Fungi are a common infectious agent for the skin. They can be located on the scalp, skin and nails, this being the most typical location. Depending on the type of fungus and the area colonized, the morphology of the lesions is different.
The most common forms of fungal infection are nail involvement, skin involvement of the feet (athlete’s foot) and pityriasis versicolor. The first manifests as a thickening of one or more toenails, with a progressive change in their color over the course of months or years.
Athlete’s foot consists of the appearance of flaking (with or without itching) in the folds of the toes or on the sole of the foot. Sometimes it can be inflammatory and cause vesicles and intense itching.
In pityriasis versicolor, a very common form in young people, white or brown rounded spots appear on the trunk – especially on the back – and with a great tendency to reappear annually in the hot season.
Regarding persistent fungal infections, it should be borne in mind that the most effective and simple treatment is usually oral. Although it is possible to resolve them with topical preparations, these must be applied for weeks and are often very uncomfortable. It should be noted that the use of oral drugs also reduces the contagiousness of the infection to other people. It will be the examination of the patient, their history and their preferences that will guide the best therapy in each case. Once the fungal infection has resolved, it is possible to use a gel or a magisterial formula sporadically to prevent its recurrence.
Click here to learn more about the different types of fungi.
Bibliographic references
Van Duyn Graham L, Elewski BE. Recent updates in oral terbinafine: its use in onychomycosis and tinea capitis in the US. Mycoses. 2011 Nov; 54(6):e679-85.
Hu SW, Bigby M. Pityriasis versicolor: a systematic review of interventions. Arch Dermatol. 2010 Oct; 146(10):1132-40.
Rotta I, Cristina A, Rodrigues P, Fleith M, Correr CJ. Efficacy and Safety of Topical Antifungals in the Treatment of Dermatomycosis: A Systematic Review. Br J Dermatol. 2012 Jan 11 (pending release).