedis):
- this infection usually affects the toe webs, sole or lateral aspects of the foot with erythematous, soggy scaling. The lesion is often very itchy (1)
- seen in around 70% of adults around the world (2)
- ringworm of the skin (tinea corporis):
- itchy erythematous rash.
- rash is usually on the groins or axillae
- presents with one or more scaly papules. These papules enlarge and form ring-shaped scaly lesions with a clear central portion (1).
- groin infection (tinea cruris or 'jock itch'):
- normally seen on the groin or perineal area (most commonly on the medial thighs)
- penis and scrotum involvement is rare
- seen as thin erythematous plaques with definite scaly borders (1)
- tinea infection of the nails(tinea unguium):
- yellow discolouration of the nails. There is associated crumbling and subungual hyperkeratosis.
- often seen together with tinea pedis
- toenails are affected more often than fingernails (1)
- scalp infections (tinea capitis):
- pustules, boggy swelling, kerion, scarring alopecia.
- fragile broken hairs are typically seen
- this infection may occur in epidemics in public baths and swimming pools, and schools.
- dermatophyte scalp infection most frequently occur in children (in males more than in females) (1)
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