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Fungal skin infections in children

Jean Robinson1

  • 1Barts Health NHS Trust, London. Jean.Robinson@Bartshealth.nhs.uk

Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|December 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes and yeasts are increasingly common, especially in children. Effective treatments are now more available for these uncomfortable conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fungal skin infections have seen a significant rise in prevalence over the last three decades.
  • Pathogenic fungi responsible are broadly categorized into dermatophytes and yeasts.
  • These infections commonly affect keratinized tissues (hair, skin, nails) and can impact immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the current landscape of fungal skin infections.
  • To highlight the increasing prevalence and types of causative agents.
  • To discuss the implications for patient care, particularly in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent epidemiological data on fungal skin infections.
  • Classification of fungal pathogens based on affected tissues and host factors.
  • Analysis of trends in treatment availability.

Main Results:

  • A notable increase in the incidence of fungal skin infections over the past 30 years.
  • Dermatophytes and yeasts identified as primary etiological agents.
  • Fungal skin infections are a frequent and distressing issue in children.

Conclusions:

  • Despite the rising prevalence, effective therapeutic options for fungal skin infections have improved.
  • Understanding the causative agents and affected populations is crucial for management.
  • Continued research and accessible treatments are vital for addressing this growing public health concern.

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