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Skin, hair and nail fungal infections

R Aly1

  • 1University of California, 1 Irving Street, AC34, San Francisco, CA 94143-0517, USA.

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|October 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Superficial fungal infections, affecting skin, hair, and nails, are increasingly common. Factors like more immunocompromised individuals and lifestyle changes contribute to this rise in fungal disease.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails are highly prevalent dermatological conditions.
  • Recent years have seen an increased incidence of these superficial mycoses.
  • These infections were a significant issue for US forces during the Vietnam War.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the commonality and contributing factors of superficial fungal infections.
  • To highlight the impact of these infections on specific populations and historical contexts.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of epidemiological data.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to the increased incidence of fungal skin diseases.

Main Results:

  • Superficial fungal infections remain a leading cause of skin disease globally.
  • Increased incidence is linked to a growing immunocompromised population, lifestyle changes (e.g., public bath use), chemotherapy, and an aging demographic.
  • These infections posed a notable dermatological challenge in military settings, as evidenced during the Vietnam War.

Conclusions:

  • Superficial fungal infections represent a significant and growing public health concern.
  • Understanding the contributing factors is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.
  • The historical prevalence underscores the persistent challenge these infections pose across different populations and environments.

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