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Cutaneous Fungal Infections in Older Adults

Saniya Shaikh1, Aditya Nellore2

  • 1Department of Dermatology, SSM Health SLU Care Physician Group Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1225 S Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA.

Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|November 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Fungal skin infections are common in older adults but often missed. Healthcare providers need to recognize common fungal pathogens, symptoms, and treatments for conditions like dermatophytosis and candidiasis.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • The aging population in the US is growing, leading to more skin conditions.
  • Fungal infections are prevalent in older adults but frequently diagnosed late.
  • Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing debilitating fungal diseases in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To raise awareness among healthcare providers about fungal skin diseases in older adults.
  • To review common fungal pathogens affecting this age group.
  • To outline key symptoms and effective treatment strategies for fungal cutaneous conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of common fungal pathogens: dermatophytes, Candida species, and Pityrosporum species.
  • Discussion of characteristic clinical presentations of fungal infections in older adults.
  • Overview of current therapeutic options for managing these conditions.

Main Results:

  • Dermatophytes cause conditions like tinea pedis and onychomycosis.
  • Candida species are associated with intertrigo and paronychia.
  • Pityrosporum species can lead to seborrheic dermatitis and pityriasis versicolor.

Conclusions:

  • Increased provider awareness of fungal pathogens and their presentations is essential.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent debilitating outcomes.
  • Addressing fungal skin diseases is critical for improving the quality of life for older adults.
Keywords:
Candidal cutaneous infectionDermatophytosisOlder adultsPityrosporum infection

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