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Deep Dermal Injection As a Model of Candida albicans Skin Infection for Histological Analyses
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Deep Dermal Injection As a Model of Candida albicans Skin Infection for Histological Analyses

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Superficial fungal infections

Robert A Schwartz1

  • 1Dermatology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103-2714, USA. roschwar@umdnj.edu

Lancet (London, England)
|September 29, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This seminar covers superficial fungal infections like tinea versicolor, piedra, and tinea nigra. These infections are caused by specific fungi affecting the skin's outer layer, the stratum corneum.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Superficial fungal infections are caused by pathogens limited to the stratum corneum.
  • These infections typically elicit minimal to no tissue reaction.
  • This seminar focuses on three distinct superficial mycoses: tinea versicolor, piedra, and tinea nigra.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of tinea versicolor, piedra, and tinea nigra.
  • To discuss the causative agents and epidemiological characteristics of these fungal infections.
  • To highlight key diagnostic and clinical features, including differential diagnoses.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and clinical guidelines.
  • Synthesis of information on the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of the discussed fungal infections.
  • Discussion of epidemiological data and geographical distribution.

Main Results:

  • Tinea versicolor is a worldwide infection caused by Malassezia species (e.g., Malassezia furfur, Malassezia globosa, Malassezia sympodialis) that can transition from yeast to mycelial forms.
  • White and black piedra are prevalent in tropical regions, with white piedra also found in temperate zones. Black piedra is caused by Piedraia hortae, while white piedra results from Trichosporon species.
  • Tinea nigra, common in tropical areas, is characterized by dark pigmentation and can be mistaken for melanoma.

Conclusions:

  • Superficial fungal infections represent a spectrum of diseases with varying causative agents and geographical distributions.
  • Accurate identification of causative fungi (Malassezia spp., Piedraia hortae, Trichosporon spp.) is crucial for appropriate management.
  • Understanding the clinical presentation and potential for misdiagnosis, such as tinea nigra with melanoma, is essential for effective patient care.

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