Dermatophytosis, also known as superficial mycoses, tinea or tinea, are infections caused, in most cases, by dermatophytes, a type of fungi that have a high affinity for keratin and, therefore, reach places where there is a higher concentration of this protein. , such as skin, fur, hair and nails.
The transmission of dermatophytosis occurs through contact with contaminated animals, people or objects, contact with soil in which there is fungal growth and through inhalation of keratin fragments containing the fungus that are suspended in the air.
The appearance of dermatophytosis is more common in people whose activity or health status favors contact with or the development of fungi, such as farmers, athletes, diabetics, people with a compromised immune system or people who frequently work with gloves and with cleaning products.
Main types of dermatophytosis
Depending on the affected location, the type of fungus and the symptoms presented, dermatophytosis can be divided into different types:
1. Ringworm of the foot
Tinea pedis is a dermatophytosis that affects the feet and can be caused by fungi. Thichophyton rubrum e Trichophyton mentagophytes interdigitale. Tinea pedis is popularly known as chilblains or athlete’s foot, as it is more common in sports practitioners who frequently wear closed shoes with socks and who frequent humid public places, such as bathrooms and swimming pools, as the fungus develops. more easily in this type of environment.
Symptoms: the main indicative sign is itching between the toes, peeling and whitening of the area, as well as a bad smell. See more about how to identify and treat tinea pedis.
2. Ringworm
Tinea capitis is a dermatophytosis that occurs on the scalp and can be caused by fungi Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum audouinii or Trichophyton schoenleiniiwhich cause different symptoms.
Symptoms: infection by Trichophyton tonsurans or Microsporum audouinii causes the appearance of hairless regions of the scalp that fluoresce under a Wood’s lamp. The infection by Trichophyton schoenleinii It is characterized by the formation of large whitish plaques on the scalp, similar to scabs.
3. Ringworm of the leg
Tinea cruris is a type of dermatophytosis that appears in the groin area, inner thighs and buttocks, and is caused mainly by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. Typically, this type of dermatophytosis affects areas where there is no hair and which are covered for a long time during the day.
Symptoms: This type of dermatophytosis causes intense itching in the region, local redness and irritation. Know how to recognize Tinea cruris.
4. Tinea of the body
Tinea corporis is one of the most common dermatophytosis and affects the most superficial region of the skin, and is generally caused by fungi of the type Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton verrucosum ou Microsporum gypseum. Learn more about tinea corporis.
Symptoms: They vary according to the fungus, but the most characteristic signs include the appearance of spots with a red outline on the skin, with or without relief, itching in the region, with or without scaling.
5. Omnichia
Onychia is a dermatophytosis that appears on the nails, also known as nail mycosis, and is normally caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum.
Symptoms: The most common is changes in the color, shape and thickness of the affected nails. See how to identify and treat nail fungus.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of dermatophytosis is made based on the characteristics of the lesions caused by the fungi and some laboratory tests. Just evaluating the lesions is not enough, as the signs and symptoms can be confused with other diseases.
Therefore, it is recommended that microscopic analyzes be carried out on samples collected from the affected area, be it skin, hair or nails, for example. These samples are sent to the specialized laboratory for analysis.
The laboratory test to identify dermatophytosis takes around 1 to 4 weeks to be released, this is because it depends on the characteristics of the fungi, where some species take longer to grow and be identified than others. However, despite the time required for diagnosis, this is the best way to identify superficial mycoses.
One of the complementary tests that can be performed is the Wood’s Lamp, in which a low-wavelength UV light is applied to the affected region to check for fluorescence emission, as some fungi react in the presence of light, allowing the your ID. Understand what the Wood’s Lamp is for and how it works.
How the treatment is carried out
In most cases, the treatment of dermatophytosis is topical, that is, the doctor may only recommend the application of ointments or creams containing antifungals. However, in the case of more extensive lesions or in the case of mycosis on the nail or scalp, it may also be necessary to use oral antifungal tablets.
The most recommended medications for treating dermatophytosis are terbinafine and griseofulvin, which should be used as prescribed by your doctor. Griseofulvin should not be used in children.
Home treatment
There are some plants that can help treat dermatophytosis and relieve itching, because they contain antifungal and healing properties. Plants that can be used to prepare home remedies for skin mycosis are sage, cassava, aloe vera and melaleuca, for example. See how to prepare these home remedies.
