Dermatophyte infections are common skin diseases that, while not life-threatening, can be uncomfortable and significantly affect daily life and productivity. These infections often persist and recur, causing anxiety for those affected.
Common Types of Fungal Infections
 |
(Image: carryingcapacity) |
Tinea Corporis: This infection appears as lesions on smooth-surfaced skin (without hair). Red patches with well-defined edges, vesicles, and scales tend to spread outward from the center. The central area may appear darker, with slight scaling and vesicles at the margins of the lesion.
Tinea Cruris: Characterized by round or arc-shaped patches with very distinct edges. The center is brown with slight scaling at the edges. It may develop from one groin to the opposite side, spreading to the pubic area, inner thighs, buttocks, lower back, and under the breasts.
Tinea Pedis: Common among swimmers, miners, and those who frequently wear closed shoes. The infection is transmitted in public showers, swimming pools, or through shared shoes, socks, or boots. It often affects individuals with sweaty feet and closely spaced toes. Symptoms may include flaking skin on the soles of the feet in small patches or larger areas. The infection can also occur in the spaces between the toes, where the skin may appear white and macerated, with red, moist skin underneath. Additionally, vesicles may be present on the edges of the feet and soles, often grouped together, referred to as dyshidrotic eczema.
Onychomycosis: This infection starts at the free edge or sides of the nail and progresses inward. The nail surface may show white spots or deep grooves. Over time, the nail becomes thick, brittle, and discolored, often appearing brownish.
Tinea Versicolor: This infection typically affects the stratum corneum of the epidermis, presenting as light brown, yellowish, or reddish patches. The lesions are covered with small scales that can be easily scraped off. The size of the patches can vary from small spots to large areas with irregular borders, often localized on the neck, chest, back, inner arms, and may spread to the abdomen and inner thighs.
How to Treat Dermatophyte Infections?
Topical Treatments: Previously, ASA solution was commonly applied, but it often caused stinging and burning sensations. Nowadays, there are many new antifungal creams available, such as Fazol, Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, and Tioconazole (Trosyd), which are more convenient and do not cause discomfort. If the lesions are in the acute phase or have become eczematous, soothe the skin with Jarish solution or 0.25% silver nitrate before applying antifungal medication. It is crucial not to use hard objects to scrape the lesions or wash them with soap. Clothing, especially undergarments, should be boiled. To prevent recurrence, continue applying antifungal medication for 1-2 weeks after the lesions have healed. Dust antifungal powder into skin folds and sprinkle it into shoes and socks.
For onychomycosis, if only a portion of the nail is infected, it is possible to file down the affected part along with some healthy nail. If the entire nail is infected, it is advisable to remove the nail by applying a softening agent and gently pulling it off without damaging the nail bed. Apply antifungal medication after filing or removing the nail.
Systemic Treatments: Oral antifungal antibiotics should be used if the infection is widespread or multiple nails are affected.
For onychomycosis, use Griseofulvin 125mg, 4 tablets per day for the first month; then every other day in the second month and twice a week in the third month.
Alternatively, Ketoconazole 200mg per day can be taken for 3-4 weeks. For other dermatophyte infections, depending on the case, Griseofulvin can be administered at a dose of 10mg/kg body weight per day for 4-6 weeks, or Ketoconazole 200mg per day for 2-3 weeks.
Dr. Nguyễn Thị Lan
