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Dermatophytosis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

By: alien Definition

Dermatophytosis is also known as tinea or ringworm. It spread in the scalp, glabrous skin, and nails of the infected people. It is caused by a closely related group of fungi known as dermatophytes which have the ability to utilise keratin as a nutrient source. This group of superficial fungal infections is usually classified according to location on the body.

1)Tinea or tinea capitis- which may affect the scalp
2)Tinea barbae- which may bearded the skin of the face,
3)Tinea corporis which is mainly affecting children body
4)The groin (tinea cruris or jock itch)- which may affect the nails
5)Tinea pedis or athlete's foot- which may affect the feet.

Causes

Ringworm in cattle is a fungal infection of the skin caused most commonly by the organism Trichophyton verrucosum. Tinea infections result from several different fungi. Transmission can occur directly through contact with infected lesions or indirectly through contact with contaminated articles such as shoes, towels or shower stalls. Some of the fungi involved in these conditions primarily infect animals, but they may also be transmitted from animals to humans. Cats may have an infection, but may not be suspected until lesions appear on their owners.

Symptoms

The symptoms of feline dermatophytosis are :-

Itchiness- may be absent, or quite severe if present and cause the cat to scratch itself and worsen the infection.
Hair loss- may be subtle or dramatic -- it may be symmetric, or not.
Crusting and scaling -- the scaling may be severe, and thick crusts may appear on the face, ears, and nail beds.
Comedones (blackheads) -- may be seen in some cases and may resemble chin acne.
Hyperpigmentation and redness may also occur.

Treatment

Topical antifungal preparations should be effective in treating small, uncomplicated tinea infections located in areas other than the scalp. These include topical clotrimazole and miconazole (available over the counter) and terbinafine cream. Tinea capitis (scalp), regardless of severity, is usually treated with oral antifungal medication, since topical antifungals do not penetrate hair follicles well.

Corticosteroids may sometimes be used for the treatment of severely inflamed or potentially scarring lesions, such as scalp infections. Fungal infections involving the nails (onychomycosis) require oral treatment as well, because the dermatophyte is found deep in the nail.

Treatment is also possible by using :-

Chlorhexidine (diluted 1:4 in water) applied three times a day until resolved.
Clorox (diluted 1:10 in water) applied twice a week until resolved.
Captan, a plant fungicide, (mixed 1 ounce of the 50% powder to a gallon of water) applied daily for three days and then weekly until resolved.