Dermatophytosis, also known as surface fungi or moths, are fungal-induced diseases that have an affinity for keratin and therefore reach places where the concentration of this protein is higher, such as skin, hair, hair and nails.
Dermatophytosis can be caused by dermatophyte fungi, yeasts and non-dermatophyte filamentous fungi, less often, which are those that have no affinity for keratin. The transmission of dermatophytosis is through contact with contaminated animals, people or objects, contact with the soil where there is growth of fungi and inhalation of keratin fragments containing the fungus that are suspended in the air.
- The development of surface fungi is more common in people whose activity or health conditions favor the contact or proliferation of fungi.
- Such as farmers.
- Athletes.
- Diabetics.
- People with weakened immune systems and people who work with gloves and cleaning products.
Dermatophytosis is commonly known as moths or moths and can be located in different areas of the body, so they are named after their location. Ringworm promotes the onset of signs and symptoms depending on where they occur and usually heals on its own or tends to be chronic. The main dermatophytosis are:
Tinea pedis corresponds to the moth that affects the feet and can be caused by the fungi Thichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagophytes interdigital. Tinea pedis is popularly known as freezing or athlete’s foot, as it is more common in athletes who usually wear closed shoes with socks, who frequent wet public places, such as baths and pools, as mushrooms grow. easier in this kind of environment.
The main symptom of athlete’s foot is the itching between the toes, flaking and discoloration of the place, in addition to the bad smell. Treatment of tinea pedis is simple and should be done with the use of antifungal ointments during the period recommended by the doctor, in addition to being indicated to avoid staying for a long time in shoes and wearing sandals in humid public places. Learn how to identify and treat tinea pedis.
Tinea capitis corresponds to the moth that occurs on the scalp and can be caused by Trichophyton tonsurans and Trichophyton schoenleinii, which cause different clinical manifestations.
Trichophyton tonsurans is responsible for the tinea tonsurans, which is characterized by the appearance of small patches of dry alopecia, i.e. areas of the scalp without hair. Tinea tonsura can also be caused by Microsporumaudouinii, which leads to the formation of large alopecia plates that fluense under Wood’s lamp.
Trichophyton schoenleinii is responsible for the ringworm, which is characterized by the formation of large whitish plaques on the head, similar to scabs.
Tinea cruris corresponds to the fungus of the groin region, the inner part of the thighs and buttocks and is mainly caused by Trichophyton rubrum. This moth is also known as hairless skin moth because it affects areas where there are no hairs.
These areas tend to be covered for much of the day, making them conducive to fungal growth and proliferation and causing signs and symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable, such as itching in the area, redness and local irritation.
Tinea corporis is the surface moth of the skin and the fungi most commonly associated with this type of moth are Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton verrucosum and Microsporum gypseum. The clinical characteristics of tinea corporis vary depending on the fungus, however the most characteristic signs are the spots of red contours on the skin, with or without relief, itching in the area, with or without flaking.
Oniquia is a dermatophytosis that affects nails and is usually caused by Trichophyton rubrum, which causes changes in the color, shape and thickness of nails. Learn how to identify and treat nail moths.
The diagnosis of dermatophytosis is based on the characteristics of fungal lesions and laboratory tests. Only the evaluation of lesions is not enough, as signs and symptoms can be confused with other diseases.
For example, a microscopic analysis of samples from the affected site is recommended, i.e. skin, hair and nail samples should be taken, for example. These samples are sent to the specialized laboratory for analysis.
Conventional diagnosis of dermatophytosis is a direct examination, in which samples are observed under the microscope as soon as they reach the laboratory, followed by a culture test, in which the collected sample is placed in a suitable culture medium for growth. and you can observe others. Features.
The laboratory examination for the identification of dermatophytosis takes between 1 and 4 weeks to be released, as it depends on the characteristics of the fungi, in which some species take longer to develop and identify than others. However, despite the time required for diagnosis, this is the best way to identify surface fungi.
One of the additional tests that can be performed is the wooden lamp, in which a low wavelength ultraviolet light is applied to the affected area to check the emission of fluorescence, since some fungi react in the presence of light, allowing its identifier. Understand what the wooden lamp is for and how it works.
In most cases, treatment of dermatophytosis is topical, meaning your doctor may only recommend the application of ointments or creams containing antifungals. However, in the case of larger lesions or in case of ringworm on the nail or scalp, it may also be necessary to use oral antifungals.
The most appropriate medicine for the treatment of dermatophytosis is terbinafin and griseofulvin, which should be used in accordance with doctor’s instructions and greyeofulvin should not be used in children.
Some plants may help treat dermatophytosis and relieve itching because they contain antifungal and healing properties. Plants that can be used to prepare home remedies for skin moth are sage, cassava, aloe vera and tea tree, for example. Find out how to prepare these home remedies.