mould nail infections
Last reviewed 01/2018
- mould infections can occasionally infect the skin and nails and cause indolent infections in healthy or immune compromised individuals, especially the elderly
- mould infections originate from soil; organisms include:
- common - Fusarium spp, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis
- uncommon - Aspergillus spp, Acremonium spp, Scytalidium dimidiatum, Scytalidium hyalinum
- mould infections can result in a fungal skin infection that appears identical
to tinea pedis - infection can be mild or severe
- Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Scytalidinum dimidiatum are the most likely moulds to present as skin infection
- mould infections of the finger and toenails can be indistinguishable from other types of onychomycosis
- note that, unlike dermatophyte infections, moulds frequently result in
paronychia (inflamed nail folds). One or more toenails may be infected,
or the mould may simply be a contaminant. The surrounding skin is often
dry and may itch. The appearance of the nail may include:
- brownish, dull discolouration of the nail, which starts at one edge
- pitted and streaked nail plate
- complete nail destruction.
Diagnosis:
- mould infections are diagnosed by microscopy and culture of skin scrapings and/or nail clippings
Treatment:
- see menu item