FUNGAL INFECTIONS
TINEA BARBAE
TINEA FLAVA
TRICHOPHYTOSIS
TINEA BARBAE | BARBER’S ITCH
Definition
Tinea barbae is the name used for infection of the beard
and moustache areas of the face with a dermatophyte fungus.
It generally affects adult men. It is usually due to infection of
coarse facial hair with an ectothrix pattern (spores on the
outside). It is usually very inflamed with red lumpy areas,
pustules and crusting around the hairs.
Etiology
Most often caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes or T.
Verrucosum
Source of Infection
Animals, infected person, contaminated objects
Mode of Transmission
The transmission of tinea barbae to humans occurs through
contact of an infected animal to the skin of a human.
Signs and Symptoms
• Superficial- pink to red patches (1-5 cm), pustules
• Deep- firm red nodules with pus > ooze pus and blood
• Hair loss, ringworm rashes, itching, dry & flaky skin,
inflammation, blistering, discoloration of skin, stress
Prevention and Control
Relax, good nutrition, good hygiene, avoid contagions,
wear protective clothing, using garlic, yogurt, certain
herbal teas
Nursing Care Management
Proper health teachings, health promotion
Diagnosis
Potassium hydroxide wet mount. Duration is 3 weeks
Treatment
•Herbal Remedies- neem cream, molkosan, echinaforce
•Anti-fungal creams - OTC creams
•Anti-fungal pill - Terbinafine, Itraconazole, Griseofulvin,
Fluconazole, Ketoconazole
TINEA FLAVA/ VERSICOLOR
Definition
A condition characterized by a skin eruption on the trunk
and proximal extremities. It occurs most frequently in teens
and young adults. Tinea versicolor, which is also called
pityriasis versicolor, is not painful or contagious. It often
recurs especially in warm and humid weather.
Etiology
Malassezia globosa & Malassezia furfur
Source of Infection
The fungus that causes the condition is found on healthy skin
Sign and Symptoms
Discoloration, skin patches, mild itching, scaling
Prevention and Control
Wear clothes that allows skin to breathe, sweat management,
boosting immune system.
Nursing Care Management
Health teachings
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is as early as inspection. If there doctor is still in
doubt, the doctor views infected areas under microscope (KOH).
Wood’s lamp is used as well.
Treatment
OTC creams and shampoos: clotrimazole, miconazole,
selenium sulfide (shampoo), terbifae
Topical creams or Pills: ciclopirox, ketocoazole; flucoazole,
itracoazole, ketocoazole.
TINEA CAPITIS/ TRICHOPHYTOSIS
Definition
is a cutaneous fungal infection (dermatophytosis) of the
scalp and hair shaft. It is predominantly seen in pre-pubertal
children, more often boys than girls. The condition is highly
contagious. Though it is sometimes called as ringworm of the
scalp, there are no presence of ringworms. With the widespread
use of griseofulvin, this species has become nearly extinct.
Etiology
Microsporum audouinii, M.canis, Trichophyton verrucosum
Source of Infection
Infected person, animals
Mode of Transmission
Anthropophilic, geophilic, zoophilic
Signs and Symptoms
It may appear as thickened, scaly, and sometimes boggy
swellings, or as expanding raised red rings (ringworm).
Common symptoms are severe itching of the scalp, dandruff,
and bald patches where the fungus has rooted itself in the skin.
It often presents identically to dandruff or seborrheic
dermatitis.
Prevention and Control
avoid sharing of personal hairbrushes or personal items,
regular shampoo, hand washing, proper hygiene. Avoid
touching animal suspected to have the microorganisms.
Nursing Care Management
health teachings, promotion of hygiene
Diagnosis
Visual examination by a doctor, wood’s lamp, scraping of
hair sample
Treatment
oral medications & medicated shampoos
