Mycoses are very common in the field of dermatology and primarily have nothing to do with poor hygiene. Profuse sweating and oily skin, but also visiting public swimming pools, saunas and showers represent risk factors for fungal disease. In the following I will give a brief overview of the most common fungal infections.
Onychomycosis (nail fungus)
Nail fungus, or scientifically known as onychomycosis, is a common diease in dermatology. It affects about 15% of all people in Germany and is very persistent and therefore requires a good patient compliance with the therapy. In three-quarters of all cases, the toenails are affected. The fungus often grows from the front edge of the nail under the nail plate. This leads to an increased keratinization of the nail bed and later to a thickening and yellowish discoloration of the nail. In the further course of infection the nail may also detach completely. First signs may consist of a yellowish, whitish or brown discoloration in the periphery of the nail. Also reduced shininess and transparency of the nail can be the first indication of a fungal infection. Common sources of infection are swimming pools, public showers and changing rooms.
The main therapeutic measures are consistent hygiene and avoiding moisture in footwear. Application of an antifungal nail polish on the affected nail is recommended. In severe cases a systemic drug therapy should be considered individually.
Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)
Athlete’s foot is the most common fungal disease in dermatology. Above all, it can be found on the soles and between the toes, easily recognized by a localized redness and scaling of skin. Often the athlete’s foot is also accompanied by an itching sensation, through which it is noticed initially. Sources of infection represent pools, public showers and changing rooms. The main therapeutic measures are consistent hygiene and the avoiding moisture in footwear. In addition, an antifungal cream or in severe cases, systemic drug therapy should be considered.
Tinea versicolor (skin fungus)
This is a very common, harmless disease that is caused by yeast-like fungus. The infection mainly results in hypo- or hyperpigmentation of the affected area of skin, causing a more cosmetic problem. Small, round oval patches with a slight, subtle and dull scaling can be seen on the skin. Risk factors are oily skin or profuse sweating and should be treated or avoided. For treatment an antifungal cream and shampoo should be considered, since the scalp should always be treated as well.
Tinea corporis (ringworm)
Ringworm is also a common fungal infection that is caused by dermatophytes, especially tinea rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. Certain professional groups are affected more often as the average population, e.g. farmers, as they have frequent contact to animals. Other sources of infection are pets and the increasing use of gyms. The disease is indeed harmless, but often very persistent and requires systemic drug therapy.
Tinea capitis (head fungus)
Frequently this disease of the head, scalp and hair affects children; rarely can it be seen in adults. The strength and severity of symptoms depends strongly on the characteristics of the pathogen. There may be an acute, severe inflammatory reaction in the hair follicle with pustules, abscesses or even fistulas. The disease is often associated with hair loss, which may persist under certain circumstances. Treatment is always systemic due to the severity of the infection.
