Managing superficial fungal infections
Abstract
The skin is a common site of fungal or yeast infection. Common superficial fungal infections include:
• Tinea infections
Tinea infections may occur at different sites of the body e.g. tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea corporis (infection of the trunk and limbs e.g. body ringworm) and tinea capitis (infection of the scalp).
• Pityriasis versicolor
This is a benign and relatively common superficial fungal infection of the skin, which presents as hypo- or hyper-pigmented, usually lightly scaly macules on the skin. The infection is most common in young adults and children and usually recurs. It is due to infection by the yeast Pityrosporum spp.
• Candidiasis
Fungal infections caused by the Candida spp. occur
commonly and are referred to as thrush. These fungal
infections may affect the skin or mucous membranes e.g. oral or vaginal thrush. Skin folds such as in the groin, armpits and buttocks, especially in the obese, are also common sites of skin infection.
• Tinea infections
Tinea infections may occur at different sites of the body e.g. tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea corporis (infection of the trunk and limbs e.g. body ringworm) and tinea capitis (infection of the scalp).
• Pityriasis versicolor
This is a benign and relatively common superficial fungal infection of the skin, which presents as hypo- or hyper-pigmented, usually lightly scaly macules on the skin. The infection is most common in young adults and children and usually recurs. It is due to infection by the yeast Pityrosporum spp.
• Candidiasis
Fungal infections caused by the Candida spp. occur
commonly and are referred to as thrush. These fungal
infections may affect the skin or mucous membranes e.g. oral or vaginal thrush. Skin folds such as in the groin, armpits and buttocks, especially in the obese, are also common sites of skin infection.