Fungal Skin Infections.

Abstract

1. Aditya K. Gupta, MD, PhD, FRCP(C), FAAD*,† 2. Melissa A. MacLeod, MSc† 3. Kelly A. Foley, PhD† 4. Gita Gupta, MD‡ 5. Sheila Fallon Friedlander, MD§ 1. *Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 2. †Mediprobe Research, Inc, London, Ontario, Canada 3. ‡Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 4. §Dermatology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Dermatology Training Program, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA * CMC: : Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis HIV: : Human immunodeficiency virus id: : Dermatophytid KOH: : Potassium hydroxide MC: : Mucocutaneous candidiasis PCR: : Polymerase chain reaction PV: : Pityriasis versicolor TP: : Tinea pedis Most pediatricians appear to be familiar with candidal diaper dermatitis, but there is a lack of knowledge about other, less common fungal infections in children. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Recognize the clinical presentations of different fungal infections in children. 2. Know the differential diagnosis of various fungal skin infections. 3. Know what diagnostic tests can be used to confirm infection. 4. Be aware of available treatment options and how to manage the infections appropriately. Candidal diaper dermatitis is the most common fungal infection of childhood. This yeast infection almost always secondarily invades diaper-area skin that has been damaged by an irritant contact dermatitis from maceration, urine, and/or stool. Children in the preschool-age group who no longer wear diapers are more likely to develop tinea infections, particularly tinea capitis. Tinea refers to dermatophyte infections in the epidermis and areas high in keratin, such as the hair and nails. In prepubertal children, tinea capitis and tinea corporis are most common; in adolescence, tinea pedis (TP), tinea cruris, and tinea unguium (onychomycosis) are more common. (1) Yeast infections other than candidal diaper dermatitis, including pityriasis versicolor (PV) (formerly known as tinea versicolor) and mucocutaneous candidiasis …