Atypical and Unpredictable Superficial Mycosis Presentations: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Superficial fungal infections (mycoses) often present with typical features.
• Atypical presentations include unusual locations, mimicry of other skin diseases, and unexpected morphology.
• Factors contributing to atypical mycoses include host, environmental, and agent-related elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance understanding of unusual epidemiological contexts and atypical manifestations of superficial fungal diseases.
• To provide a comprehensive analysis of rare and atypical superficial mycosis.
• To update knowledge on specific fungal clinical manifestations and their significance.

Main Methods:

• Literature examination using PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and EMBASE databases.
• Identification of 222 relevant articles.
• Focus on published research findings from the past six months.

Main Results:

• Atypical fungal infections present diagnostic challenges due to varied clinical pictures.
• Factors like climate change, aging populations, and increased medical interventions contribute to emergence.
• Emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains and novel species complicates diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Atypical superficial mycoses require careful consideration due to their diverse and often misleading presentations.
• No established clinical guidelines exist for these rare conditions, necessitating a thorough understanding of contributing factors.
• Further research and clinical vigilance are crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of unusual fungal infections.