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[Reflections on dermatophytes].
Summary
Dermatophytes cause skin infections like ringworm and athlete's foot. Griseofulvin can effectively treat scalp ringworm, and athlete's foot may have non-dermatophyte origins.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Author's clinical experience, particularly in tropical regions.
- Focus on dermatophytes and the skin conditions they cause (dermatophytia).
- Observations on the behavior and presentation of fungal infections.
Purpose:
- To discuss the life cycle and pathogenic potential of dermatophytes.
- To highlight specific clinical presentations of dermatophytosis in tropical areas.
- To review treatment efficacy for common fungal infections.
Summary:
- Dermatophytes primarily exist as saprophytes but can invade non-keratinized tissues, potentially causing mycetomas.
- Ringworm of the scalp shows spontaneous resolution before puberty in 45% of cases.
- Tropical trichophytosis often presents inflammatorily, and favus may lack typical scutula.
- Athlete's foot can result from non-dermatophyte etiologies.
- A single course of fine particle griseofulvin (12 x 125 mg tablets) effectively treats a significant percentage of scalp ringworm.
Impact:
- Informs clinical management of fungal skin infections, especially in tropical settings.
- Suggests differential diagnoses for athlete's foot beyond dermatophyte infections.
- Provides evidence for griseofulvin's efficacy in treating scalp ringworm.