Tinea Corporis
Ringworm of the body is an infection that usually involves the trunk and upper extremities and is uncommon in temperate climates.
SYMPTOMS—The lesions have raised borders spread peripherally and clear centrally. The various forms of this infection are pityriasis rosea, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Tinea versicolor involves the upper trunk.
TREATMENT—It is the same as for tinea capitis.
Tinea Cruris
Jock itch is a fungous infection occurring in the area of the upper inner thighs. Growth of the organisms is favored by obesity and tight clothing and is often recurrent.
SYMPTOMS—They include severe itching with active erythematous macules with sharp margins and cleared centers.
TREATMENT—Aluminum acetate, corticosteroid lotion, or short-term oral corticosteroids may prove effective. Griseofulvin may be indicated in chronic cases. Advise the patient to rinse all soap away and dry thoroughly when bathing.
Tinea Pedis
Athlete’s foot is a very common fungal infection of the feet.
SYMPTOMS—Normally the third and fourth interdigital spaces are first affected with subsequent spreading to the plantar surfaces of the arch. The lesions appear as macerated areas with scaling borders. When the toenails are involved, they become thickened and distorted. Tinea pedis may be mistaken for maceration due to excessive sweating.
TREATMENT—Keep the feet clean and dry, change socks frequently, and apply an antifungal powder, ointment, or lotion.
Tinea Versicolor
This is a mild superficial fungal infection of the skin that occurs normally in the trunk area. Affected areas are resistant to tanning, and the fungus is more likely to occur in individuals who wear heavy clothing and tend to perspire freely. It occurs most frequently in tropical climates.
SYMPTOMS—There may be mild itching. The lesions appear velvety and are chamoiscolored macules that are easily scraped off with the fingernail. The trunk, upper arms, neck, and face are often affected.
TREATMENT—Good skin hygiene is essential. Salicylic acid soap may be the most effective treatment. It recurs frequently.
Scabies
This condition is a parasitic skin infection characterized by superficial burrows, intense pruritus, and secondary inflammation. The female itch mite burrows into the epidermis and lays her eggs. The larva hatch, surface, mate, and repeat the cycle. Good hygiene helps prevent this infection. It is readily transmittable.
SYMPTOMS—There is severe itching, especially at night. The male genitals, interdigital spaces of the hand, flexor surfaces on the wrist, areola of the breast in women, along the belt line of the abdomen, and the area of the lower buttocks are prone to inflammatory lesions. The face is rarely involved in adults. The burrows may be identified as fine, dark, wavy lines just beneath the skin. It may be hard to detect the burrows due to secondary lesions, A needle may be used to remove the parasite from its burrow to facilitate diagnosis.
TREATMENT-General measures consist of vigorous cleansing of papules and vesicles during prolonged hot baths. Apply an emulsion or lotion containing benzocaine and benzyl benzoate from the area of the neck down. Reapply in 3 days to destroy the larvae.
Pediculosis Capitis
This is an infestation of the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard by head lice. It is transmitted by personal contact with such items as combs and hats. Nits attach to the hair, resulting in severe itching.
